We often hear a lot of disappointing facts and stats about today's teens. But then you hear a story or meet someone who completely changes your perspective.

Last week, my father was host to Rae, the daughter of one of his rowing friends. Rae is a 17 year old girl who has taken on the unbelievable feat of running from Boston Mass to Huntington Beach, California. Barefoot.

Yes. She's 17.

Yes. Coast to coast.

Yes. Barefoot. Not in barefoot runing shoes, but completely barefoot.

She is running for herself and the thrill of the challenge but also and just as importantly, she is running for Soles for Souls. An organization that will turn every dollar Rae earns into a pair of shoes for a person or child in need around the world. There are 300 million children in the world who live without owning a single pair of shoes. And Soles for Souls works to facilitate and distribute donations both big and small into the hands (or onto the feet) of those truly in need.

My family and I had the chance to hang out with Rae several times while my Dad housed her on this leg of her trip. She is easy-going and humble and goes out each day to tick off her miles, and move her way across the country with determination and strength. It was admirable and hard to fathom. Hard to fathom that when my family sits down to Thanksgiving dinner next November, Rae will just be finishing up her trip. And that almost every day between now and then, Rae will be running and raising money for a cause she believes in.

I write this post today both to share her story, in hopes that you'll pass it on, share it with your children (it is SO inspiring!) and family, and also to put out a small call for help. I suppose this is kind of strange, but perhaps, if you've been reading my blog long enough, you'll understand--Rae is in need of some hosts during the Ohio (and it looks like a few other midwest) legs of her trip. You can read all about it, and contact me or her family via her website.

As always, thank you, friends!