Team Hope For The Warriors ® Profile: Gabriella Brockett

Team Hope For The Warriors® Member Since: 2012

2012 Footprints:

Orphan Hope Trail Relay Marathon (Hunstville, TX)

Blue Bell 10k (Brenham, TX)

Watermelon Run for the Fallen 5k (Hempstead, TX)

Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL)

San Antonio Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon (San Antonio, TX)

BCS Half Marathon (Bryan and College Station, TX)

Scheduled 2013 Footprints:

Houston Chevron Half Marathon (Houston, TX)

Hot Chocolate Run 15K (Dallas, TX)

Hopeful 2013 Footprints:

The Woodlands Half Marathon (Woodlands, TX)

Chicago Marathon (Chicago, IL)

Marine Corps Marathon (Arlington, TX)

ING NYC Marathon (New York, NY)

Have You Always Been a Runner?

“No, I have not always been a runner- a friend of mine, asked me to join her team, for a 10 mile race in 2010. She had asked me one week before the race, and my longest run up to that point was six miles. After accepting her challenge and upon completing it  I was hooked on running.”

Who Motivates And Inspires You?

“My friends and family members that have been struck with debilitating diseases, setbacks and loss that live life without complaint and to the fullest inspire me; people that tell me that it can't be done motivate me. I also run to show, teach and inspire my eight year old son that one can reach ones goals with persistence, training, faith and a good attitude!”

What Made You Want To Become Part Of Team Hope For The Warriors®?

The Warriors of course!! All of their stories inspire me to give back what I can for them, and will continue to do so!

 What Has Been Your Favorite Part Of Being Part Of The Team?

"Getting to call myself a Team member of Hope For The Warriors® is one of my favorite parts. Another favorite part is wearing my Team jersey during my training runs and races. During my training runs people would stop and ask me about the Team Hope For The Warriors® program. Also, during races on the sidelines, I would see the faces of military personnel literally light up and they would always give me a high five as I was passing them by on the course."

What Is Your Favorite Race You Have Ever Participated In?

"My favorite race was the Chicago Marathon because it was like magic, everything that could have gone right-did; from the people that I met along the way, to the weather, to the course, to the spectators, etc. It was truly a blessing." 

"The most meaningful race was the San Antonio Marathon-because I was finally able to fulfill my promise to Hope For The Warriors® and because the race was on Veterans Day. It was a special day for so many reasons and I ran my heart out on that day!"

Team Hope For The Warriors ® Profile: Sara Ford

2012 Footprints:

New York City Run Anyway Marathon

Team Member Since: 2011

Have You Always Been a Runner?

I have never considered myself a runner. It is just something that I enjoy to do and every once in a while I want to push myself with a race. I had always wanted to run a marathon but the most I had ever run in my own was six miles.  It wasn't until the spring of 2006 when my boyfriend, now husband, was deployed to Iraq and I figured I had the time to train while he was gone.  I was able to do my weekly workouts on my own and then share in the experience of running long runs with others. Since my boyfriend was in the Marines I choose to run the Marine Corps Marathon. 

What Made You Want To Become Part Of Team Hope For The Warriors®?

After seeing many friends run the ING New York City Marathon, I knew that race was on my bucket list.  In 2011, I decided that 2012 was going to be the year I was going to run NYC.  My husband was no longer in the Marine Corps but many friends and family either are or have served and wanted to give back.  I looked into many charities and found Hope For The Warriors®.  I chose them because of all the programs they offer not only to the service members but how they also help the families.  A moment that always stays in my mind is when I went to visit my husband one last weekend he had leave before he deployed.  As we drove to the entrance of the base the fences were lined with posters and banners saying "Welcome home Daddy/Mommy."  My eyes welled up.  I just had to take care of myself while my husband was gone.  I didn't have children to be strong for or take care of while my husband was away.  My heart went out to those that had children and others they had to take care of and be strong for.  So when I decided to run the ING NYC Marathon, I looked for a charity that would give back to service members and their families.  That’s when I contacted Team Hope For The Warriors®. I wanted to run this time in honor of those what have served and those still serving as well as for the families that serve at home in support of their loved ones.

What Has Been Your Favorite Part Of Being Part Of The Team?

I didn't get an opportunity to meet with my Team members during training, but my Team Captain always checked in to see how I was doing and willing to help or answer any questions I may have.  Then Hurricane Sandy hit.  I had really mix feelings on running and was going back and forth on what to do. The emails from my Teammates I hadn't met yet were such great support.  I made the decision that I was going to run and the support from the Team was fantastic!  So I chose to run in Central Park.  I did the four laps and an extra 1.8 miles to complete my full Marathon and although my time will never be recorded I am so happy I ran.  I had a personal record time!  My family still came from Virginia and Florida to watch and cheer me on even though I was still without power. The amount of others who also choose to run and the New Yorkers who came to watch and hand out water and snacks was amazing.  It felt like a real marathon.

Holiday Gift Ideas

Holiday Gifts 

Looking for that perfect gift? Look no further! Surprise your loved one with a Team Hope For The Warriors® membership for life for only $35! Included in the membership is an official Team jersey, personal fundraising page, exclusive training tips from the DC Road Runners, fundraising ideas and Hope For The Warriors® informational materials.   To purchase a membership, please click here.

Already have a membership? We have that covered too! Why not spiff up their Team attire with a new Team hoodie or running tank? Check out all of our Team gear on our Facebook page for the latest in our Team Gear! 

If you would like to purchase any of the stylish Team gear, or if you have any questions regarding membership, please contact Courtney Gately, Team Coordinator, at cgately@hopeforthewarriors.org.

Meghan Cohen

Team Hope For The Warriors ® Profile: Meghan Cohen

Meghan and her Dad, Michael, before the Columbus Marathon

Team Hope For The Warriors® member since: 2012

2012 Footprints:

    Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon (Columbus, OH) 
    Turkey Trot (Chesterfield, MO)

Have You Always Been a Runner?

“I have not always been a runner. I played lacrosse in High School (and for years before that) which of course requires a lot of running, but I was never very fond of it. It wasn't until I witnessed both my parents, my Mom mostly (whom were not always runners) train and run a marathon. It was a huge inspiration and that got me thinking, "Hey, if they can do it then I can do it!" So I trained and ran one.”

What Made You Want To Become Part Of Team Hope For The Warriors®?

“In 2007 my Dad, Michael Cohen, decided to run the Marine Corps Marathon as a part of Team Hope for The Warriors®.  Watching both him and my Mom complete marathons, I decided I wanted to run one as well.  I didn't want to just run a marathon; I wanted to run for a cause and help raise money for the very organization that my dad ran for.  So this past October I raised $538 to help out Hope for the Warriors®.” 

What Motivates You?

“My motivator for running and training are both of my parents. I would not have been able to run my marathon if it wasn't for both of them. They both run so they gave me pointers and helped me out. My Mom even signed up and ran the marathon with me to keep me motivated during the actual event. My Dad ran the 1/2 marathon and he would still get out on Sundays and run those long runs (I'm talking a 22 miler) with me just so I wouldn't have to do it alone. They have always been supportive of what I choose to do with my life and I couldn't be more thankful. My brother was also a huge motivator. He would always text or leave me little notes telling me good luck with my run, he knew I could do it. It kept me going. The morning of the marathon he sent me a text saying, "It's just another run" so I wouldn't freak myself out beforehand.”

What Has Been Your Favorite Part Of Being Part Of The Team?

"My favorite part of being part of the Team is definitely knowing that I am raising money for an incredible organization and that I am also spreading the word of the work that this organization does. I love how friendly everyone is that works for this organization and even those who are team members like me. They have great posts on the Facebook page that keep me running and make me want to get out there and keep sharing everything that this organization does."