Running for a charitable cause

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - Jennifer Callendar fell in love with the Fifth Third River Bank Run in 2000. Her dad, an elementary principal in Caledonia, had run fifteen 25K races and raised over $80,000 for his school. Inspired by his dedication, she decided to run her first Fifth Third River Bank 25K with him in May 2000. The Fifth Third River Bank Run became a special tradition for her and her dad and they ran six more 25K races together.

In 2012, Jennifer ran into some unexpected health problems last spring that prevented her from running.  Her goal was to train for the Grand Rapids Half Marathon in October and preparation was going well until tragedy hit in September. Jennifer's father died unexpectedly of a heart attack while on a walk.

Jennifer wants to continue to run as a living testimony of the inspiration and encouragement she received from her dad. She aspires to continue his legacy by inspiring, encouraging, and motivating everyone who crosses her path.

Jennifer is a Fifth Third River Bank Run Road Warrior and you can follow her journey to the big day online .  She is also running to support a very important cause, the Conductive Learning Center, collecting pledges for their scholarship fund. Children who attend the Conductive Learning Center are affected by motor disabilities such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, traumatic brain injury & other genetic disorders. The scholarship fund allows for all children to experience the life-changing programs at the Conductive Learning Center.

To make a donation or to join Jennifer's team and run alongside her, send an email to info@conductivelearningcenter.org.