EHC!’s good friend Charlie Chatterton, professor at Eastern Connecticut State University and co-chair of Connecticut Action for Healthy Kids, sent this e-mail out to his friends and colleagues last week. We wanted to post it because it is inspiring. We can all do something to beat back poverty – education, outreach, advocacy – good work takes on many forms.

Hi. If all goes well and God willingly, I’ll be participating in my 25th Marathon (13 to goJ to 38 marathons) since September 2006 this Sunday in Hyannis, MA on Cape Cod as part of my Taking Strides to Brake the Cycle of Poverty. The weather is predicted to be in the low 40s with light rain. I hope it is not too windy. I am constantly being reminded of the importance of attempting to raise awareness on the issues surrounding poverty and the need for systemic, sustainable change whether it was from my recent visit to New Orleans (which has made great progress in so many areas, but other areas of the city are not that different than two years ago) and or the constant news reports and budget cuts that often impact individuals living in poverty or on the edge of it in very significant ways. I must admit that it is getting more challenging to mentally prepare for each of these marathons, but I try to remember myself of the importance of this work and that there are individuals living in poverty who are struggling each day, possibly working multiple jobs, and trying to make a better life for their family. It really gets you to think about the dignity of each person as my fatigue is temporary and it is followed by a good meal and a shower, not having to make a choice between going to the doctor, paying rent, or putting food on your table for your kids. I finally finished a book on my trip to New Orleans titled “The Moral measure of the Economy,” by Chuck Collins and Mary Wright that I really enjoyed and really made me think about things related to the poverty condition in the US and the world. I would encourage all of you to take a look at the book if you get the chance. Thank you again for all of your support and have a good weekend!

Charlie