1. Cruelty-Free Kitchen

1. Art of Lunch Reusable Sandwich & Snack Bags
Reduce plastic waste with these adorable reusable bags. Art of Lunch is made by a company called Art of Liv’n that partners with artists around the world. This colorful design was illustrated by Danny Ivan, a young artist from Portugal! The bags are easy to clean in the dishwasher, BPA-free, PVC-free and phthalate-free.
view on Amazon

2. Stainless Steel Straws Set
Eliminate plastic straws from your kitchen cabinet with this straw set by Mudder. The perfect gift for smoothie and juice lovers!
view on Amazon

3. Cuisinart Smart Stick Immersion Blender
This immersion blender is a kitchen essential! I’ve used this model for years for smoothies, sauces, soups and sides.
view on Amazon

4. Ninja Professional Blender
This blender has amazing value for its affordable price. It has nearly flawless reviews on Amazon praising its performance crushing ice and pureeing whole fruits and vegetables. All parts are BPA-free and dishwasher safe!
view on Amazon

5. Breville Juice Fountain Elite
Like the Ninja Professional Blender, this juicer by Breville has excellent reviews. It is powerful (heavy 1000-watt motor), beautiful (chic die-cast steel) and easy to clean (all parts except mesh basket are dishwasher safe).
view on Amazon

6. SodaStream Fountain Jet Sparkling Water Maker
Never buy sparkling water again with this sparkling water machine! In seconds, turn flat water into sparkling in reusable BPA-free containers.
view on Amazon

7. Phoney Baloney’s Coconut Bacon
This delicious coconut bacon is hand-made in CA. If you haven’t tried coconut bacon before, push past your skepticism and trust me- it is SO good. It’s crispy, salty, smoky and perfect on everything from sandwiches and salads to ice cream and cupcakes!
view on Amazon

8. Lagusta’s Luscious
Lagusta’s Luscious is the ultimate vegan chocolate shop. Their chocolates “combine a deep commitment to social justice, environmentalism and animal rights with the love of bold flavor of a true foodie and the obsessive commitment to artisan techniques of a chocolatier”. These are the best chocolates I’ve ever had, including chocolates I loved in my vegetarian years. Coconut milk caramels in decadent flavors like Rosemary Sea Salt and Strawberry Balsamic, Peppermint patties, chocolate truffles, gorgeous barks, bonbons and more.
view the Lagusta’s Luscious site

9. The Oh She Glows Cookbook
This is one of my favorite cookbooks! I love it so much that I bought it for everyone in my family last year. They’re all omnivores and they all LOVE the recipes in the book. The dishes are delicious, healthy, beautiful and easy to approach for new vegans or meat-eaters!
view on Amazon

10. TofuXpress Tofu Press
My sister gifted me this tofu press last year and it changed my life- really! Simply place a block of tofu in the press and in a few hours, you have perfectly pressed firm tofu ready to stir-fry or bake. Even better- the press also doubles as a marinating dish!
view on Amazon

11. Miyoko’s Kitchen
Miyoko’s Kitchen makes incredible artisan cultured vegan cheeses that can be shipped across the country. Vegan mozzarella, chive double cream, Mt. Vesuvius black ash cream, aged English sharp farmhouse and more.
visit the Miyoko’s Kitchen site

12. Vegan Richa’s Indian Kitchen Cookbook
Learn how to make flavorful Indian dals, curries, flatbreads and sides with this cookbook by award-winning recipe developer Richa Hingle.
view on Amazon

13. Thug Kitchen: Eat Like You Give a F*ck Cookbook
This cookbook is the first in the best-selling Thug Kitchen series. Don’t get distracted by the foul-mouthed language and categories like “Big Ass Cup of Cozy”, “Short Order Shit” and “Burritos, Bowls and Other Bomb-Ass Meals”- this cookbook is full of amazing recipes like smoky black-eyed peas with roasted sweet potatoes and collards, corn and basil chowder, roasted sriracha cauliflower bites with peanut dipping sauce and banana cream pie.
view on Amazon

14. Stainless Steel Bottle Water Bottles
These adorable water bottles keep drinks cold for up to 9 hours and hot for up to 18 hours! They are BPA-free, lightweight, scratch resistant and come in a variety of pretty colors.
view on Amazon

15. Sweet Maresa Macarons
These vegan macarons are even better than the traditional French macarons I fell in love with years ago. Their beautiful vegan meringue shells are are light, delicate, and moist and they are filled with the most mouth-watering buttercream or ganache. Before they became available in NYC (at Confectionery in the East Village) this year, I would drive almost 2 hours to get them- they are THAT good! Some of my favorite flavors: rose, vanilla, lavender, matcha, jasmine, almond and absinthe.
visit the Sweet Maresa Shop on Lagusta’s Luscious’ site
 

2. Plant-Based Beauty:

1. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Universal Beta Peel
This cruelty-free at home daily peel improves uneven tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles and enlarged pores. Using this product has dramatically improved my skin’s texture! I use it about 2 times a week and after each use, my skin is left bright, smooth and glowing. This a vegan beauty must-have!
view on Amazon

2. Deborah Lippmann Creme Nail Polish, “Shape of My Heart”
Deborah Lippmann’s nail polishes are vegan, 7-free and cruelty-free! I’m obsessed with her creme polishes’ long-lasting wear and vibrant color.
view on Amazon

3. Deborah Lippmann Addicted to Speed Ultra Quick-Dry Top Coat
This shiny top coat is long-lasting and chip-resistant!
view on Amazon

4. Pacifica Solar Complete Mineral Palette
This gorgeous vegan palette contains eye shadows, blush, bronzer and coconut highlighters! Perfect for a cruelty-free beauty lover.
view on Amazon

5. Pacifica Mediterranean Fig Perfume
This perfume’s scent is amazing- subtle, sexy and comforting. When I wear it, it gives me the feeling of being curled up under a blanket on a rainy day! The best part: It’s all natural (made with essential oils), cruelty-free and 100% vegan.
view on Amazon

6. The Compassionate Chick’s Guide to DIY Beauty
This book is a perfect gift for someone who loves cruelty-free all-natural beauty products! It contains 125 DIY recipes for vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free makeup, skin & hair products using simple ingredients like essential oils, cider vinegar, cocoa butter, green tea, salts and vitamin E oil.
view on Amazon

7. Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen
Protect your precious skin with this oil-free, allergy-free, cruelty-free SPF 50 sunscreen.
view on Amazon

8. Tarte Matte Waterproof Bronzer, “Park Ave. Princess”
This matte bronzer creates an instant glow and warmth on your face that lasts all day. You can also use it contour and sculpt! The formula is infused with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, water and clay to improve skin clarity.
view on Amazon

9. Supergoop! Forever Young SPF 40 Hand Cream with Sea Buckthorn
The hand cream absorbs quickly, brightens and improves skin’s texture and prevents sun damage. The small size is perfect for throwing in your bag for on the go.
view on Amazon

10. Real Techniques Core Collection Makeup Brush Set
This company makes the most amazing cruelty-free makeup brushes- better than any expensive makeup brushes I’ve ever used! The synthetic taklon bristles are SO much better than real hair- they’re less prone to breakage and non-porous which means they don’t trap or absorb product, bacteria or skin cells.
view on Amazon

11. Beauty Without Cruelty Rosemary Mint Tea Tree Shampoo
This refreshing plant-based shampoo restores body and shine while promoting a healthy scalp! The formula uses organic essential oils, vitamins and sea minerals.
view on Amazon

12. Beauty Without Cruelty Rosemary Mint Tea Tree Conditioner
This conditioner uses natural plant proteins, moisturizers, vitamins and essential oils to strengthen and protect hair. Reviewers LOVE the smell!
view on Amazon

13. MyChelle Beauty Set
This vegan set contains 3 of MyChelle’s best sellers. The Perfect C Serum uses Vitamin C and Buddleja Plant Stem Cells to brighten, protect against photo-damage, and prevent visible aging. Fight wrinkles with their Remarkable Retinal Serum, which is formulated with Retinaldehyde, Ceramide 3 and Plant Stem Cells and protect your skin with their Sun Shield SPF 28, which contains aloe to rehydrate skin after sun exposure.
view on MyChelle’s site

14. tarte Rainforest of the Sea Quench Lip Rescue, “Rose”
This is my new favorite lip product! It’s a moisturizing lip balm that is infused with antioxidants, vitamins and essential oils. It comes in 4 sheer, high-shine colors leave your lips looking perfectly dewy.
view on Sephora

15. tarte Rainforest of the Sea Quench Lip Rescue, “Berry”
A darker version of my favorite lip balm!
view on Sephora
 

3. Rescue, Shelter & Sanctuary Support

1. Adopt an Animal at Woodstock Farm Sanctuary
Donating or “adopting” an animal at a sanctuary in someone’s name is, in my opinion, one of the best gifts you can give to an ethical vegan! The feeling of knowing that an animal in need is getting help in your name is unbeatable. Take a few minutes to learn about Woodstock Farm Sanctuary and you’ll see why I’m passionate about encouraging people to support this sanctuary. They are doing so much wonderful, hard work for voiceless animals who are rescued from cases of abuse, neglect and abandonment. Sponsor an animal for as little as a month or if you’d like to sponsor an animal for a year, your gift recipient will receive a card with your chosen animal’s name, picture and story.
visit Woodstock Farm Sanctuary’s site

2. Make a Donation to Animal Haven
Animal Haven in a nonprofit organization that finds homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the Tri-State area. Follow their social media pages to keep up with their heart-warming success stories and upport Animal Haven by making a donation in someone’s name this year!
visit Animal Haven’s site

3. Pig Pillow Supporting Farm Sanctuary
The purchase of this adorable pig pillow supports another incredible sanctuary! Farm Sanctuary has 2 locations in California (Los Angeles & Orland) and one in Watkins Glenn, NY. They’ve rescued and cared for thousands of animals since opening in 1986. They have an amazing online store that supports their sanctuaries with lot of great gift ideas. This pillow features two of their adorable pigs, Anna and Maybelle.
view on the Farm Sanctuary site

4. Do unto Animals Notebooks Supporting Farm Sanctuary
This notebook set made exclusively for Farm Sanctuary’s online shop features the beautiful artwork from from Tracey Stewart’s book Do Unto Animals.
view on the Farm Sanctuary site

5. Farm Sanctuary 2017 Calendar
Get inspired by a different rescued animal every month! Each month features a beautiful portrait and story of a Farm Sanctuary resident.
view on the Farm Sanctuary site

6. Goats of Anarchy: Goats Just Want to Have Fun Book
This book is SUCH a great gift idea for animal lovers. It tells the inspirational story of an NYC event planner (Leanne Lauricella) who left the city to follow her dreams and create a sanctuary for special needs goats. After taking in her first goats, her friend recommended that she join Instagram so she created a page and posted her first picture of one of her goats. The adorable picture went viral, got over 30,000 likes in one day and brought massive attention to her little sanctuary. In just about a year, her account has grown to almost 350k followers! If you don’t follow them on Instagram already, visit their page right now to see why it is so popular. I happy-cried just today watching one of her goats run and jump for the first time on her new prosthetic!
view on Amazon

7. Make a Donation or Buy Gifts That Support Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue
I absolutely love everything about this animal rescue! These amazing people work to rescue dogs from high kill, rural shelters in the southern U.S. and help get them adopted into loving homes. Follow them on social media to keep up with their feel-good adoption stories and updates about dogs in their forever homes! To support Badass while gifting, make a donation in someone’s name or purchase items like t-shirts, doggie shirts, totes and tank tops from their online store.
view the Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue site
 

4. Vegan Fashion

1. Cruelty-Free Sweatshirt
This comfy sweatshirt is chic, simple and perfect for anyone who leads a cruelty-free lifestyle!
view on Zazzle

2. Matt & Nat Demi Crossbody Bag in Black
Matt & Nat is an amazing Canadian company that creates beautiful handbags without the use of any leather or animal-based materials.  They live up to their motto “live beautifully” with their gorgeous line of bags and accessories made with sustainable materials, lined with nylon created with 100% recycled plastic bottles. This crosssbody handbag, the Demi from their Dwell Collection, is the perfect size and weight for a woman on the go! I have it in white and absolutely love its chic style and simplicity.
view on Matt & Nat site

3. Happy Socks (Snakeskin)
Happy Socks make the cutest cotton socks for men and women, like these no-snakes-harmed snakeskin socks!
view on Happy Socks site

4. Happy Socks (Gray with Black Triangles)
Another adorable pair from Happy Socks!
view on Happy Socks site

5. Matt & Nat Brave Backpack in Black
I see this Brave backpack all around the city on the chicest young women! Perfect for fitting everything you need for the day without putting strain on one side.
view on Matt & Nat site

6. Matt & Nat Abiko Clutch in Curry
The Abiko clutch from Matt & Nat is the perfect size bag for a date night or dinner with friends. It comes in 5 classic colors including this gorgeous “Curry”.
view on Matt & Nat site

7. Happy Socks (leopard spots)
Another gray and black sock combo from Happy Socks: leopard spots.
view on Happy Socks site

8. Matt & Nat Hall Oxfords in Black
Matt & Nat introduced their eco-friendly, cruelty-free, vegan shoe line this year and it sold out almost immediately! Pick up a pair of the chicest cruelty-free shoes, like these amazing Hall flatform oxfords from their Wander Collection before they’re gone.
view on Matt & Nat site

9. Matt & Nat Coen Messenger Bag in Black
This classic messenger in black is ideal if you’re looking for a cruelty-free work bag!
view on Matt & Nat site

10. Stella McCartney White Falabella Box Alter Croc Shoulder Bag in Ivory
This bag is the one big splurge in my vegan gift guide! Stella McCartney has the most beautiful collection of high-end vegan handbags! Fashionistas adore them without even knowing that they’re wearing cruelty-free items! Even though her line doesn’t scream “vegan” or “eco-friendly” in its marketing materials (like my favorite handbag company Matt & Nat), I love how she’s sneaking cruelty-free fashion into the mainstream. This Falabella Box Alter Croc Shoulder Bag in Ivory is my pick for a splurge fashion gift for cruelty-free friends and family.
view on Stella McCartney site

11. Pet Studio Art Goat Tote
These adorable tote animals feature rescued animals painted by Pet Studio Art owner and artist Stephanie Conrad. This one features Walter, a goat from one of the animal rescues she supports!
view on Amazon

12. Pet Studio Art Pig Tote
Another cute tote: this one features Nathan the pig!
view on Amazon
 

5. Peaceful Yogi

1. Maxx Studio Faux Fur Throw
I own this throw and it is my favorite blanket to wrap myself in on chilly nights. So soft and cozy!
view on Amazon

2. DoTERRA Diffuser
I use this DoTERRA diffuser every day and night, at work and at home.  My favorite essential oils to diffuse are equal parts lavender and peppermint, which help me to relax, maintain focus, feel refreshed and breathe better than ever. I’ve also gifted this diffuser to several people and it’s always a success!
view on Amazon

3. DoTERRA Essential Oils Set
This essential oil set contains 3 of DoTERRA’s best sellers and includes my 2 favorites: lavender and peppermint! I’ve used many other essential oils and the past and DoTERRA’s are the best by far. They are 100% pure, without any extra ingredients and are thoroughly tested using the strict Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade quality protocol.
view on Amazon

4. Roleo Deep Tissue Massager for Hands, Wrists, Arms and Forearms
This massager changed my life! For years, I’ve suffered from wrist pain that worsens depending on the weather, how much I’ve been playing my instruments (violin, guitar, piano) and how much yoga I’ve been doing. I found this product on Amazon last year when trying to find some sort of wrist brace or pad and am SO happy I took the chance on it. It doesn’t look like much but it helps relieve me of pain that I thought could never be remedied! Put your hand through into the contraption and roll it back and forth from your hand to your forearm and the trigger point rollers massage away tension in minutes. This is a perfect unexpected gift for a yogi, musician or anyone who suffers from arthritis or carpal tunnel.
view on Amazon

5. Zafu Yoga Meditation Pillow by Bean Products
Bean Products make these Zafu Yoga Mediation Pillows in a array of beautiful colors. They’re made with eco-friendly cotton and hemp and are filled with organic buckwheat from the USA.
view on Amazon

6. Blissoma Yoga Mat Cleaner
This certified vegan yoga mat cleaner uses tea tree, lavender, frankincense, eucalyptus, citriodora and palmarosa essential oils to natural remove dirt, sweat and oils from your yoga mat.
view on Blissoma Site

7. Recycled Foam Roller by Organic Yoga
I couldn’t live without my foam roller! A foam roller will sooth your sore muscles, stretch you out and relieve back tension after exercising or a long day of work. This roller is made from recycled foam!
view on Amazon

8. Drishti Natural Cork Yoga Blocks
These sustainably harvest cork yoga blocks are a perfect give for an eco-friendly yogi.
view on Amazon

9. Gaiam Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is lightweight, durable, extra thick (5mm) and comes in a variety of fun colors & designs. I love this purple mandala one.  Gaiam’s mats are free of Phthalates, DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP.
view on Amazon

10. Way Out Wax Lavender Essential Oil Candle
Way Out Wax is a company you should know about. For 20 years they’ve been creating high quality candles using all-natural essential oils and no animal testing, chemical additives, fragrances or dyes. I love their Green Mountain collection, created in the Green Mountains of Northern Vermont. This one is their calming Lavender scent.
view on Amazon

11. Way Out Wax Clear Head Essential Oil Candle
This is my favorite Way Out Wax candle, Clear Head. It uses a blend of Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Rosemary and lives up to its name! This scent helps your mind feel focused and relaxed at the same time.
view on Amazon

12. Way Out Wax Cozy Home Essential Oil Candle
This candle has a warm cozy feel with its blend of Cinnamon, Clove & Nutmeg.
view on Amazon

(click here to enlarge image)

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I put together a list of my favorite “pink” products. All of these items benefit breast cancer causes and research. Click on the links below to get shopping!

1.  Deborah Lippman “Shape of My Heart” Nail Color  view on www.deborahlippman.com
2.  Tory Burch “Kerrington” Hard Shell iPhone 5 Case  view on www.toryburch.com
3.  Carolee Word Play Double Take Bangle  view on www.bloomingdales.com
4.  Teleflora Pink Grace Bouquet  view on www.teleflora.com
5.  NEST Fragrances Passion Breast Cancer Awareness Candle  view on www.amazon.com
6.  Nancy Rose Performance Pink Top  view on www.nancyroseperformance.com
7.  Pilot Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Pens  view on www.amazon.com
8.  Tweezerman Precision Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Slant Tweezer  view on www.macys.com
9.  Holst + Lee for Loft Necklace  view on www.loft.com
10.  Sephora “Together in Pink” Hair Ties  view on www.sephora.com
11.  Jane Iredale “Smell the Roses” Hydration Spray  view on www.amazon.com
12.  KitchenAid 5-Quart Artisan Series Pink Mixer  view on www.amazon.com
13.  Metrokane Original Rabbit Corkscrew in Pink  view on www.amazon.com
14.  NEST Fragrances Passion Reed Diffuser  view on www.amazon.com

(click here to enlarge image)

These gift ideas are perfect if you’re looking for a way to give to charity while giving to your loved ones!

1. Superfruit Lip Balm by Peacekeeper Cause-Metics  (view online) “Peacekeeper Cause-Metics is the first cosmetics line to donate all of its after-tax, distributable profits to women’s health advocacy and urgent human rights issues.”
2.  Youth Hoot Beanie by Krochet Kids Intl.  (view online) “With every product you purchase, you are helping Krochet Kids provide women in Uganda or Peru with fair and consistent income, skills training and mentorship.”
3. Beech Wood Troubadour Headphones by LSTN (view online) “For every pair sold, LSTN helps restore hearing to a person in need through the Starkey Hearing Foundation.”
4. Species Adoption by World Wildlife Fun (view online) “Your symbolic adoption supports WWF’s global efforts to protect wild animals and their habitats.”  Choose from over 100 species to adopt! For a $50 donation, you’ll receive a plush animal, adoption certificate, photo, and species info card!
5.  Hope Soy Candle by Juara (view online) “10% of proceeds from this candle will be donated to Walubi charity relief organization dedicated to aiding Indonesian disaster relief efforts.”
6. Gold + Silver Dust Set by SAME SKY (view online) “SAME SKY provides jobs globally for women struggling to lift themselves out of poverty. Instead of a handout, we believe in giving a hand-up and the tools to become self-sufficient. Trained as artisans, SAME SKY women earn 15 to 20 times the average wage in Sub Saharan Africa. 100% of net proceeds are reinvested to train and employ more artisans in need.”
7. Navy Navia Throw by JADEtribe (view online) “With every item you purchase, you are helping JADETribe provide financial opportunity for women in Southeast Asia and support the artisitic and cultural tradition of textile weaving.”
8. Just Like You by the Just Like You Foundation (view online) 100% of the profits of this amazing book go to charity. You can choose which charity you would like to donate to at checkout!
9. Charity Pot Hand & Body Lotion by LUSH Cosmetics (view online) “Every penny (yes, every single penny) that you pay for a pot, excluding the tax, goes to fund and support grassroots charities all around the world.”
10. Earthwise Rust Men’s Vegan Classics by TOMS (view online) “With every product you purchase, TOMS will help a person in need. One for One.”
11. Grey Ikat Women’s Vegan Classics by TOMS (view online)
12. Earthwise Cranberry Bimini Tiny Vegan Classics by TOMS (view online)

This past weekend, Ryan completed the first 70 miles of Project 96!  The project’s mission is to raise money and awareness for Juvenile Dermatomyositis by swimming, biking, and running 96 miles in two events, seven days apart. The first event was the Half Full Triathlon in Ellicott City, Maryland. The race was held on Sunday, October 6th, at Centennial Park and the weather was unbearable. It was nearly 90 degrees and humid! In addition to the challenge of the the unseasonable weather (last year’s race it was in the 40s), this half-ironman triathlon is known for being one of the toughest courses…and this was Ryan’s first triathlon.  What an accomplishment!  Ryan pushed through the heat and dizziness and completed a .9 mile swim, 56 mile bike ride, and 13.1 mile run. The entire event was inspiring: there were athletes of all ages and sizes, cancer survivors, families, and friends. All racing for a good cause. It was amazing standing at the finish line watching everyone run across the line. We saw people running with arms linked in the air, parents holding babies, wives and husbands jogging in support, people breaking into tears, and friends screaming in support along the path. There were even dogs that made their way across the line with their owners. We were so proud when we saw Ryan come around the bend! He did it! Here are some of my pictures from the event:

Ryan and Katia

Ryan and I

Waiting to begin the swim!

Swimming in Centennial Lake

Biking out of Centennial Park

Crossing the finish line

Exhausted after the race!

The second event is The United HealthCare Marathon in Newport, Rhode Island and will be taking place next Sunday, October 13th. Ryan will be running another 26.2 miles in support of the Cure JM Foundation to complete his 96-mile goal. Please support Ryan and Project 96 by:

1. Making a donation- any amount makes a difference! Just click this link: http://www.crowdrise.com/CureJM/fundraiser/ryanmccarthy2
2. Sharing the fundraising page of his team (Team CureJM) or this blogpost to your social media accounts to spread awareness of JDM.

To learn more about the Cure JM Foundation, visit http://www.curejm.org/. The Foundation has received a top-rated non-profit award for 3 years in a row from www.greatnonprofits.com. Read their reviews here.

Project 96 was started by one of my best friends, Ryan McCarthy.  He’s like a brother to me and I’m so proud of him for taking on this ambitious challenge so I wanted to share it with you!  Ryan started training and competing in marathons a couple years ago and has decided to put his growing mileage towards an amazing cause: fighting Juvenile Dermatomyositis, a rare and incurable auto-immune disease that affects as few as 2-4 children out of a million.   In particular, the project will benefit an adorable 6 year old girl named Keira Jzyk, who is suffering from JDM.

Here’s some information about the disease from the Cure JM Foundation:

Juvenile Myositis (JM) including Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) and Juvenile Polymyositis (JPM), is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. Weak muscles and skin rash are the primary symptoms of JDM, while muscle weakness without a rash is the primary symptom of JPM. For many children with JDM, it’s a challenge to simply stand up or sit down and can be life-threatening. This rare disease affects approximately 2-4 children out of a million. There is no cure.

The Cure JM Foundation is an all-volunteer non-profit organization which was created and is managed by families of children with Juvenile Myositis (JM). Cure JM Foundation’s mission is to provide support to families coping with JM, raise awareness of JM and fund research that will ultimately lead to a cure. The Foundation’s aspirational goal is to never, ever let another child suffer with Juvenile Myositis. With your help, this goal may be well within reach some day.

The title Project 96 is derived from the number of miles Ryan will run, swim and bike in 2 events, 7 days apart!  Here’s the breakdown:

October 6, 2013- The Half Full Triathlon in Ellicott City, Maryland: .9 mile swim | 56 mile bike ride | and 13.1 mile run
October 13, 2013- The United HealthCare Marathon in Newport, Rhode Island:  26.2 miles

96 miles!  I’ve just started running again (I’m lucky if I make it to 3 miles) so this is so incredible and inspirational to me.  Ryan has been super dedicated, even waking up early to run 16 miles in the morning on Nantucket before heading to the beach! Please help Ryan raise money and awareness for JDM by:

1.  Making a donation- any amount makes a difference! Just click this link: http://www.crowdrise.com/CureJM/fundraiser/ryanmccarthy2
2.  Sharing the fundraising page of his team (Team CureJM) or this blogpost to your social media accounts to spread awareness of JDM.

To learn more about the Cure JM Foundation, visit http://www.curejm.org/.  The Foundation has received a top-rated non-profit award for 3 years in a row from www.greatnonprofits.com.  Read their reviews here.

Thanks so much for taking the time to learn about JM and for supporting Project 96!

Ryan and I at Figs in Nantucket