There are certain people in the world who put the needs of others before their own. Amanda Bellamy is such a person.
A Community Services Specialist for the City, Amanda has been spending her free time raising money and training for the 26.2-mile LA Marathon to benefit Child S.H.A.R.E.
Since 1985, Child S.H.A.R.E has found safe and loving homes for more than 2,536 abused and abandoned children in Southern California. Working through a diverse ecumenical network of over 400 congregations and community volunteers, Child S.H.A.R.E. recruits foster and adoptive homes and provides support services in three languages.
“I have a huge heart for this organization as I was one of the unlucky few to fall through the cracks and remain in an unhealthy environment while I was growing up,” she said. “I’ve personally spent hours with some of the kids in this program and they are truly incredible!”
Amanda ‘s strength and perseverance is incredible and her dedication to helping others inspiring. Last year, she and some friends completed a 5K sponsored by the LA Marathon to benefit the organization. Though she’ll be logging several more miles in this year’s March marathon, the aching joints and sore limbs she’ll likely experience will be worth it. In fact, she has already walked 78 miles in preparation. Last Sunday, she walked through four different cities – Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Irvine and Foothill Ranch.
“Every blister, every ache will be worth it if it brings a child closer to finding a loving family,” she said.
Two out of three foster children placed in a Child S.H.A.R.E. home stay with the same family until they are reunited with relatives or adopted. Since 2002, one in three foster children in Child S.H.A.R.E. homes are adopted, which is almost triple the national adoption rate.
