4UBen 5k Walk/Run

Why should I support this event? 

Hi, my name is Lissette O’Neal. I was born in Veracruz, Mexico and when i was 14 years old, I was brought to Canyonville, Oregon to run for a boarding Christian high school.

Growing up in Mexico was not easy. I grew up in a single parent home, my mom worked as hard as she could to provide, but it was not easy. There were days where we would go without having anything to eat, nothing! As in nothing! Just water, that was it. The government did not help us because my mom owned her house, a little house that my grandmother left for her before she died. And owning a house places you in a category of wealth and therefore we could not request any help. I love my country, but I deeply feel the need to help those who cannot help themselves. 

Let's talk about orphanages. I remember once when I was a child that a mom carrying a baby knocked on our door, begging for us to keep her child since she could not feed her. I don't remember what else happened after that, I was little. What I do remember even now is the desperate look on the mom’s face. What would I do if I was in her situation? Perhaps place my child in an orphanage? Oh wait, we don't have any orphanages within 5 hours of our home! … My heart desires to one day start an orphanage with my husband, where we can help, not just kids, but families or moms who can't feed their kids. I know that the task is extremely demanding,a commitment that you can't just stop once it's started. I am not there yet, I have four boys whom I homeschool, BUT! Once I heard that my friend was starting an orphanage, not only an orphanage, but an orphanage for special needs kids, which it's even more unheard of . I knew that I had to do something. God allowed me to have a better future by coming to the United States at the age of 14  because of running, so I want to use running to give back and help kids in Mexico who do not have a voice. Would you come along with me and help us to build a home for children who may never be able to repay you? God sees those beautiful children and is already preparing their home, let's run for them!