As a child, Holt adoptee and staff member Jordan Love spent much of his life in and out of hospitals, trapped in medical devices or healing from a recent surgery, unable to participate in the same athletics as his peers. This year, he’s fulfilling his dream — completing a walk-a-thon — and supporting children in need at the same time! Here, Jordan shares who inspired his walk-a-thon.
From my birth mother, to Molly Holt at the Ilsan Center in Korea, to my adoptive mom Jackie Love, there are so many amazing motherly figures in my life who have been instrumental in my development and molded me into who I am today. I am so grateful for the lessons they have taught me, and I feel a responsibility to honor them and continue the legacy they began to build in me.
…there are so many amazing motherly figures in my life who have been instrumental in my development and molded me into who I am today.
And the best part? My birthday falls around Mother’s Day this year. I am lucky enough to share it with all mothers, especially with my own mom.
All the “moms” in my life will tell you that I was always a very competitive kid, despite some physical challenges. Throughout my childhood, I had over 10 surgeries that limited my physical mobility. My childhood was mostly spent in and out of hospitals, trapped in medical devices or healing from a recent surgery. I was envious of my peers for being able to participate in various Jog-A-Thons, Fun Runs, 5Ks and 10Ks, all raising money for different causes, when these fundraisers were never an option for me.
This year, I decided to finally fulfill
my childhood aspirations and do
something I’ve always wanted to do,
in honor of the many moms in my life.
This year, I decided to finally fulfill my childhood aspirations and do something I’ve always wanted to do, in honor of the many moms in my life. That’s right — on my birthday and Mother’s Day, I’m going to do my first ever “walk-a-thon” (I’ll be walking 4 miles!).
The Miles for Moms Walk-a-Thon will raise money for Holt’s programs and provide for children with special needs. The proceeds will support kids like me: kids who need things like emergency surgeries, extra daily support and services, special equipment and training for their caregivers. Some of the funds will even help support adoption fees to ensure children with special needs have the opportunity to be part of a loving family and to have a mom, just like me.
I know I wouldn’t be here, healthy and fit (mostly), without the care and attention of my mom, Jackie, and the other moms and inspirational women in my life. I would love to challenge you to join me on this journey!
You, too, can honor the women in your life by sponsoring me at http://www.holtinternational.org/MilesForMoms.
My Miles for Moms Walk-a-Thon will be held on Wednesday, May 4 and will begin at the Holt International main office in Eugene, Oregon. Many of my office colleagues and friends will be participating alongside me. Throughout the three mile walk, we’ll pass different landmarks around Eugene, ending at the legendary Hayward Field — the same place where Bertha Holt set the world record for the 400 meter run for women over 90 years old in 1996!
Even if you’re not in Eugene, I invite you to join my Miles for Moms Walk-a-Thon anytime between Wednesday, May 4 and Sunday, May 8 (Mother’s Day!). If you decide to join me, I’d love to see it! Share your walk on social media with the hashtags “#MilesforMoms” and “#Holtinternational.”
I will be sharing more information on social media, using the hashtags #MilesforMoms #HoltInternational, leading up to the event. During the Walk-A-Thon, I’ll also highlight and celebrate some of the women in my life who have supported me.
Join me May 4, 2022 as I celebrate my birthday, my mom and the other incredible women who have been there for me throughout my life!
Give to the Molly Holt Fund!
Provide urgently needed medical care, therapies or adaptive equipment for a child with a disability or healthcare need.
