2025 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - Team Hope Story

I’m doing something super brave— and super crazy! I got in for a position to run the ‘Dopey Challenge’ at Disney World in Florida next Jan. It’s aptly named, as you’d have to be super dopey to do it. It involves:

A 5K run on Thursday
A 10K run Friday
A Half-Marathon Saturday
A Full Marathon on Sunday
(78.3km over 4 days in the Florida heat and humidity! )

My position is dependent on raising money for charity. If you know me, you’ll know why this one is close to my heart. For the last 6 years of my time in Australia, I was “working” with a lot of super awesome humans who have an extra chromosome (my extra chromie homies!). The only thing they had in common is that their parents were given a diagnosis that felt like a sentence… The doctors told them all about the difficulties they will face, how much work it will be. Not that they will become a kickass drummer, tear up a dance floor, be the biggest Wiggles fan on earth, the best bowling partner, have quick witted sassy attitude or give the best hugs. That’s what Hope Story does! They support the families of those with Down Syndrome and educate medical staff on how to deliver a diagnosis with compassion.

I know times are tough for everyone at the moment, but if you could add a dollar or two to my fundraiser I’ll be forever grateful (until I’m cursing you a little while running…). Love ya guts x


Hope Story provides support, encouragement and hope to parents whose child have received a Down syndrome diagnosis. Provides free resources to the medical community to help them deliver a Down syndrome diagnosis, and to find ways for parents of children born with Down syndrome to use their unique story to bring hope to others

Your donation helps Hope Story provide resources, support, and hope to families whose child has received a Down syndrome diagnosis. You can learn more by visiting http://hopestory.org and stay connected to us by signing up for our email updates by visiting this link: https://mailchi.mp/hopestory/sign-up

Please be sure to follow us on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hopestorydotorg/) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/hopestorydotorg/).