SHARE

Croton Woman's Marathon Journey Supports Mothers Everywhere

CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. -- Croton-On-Hudson’s Kristen Kirkland landed her dream job two years ago as the human resources director and running events manager for Every Mother Counts. Her work became even more personally relevant during her own maternal health crisis.

Kristen Kirkland of Croton will run Sunday's TCS New York City Marathon to raise money for Every Mother Counts, a non-profit group that supports woman with maternal challenges.

Kristen Kirkland of Croton will run Sunday's TCS New York City Marathon to raise money for Every Mother Counts, a non-profit group that supports woman with maternal challenges.

Photo Credit: Contributed
Croton's Kristen Kirkland runs in the Chicago Marathon earlier this month.

Croton's Kristen Kirkland runs in the Chicago Marathon earlier this month.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Kirkland will run the TCS New York Marathon on Sunday to raise money for Every Mother Counts, a New York-based non-profit that links mothers to providers of essential care to break down barriers to maternal health. Readers can support Kirkland by making a donation through her online fundraising page.

The issue hit home with Kirkland during her second pregnancy. Fortunately, Kirkland and her daughter came through a high-risk pregnancy without complications.

“It was an issue that could not have been detected without modern technology,’’ Kirkland said. “Through imaging technology, we were able to see that the baby would very likely have to be delivered by Casearean section or else the baby could have real serious issues. Because it was detected during pregnancy, we were able to keep an eye on it. It was scary. I was lucky to have access to excellent healthcare that women in other parts of the world do not.”

Kirkland first joined Every Mother Counts as a volunteer in its start-up phase after delivering her first child in 2011. Kirkland, who has a doctoral degree in industrial organizational psychology, was hired as the human resources director. She later added the responsibility of Running Events Manager, where she recruits runners to raise awareness and funds for the organization by competing in races.

“I never imagined a job that would allow me to combine my passions in different ways,’’ Kirkland said. I’ve been a runner my whole life. It’s in my DNA. This cause has been very important. It’s a dream come true job, one I don’t mind doing seven days a week for as many hours as I can be awake.”

Gradually, Kirkland’s responsibilities for EMC have taken away her away from human resources and more into her role with running events. She has run previous marathons in Dublin, Ireland, and ran a personal best time in the Chicago Marathon in mid-October. She also ran the New York City Marathon for EMC in 2013, and ran the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta with her mother and sister for EMC.

“A lot of people who reach out want to know how to get involved,’’ Kirkland said. “One of the best ways is to go out and run a race for us. Raising awareness for what we do is just as helpful as raising money. I have people reaching out from all part of the country who care about the cause and love running.”

According to its mission statement, Every Mother Counts is a non-profit organization dedicated to making pregnancy and childbirth safe for every mother. EMC supports pregnant women by providing transportation, education and supplies all over the world. The EMC website says 99 percent of maternal deaths take place in developing nations. In the United States, however, two women die each day and ranks 60th worldwide in maternal health. 

“The United States is actually one of a number of a small number where maternal death rates are increasing,’’ Kirkland said. “It’s a matter of helping getting the conversation started. Distance is one of the main barriers many women face. We can cover the miles. But we have to raise awareness and put solutions in place so that women don’t have to hike themselves.”

Kirkland said EMC has spots available for the ASICS Marathon in Los Angeles and the New York City Half Marathon next year.

Runners can also represent EMC in races in their community. To learn more about running for EMC, visit the How to Run with EMC page on its website or contact Kirkland at kristen@everymothercounts.org.

 

to follow Daily Voice Ossining and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE