Make it Matter: Susan Jaye-Kaplan

Her passion for running inspired her to bring the sport to underprivileged kids in her city.

By Liz Kennedy

From readersdigest.com

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The Person: Susan Jaye-Kaplan
The Cause: Square One Go Fit

Springfield, MA -- Susan Jaye-Kaplan began running in 2000 when her athletic daughter suggested she start doing something for herself that wasn’t work related. At first she ran a small distance—running to the fifth house on her block and then walking home. Every other day she added one more house to her run; after one year she was up to 15 miles—and that’s when she got serious about running.

It was amazing to Susan that she had come so far in a year. She was not only physically fit, but had a newfound love for running that she wanted to share with others.

Susan decided that if she could become a runner, anyone could, so she started the Pioneer Valley Women’s Running Club to promote the benefits of running to women in her area. After great success with PVWRC, she realized she could do even more for her community of Springfield, Massachusetts—that is when Go Fit became a reality.

Go Fit, which was recently acquired by Square One and is now called Square One Go Fit, provides a running program to inner-city, underprivileged children and their caregivers. Susan, who was an orphan and underprivileged herself as a child, understood that these children needed a positive influence and positive activity. She believed teaching them an exercise program and providing mentors could do wonders for their lives.

In a world where childhood obesity is rising at a rapid rate, Square One Go Fit supplies children with free running shoes and equipment provided by Reebok, and gives them the tools to build a healthier lifestyle through programs about health, nutrition, and fitness. Currently, Square One Go Fit is serving 1,100 boys and girls each day with its running program.

For more information on how to get involved in Square One Go Fit and make a donation, visit www.startatsquareone.org
-- Submitted by Susan Jaye-Kaplan

From readersdigest.com

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