In January of 2016, I took a big leap into the unknown to create a non-profit called Kid Run Long Island.  For me, it was not an easy choice.  I had always wanted to do something to help kids get healthy.  I wanted to create a program that was free at low-income schools so all kids have access to a fitness program that is motivating and fun.  I also wanted to offer low-priced fitness programs at schools that may not qualify for free programs but still should have access to a fitness program that was affordable for all.

It was a difficult choice to make in creating this non-profit.  I had to take a pay cut.  I had to beg and plead for my board members to join and help me.  I had to ask friends and complete strangers for money.  I had to organize fundraisers and plan fun events to raise money for our programs.  And so I did.

But luckily here is what keeps me going:

My daughter and I were driving in the car home on June 6th after our Kids Fun Run Series:

Noelle (my 12-year old daughter) -"Mom- are you going to thank us for helping you out with these races.  We did a lot for you."
Me- Silently thinking in my head- did I thank them?  I am such a jerk.  I always mess up with my kids.  Why didn't I thank my family for all of their hard work.
Noelle who continues to talk- "but mom- you are a inspiring mom, you know.  You work so hard.  You started a non-profit.  You help kids.  You are inspirational."
Me- Thinking in my head- THIS IS THE BEST DAY EVER!!!!

Then I get home and this is an email sent to me:

"I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for organizing this event.  My daughter enjoyed it thoroughly and I couldn't have been more proud watching her challenge herself each week.  It was a difficult run for her, and she finished at the back of the pack each week, but still she wanted to come back the next week.  She pushed herself to run a little more each week and smiled the entire time.   We are looking forward to the next fun run....it was truly an amazing experience for her.  She is not a runner at all, but I think she caught "the bug" after these 3 weeks.   Right before bed when we were telling her how amazing she did she said she was proud of herself.  That's the best thing I heard all day.   Thanks again for inspiring my daughter to challenge herself and to try new things." 

Best day ever- best decision to make! What an easy choice.

Please check out what we do.  Spread the word, like our facebook page.  We can make a difference together.
Kiersten Bartolotta
Executive Director- Kids Run Long Island

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With the creation of Kids Run Long Island, I have had a lot of support and positive words from family and friends.  It has been wonderful to explain the goals of offering running programs to kids in low- to moderate- income schools during the school day to ensure it is accessible to every child.  I love explaining how the program will make running a fun activity with games and relays.  And I'm excited for our kids to complete their first family fun run with their parents and teachers supporting their accomplishment.

Recently, a friend said to me “To be honest with you, I hate to run.  So many people can’t run when they are older.  Don’t you think a lot of students will stop running as soon as the program is over.  Running isn’t for everyone.”

Of course my friend is right.  Running is not for everyone.   Many kids who complete my Kids Run Long Island running program will not keep running as adults.  Many will find other sports to fall in love with.  Many will learn that they just don't like to run.

Kids Run Long Island is about running and being healthy but it is also about something else.

I have three kids.  My beautiful, sassy, strong middle child HATES TO RUN.  She absolutely hates it.  And I am a running coach.  I teach kids and adults to run every day.  This is what I do and this is what I love.  My middle daughter has completed many of my running programs and she also completes two 5k (3.1 miles) races each year.  Even though she HATES running, she knows that she will run those two races every single year.  It is expected of her and she has done it successfully for the last 5 years. 

See, my daughter who hates to run- if you ask her if she has ever run a 5k, she would say in a very loud and clear and confident voice, “Yes.”  She may say a few other things like “I hate it!” or maybe even “Mommy makes me.” but she will always says “Yes, I can do that.”  And she is very proud of that.

Every time our kids say they can do something challenging, it matters.  Every yes equals a success.  It builds their confidence and self-worth.  It teaches them slowly to view themselves as strong and confident individuals in some part of their lives.  It is so much better than the answer “no” or “I don’t know.”  

Kids Run Long Island is definitely about running and being healthy.  It is absolutely about making fitness fun and working as a team.  But it is also about kids being given the opportunity to say “Yes” to a new challenge and believe in that answer.   I think every "Yes" counts in building our kids up and making them feel strong both mentally and physically.  And that is truly what Kids Run Long Island is about.

Kiersten Bartolotta is the Executive Director of Kids Run Long Island, a non-profit with a mission to inspire kids to be the best they can be through healthy living and fitness at Long Island schools. She is always in search for schools/parents that want her programs for their students, and support from companies and the pubic who want to make a difference in Long Island childrens' lives through donations, sponsorships or volunteering time.