Sara Spira

This March, I will be running as part of Team Shalva in the Jerusalem Marathon! This marathon has been dubbed one of the hardest in the world, so why on earth am I doing it? The reason is Shalva, and it’s also in memory of my Zaidy, Dr. Irvin Spira, who passed away in 2022. He was an extraordinary person whose unwavering strength and deep compassion continue to inspire me every day. He always believed in giving back and supporting those in need, and I can’t think of a better way to honor his memory than by running for Shalva—a place that does so much good for so many people. Shalva has been providing transformative care to individuals with disabilities and their family members in the warmest and most loving environment for over 30 years. From infancy through adulthood, this amazing organization provides leading-edge therapies, inclusive educational frameworks, social and recreational activities, employment training, independent living, and respite programs regardless of religion, ethnic background, or financial capability! At the sudden onset of the war in Israel, Shalva stepped up in supporting as many people as they could as fast as they could. They have opened their doors as a National Crisis Response Center, welcoming over 200 families from the South, providing both physical safety and emotional support to the individuals who so desperately need it. Shalva is also homing 100 teenage girls and the staff from a youth-at-risk program on a kibbutz in the south that miraculously were not at their center due to the holiday when the campus was completely destroyed. They are also providing daycare programming for evacuated children. Shalva's emergency campaign, along with their consistent care of 1,000 children with disabilities, is truly inspiring. Simply put, Shalva is an incredible place and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The staff is so loving and kind and goes above and beyond to make the center a home away from home. I’m doing my part to support this amazing organization and the Shalva National Crisis Response Center by running, and I need your help. I'll take care of the training, the achy feet, and the finish line if you'll help me by donating to this worthy cause. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, and anything you can give would help me reach my goal. Together, we’ll be supporting this truly special place and making a meaningful impact in memory of my Zaidy. If your company has a matching gift program, please let me know so I can connect you with Shalva. Thank you in advance for your help and generosity!