For Jackie Speciale, running the NYCMarathon wasn’t just about crossing the finish line—it was about pushing her limits, honoring her family’s legacy of service, and raising money to help others in their darkest moments.
“I ran my first marathon in New York last month," she said. "I was inspired by my oldest son who is deployed overseas with the Army National Guard, facing his own challenges and dangers. On hard days, I pushed myself knowing that if my son can do something brave and challenging, so can I.”
For 13 years, Jackie has traveled locally and across the country to support people impacted by disasters, such as tornadoes, floods, home fires, wildfires, and more. With the Red Cross, she’s shown up to provide a listening ear, lend a helping hand, and let people know they’re not alone.
“As the oldest of five redheads, you could say I’ve been training for disaster response my whole life. But, really, I just enjoy being able to help people when they need it most. Serving others is...
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