It’s impossible to live without water, and in the United States, we don’t have too. We easily take it for granted, but in many countries around the world, millions of people go without clean drinking water and proper sanitation, which leads to illness and death. In fact, almost 1,000 children under age five die each day from common diarrhea. Imagine that a preventable disease is the leading cause of death among children in the developing world.

There is good news, however. By working to eliminate contaminated water and poor sanitation, we can solve this problem within our lifetime. That’s why Vanguard runs for Team World Vision, in order to raise money for clean water for children in other countries.

World Vision

One of the world’s most respect non-profit organizations, World Vision describes its organizations as  “…a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.”

One of the ways that World Vision “tackles the causes of poverty,” is through Team World Vision, where participants run a race to raise money for clean water.

Sixth Year Running

Vanguard started Team World Vision Colorado Springs, six years ago with all proceeds going to clean water in Rwanda. Each Labor Day, we join the American Discovery Trail Half Marathon and Marathon to make a difference.

The Vanguard Team

Dr. Vinh Chung helped launch Team World Vision Colorado Springs after knee surgery and ankle surgery, hosting info sessions while on crutches. “I thought it would give others some encouragement that if I could do it, they could do it,” Dr. Chung joked. He added, “Since then, I’ve seen the difference first hand on how this work can change a community.”

Dr. Renata Prado will also run on Labor Day. “When I heard the story of a little girl who dreams of becoming a doctor but spends her time fetching water, I knew I had to run,” she said.

Leisle Chung, Executive Director, has run the race every year and shares why she runs: “I run for two little girls I met in Rwanda. They spend hours every day, making a long walk to fetch water and to carry home 20 lb. jerry cans with water. It broke my heart to see them working so hard to get something we in our country take for granted.”

This year’s team captain is physician assistant Shea Kersh, who has spent time in Africa and has seen firsthand the positive impact that clean water can have.

Join our Team to Bring Clean Water to the World

World Vision reaches a new person with clean water every 20 seconds. Less than $50 dollars will provide someone with clean water and sanitation for life. Want to join us? You can join Vanguard’s Team World Vision for the World Vision Race on Labor Day. Run a race and change a life by signing up at www.teamworldvision.org/adt.

Crossing the Finish Line

2018 will be the final race in Colorado Springs, as we expect to have secured all funds and funding commitments to complete the work in Rwanda within the next 5 years. It is an exciting celebration and a true finish line to six years of running.

Vanguard Skin Specialists is Southern Colorado’s premiere dermatology and plastic surgery practice. Our team of providers is dedicated to exceeding your expectations at every visit. Our board-certified dermatologists, Mohs surgeons, dermatopathologist, plastic surgeon, facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants all work together to provide you with superior care with outstanding results. Learn to love the skin you’re in by calling Vanguard Skin Specialists at (719) 355-1585 to schedule an appointment in our Briargate, Pueblo, Broadmoor or Woodland Park offices.