Beth Jarvie, mother of two and dedicated EGPAF supporter, enjoys running for a cause. However, until a few years ago, she had never even been in a race. It wasn’t until one of her friends convinced her to compete in a half-marathon raising funds for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy that she discovered her love for the sport. Today, Beth is a dedicated runner who competes in races all along the East Coast.

For years, Beth has been an active volunteer for and supporter of organizations including EGPAF. She began her involvement with EGPAF through her friendship with the Belfiore family (Bill Belfiore is on the EGPAF Board of Directors, and his family is part of the organization’s EGPAF Ambassadors Program). After joining EGPAF on the first annual AIDS Walk Africa in South Africa in 2003, Beth’s involvement grew. She was able to experience EGPAF's efforts firsthand, and saw the need for continued support of EGPAF’s work.

Combining her two passions, Beth participated in the Unite Half Marathon on April 18, 2010 at Rutgers University in support of EGPAF. Beth established the “Our Moment” team, and raised more than $2,000 for EGPAF. In addition to donations, Beth made it a point to raise awareness about EGPAF and pediatric AIDS. In her role as team leader, she requested participants become familiar with the EGPAF website so that they could educate others and introduce individuals to the global fight against pediatric AIDS.

Beth is motivated to continue her passionate giving following the completion of her first marathon. Through her dedication and outreach, Beth has introduced hundreds of people to EGPAF, and has inspired new supporters in the fight to eliminate pediatric AIDS. In addition to her support of EGPAF, she recently established a nonprofit of her own, collecting used soccer equipment from local schools to send to communities in Africa. The communities that receive the donated equipment establish youth soccer programs that reach young adults and children with education about important issues such as HIV and AIDS.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the marathon was being able to do something I enjoyed while introducing new people to EGPAF,” she says.