As a law enforcement and military family, supporting our health care heroes and frontline workers comes as second nature to us. Teaming up with RWJ Barnabas Health and the New Jersey Devils for their annual Running with the Devils 5k Walk and Run was exactly the kind of community event we love to support.

This year we’re not letting Covid-19 stop us—their new virtual race format allows us all to participate from now until October 25, and our family wanted to show off a bit and knock it out of the park.

We quickly downloaded the RunGo app then chose the RUN WITH OUR HEROES race. Registration was also a breeze, and we love that 100% of the proceeds go to the RWJBarnabas Health Emergency Response Fund to help protect patients and healthcare members from COVID-19— a no brainer for us.

My son was incredibly excited about taking the opportunity to use his cross-country training and crushing his 5k goals. To be fair, my kids ran much more than required, and I love how enthusiastic they were in showing their support for heroes like their dad. They are very aware of the importance of spreading awareness and leading by example when participating in charitable events that affect us and are dear to our hearts.

This year has been extremely challenging for us all, and at times, I think we have all felt a bit helpless in the enormity of our world’s current state. Participating in events like RWJBarnabas Health Run with the Devils 5k Walk and Run gives us a tangible way to help those on the front lines that sacrifice so much for our health and well being—how could we not do all we can to give back to them?

Thank you to NJMOM, RWJBarnabas Health, and the New Jersey Devils for the opportunity to highlight our heroes and show them we are all in it together. I genuinely hope and pray our world is in a much better state in 2021 so we can participate at next year’s race in person.

To learn more about the Virtual Running with the Devil’s 5K Run and Walk impact on patients and frontline workers at RWJBarnabas Health, click here.

This post is sponsored by RWJBarnabas Health to help every NJMOM and their family be their healthiest.