The story of Jennifer and Jackson
In 2006 Jennifer's life changed forever in the form of one very adorable pooch now-named Jackson Patrick. He was a rescue from a shelter in Kansas City where Jennifer lived at the time. During the adoption process, Jackson was very ill, so much so that the shelter didn't want to let him go home with her for fear he might die.
But Jackson did go home and now he and Jennifer are best buddies. He's her companion when times are lonely, her protector when there's a knock at the door, and her cuddle buddy before sleep.
After a difficult incomplete (also called a DNF - Did Not Finish) in Ironman Kentucky in 2008 and a tough couple years struggling with depression since, Jackson and the sport are reminding Jennifer what it means to be alive again.
Jennifer turned 30 in January of this year and decided to again compete in Ironman Kentucky/Louisville on August 29, 2010. Redemption. (The Ironman is a 140.6 mile triathlon that includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a full marathon (26.2 miles). Participants have 17 hours to finish.)
Redemption and the milestone age of 30 should have been enough motivation but Jennifer wanted one more: Competing for a cause. She chose Friends of the Shelter, which is the 501(c)(3) arm of the Franklin County Dog Shelter. This and other shelters give homes to abandoned and abused animals - pure breds and mixed breeds. Their advocacy efforts give a voice to those without one.
All donations are tax-deductible.
But Jackson did go home and now he and Jennifer are best buddies. He's her companion when times are lonely, her protector when there's a knock at the door, and her cuddle buddy before sleep.
After a difficult incomplete (also called a DNF - Did Not Finish) in Ironman Kentucky in 2008 and a tough couple years struggling with depression since, Jackson and the sport are reminding Jennifer what it means to be alive again.
Jennifer turned 30 in January of this year and decided to again compete in Ironman Kentucky/Louisville on August 29, 2010. Redemption. (The Ironman is a 140.6 mile triathlon that includes a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike and a full marathon (26.2 miles). Participants have 17 hours to finish.)
Redemption and the milestone age of 30 should have been enough motivation but Jennifer wanted one more: Competing for a cause. She chose Friends of the Shelter, which is the 501(c)(3) arm of the Franklin County Dog Shelter. This and other shelters give homes to abandoned and abused animals - pure breds and mixed breeds. Their advocacy efforts give a voice to those without one.
All donations are tax-deductible.
