Running With the
Angels A by Jodi Stoner
I guess you could call me a ‘runner.’ A typical year includes more than 1500 miles and I love to race... all over the country. It started in my mid 30’s when a friend asked me to join her in a half marathon that just happened to be on her birthday. I reluctantly agreed and it changed my life forever. Like I mentioned, I like to travel and race. So, a group of friends and I were going to hit the strip and RUN.... The Las Vegas Marathon 2014! I had a little countdown going on facebook. The days were drawing near when someone commented on my post: “Hey, we’re going to Vegas too and we would like to meet you.” The message was from a man named “Rooster.” A marine with the last name Rossiter, so “Rooster” was an easy fit. He was the President of an organization called, “Ainsley’s Angels of America.” Made me think because I remember wanting to join them months prior to this but couldn’t because Florida didn’t have a chapter. The closest chapter to me was Alabama. They are a cool group of runners that raise aware-
Ainsley’s Angels of America ness for “inclusion.” They believed everyone should be included… in every aspect of life, but focus on endurance events like marathons and triathlons. I did a little research and found out the name “Ainsley” is Rooster’s daughter. An exceptional needs child who felt the wind in her hair on her first ride in a “freedom chair” and had never looked back. The Rossiter family felt Ainsley’s joy and wanted to share it with the world, so they did. The following day, I was sent a private message from Rooster asking me to run with the Angels… an invitation to earn my angel wings, to push a child. An overwhelming wave traveled over me. I still don’t know if it was excitement or fear. So many emotions… worry, nervousness, questions… I mean, I’ve never done anything like that.
Florida garage filled with Florida Freedom Chairs. Florida now has a chapter (a family). Ainsley’s Angels in Florida was born two months after I earned my Angel Wings in Vegas. We now have one year behind us. We’ve participated and shared the message of inclusion at more than 20 Florida race events. We even hosted our very own half marathon! We’ve raised funds to purchase freedom chairs and we’re saving for a trailer as we have outgrown my husband’s work van for transportation. Our Florida family is 170 strong and growing! “Together We Shall” is not just a way of life for us, it’s a movement.
Who would I push? Would I have some help? I’ve never trained for something like this! Before I could answer, Rooster asked me to pray about it and get back with him. That was just the nudge I needed. I knew where my prayers would lead me and I said, “yes.” Three days later I was in Bright Light City meeting my Angel Rider Shamus and his daddy, Angel Shaun. Shaun and I pushed Shamus 26.2 glorious miles. We crossed the finish line on a brightly lit Vegas Strip. I could barely see the finish line through the tears. I hold that day, those days, that entire memory close to me as I stand in my Join us! Runners, Riders, Cheerleaders, Guardian Angels… everyone is welcome! For more information, check out our Florida website, message me or “friend me” on facebook. My name is Jodi Stoner but my friends call me “Run Jodi.” www.ainsleysangels.org/ambassadors/florida/
22 • March 2020
Say you saw it in the Gulf Coast Family Newspaper
www.gulfcoastfamily.org
