What do you do with all your finish medals?
Did you know that your medals could find a second life and make a someone’s day who is going through an illness or other challenge?
Let me introduce you to We Finish Together.
I found out about them a few years ago when I was doing some spring cleaning and was looking for a way to trim down my collection. And in the years since, I have been able to see first-hand how my medals have not only gotten a second life but have brought smiles to kids who are going through treatment at hospitals, first responders responding to disasters and veterans in nursing homes. I have followed the journey of kids who are truly heroes to me.
It is my honor and privilege to introduce Blake Starr the founder of We Finish Together to stop by “10 Questions”
- Name: Blake Starr- We Finish Together
Social Media: @WeFinishTogeter
Website: https://wefinishtogether.org/
2) About We Finish Together: Tell us about We Finish Together. How did it start?
We finish together was founded in 2012 by my best friend, Kim. She was an avid runner who was diagnosed with a few terminal illnesses in 2009. Once she was no longer able to travel to race any longer, a friend of her gave her the medal she earned at the Rock n’ Roll Las Vegas half marathon. Kim put the medal on her IV pole at the hospital and everyone loved it. Knowing that she wouldn’t be able to take her own medals with her when she passed away, Kim decided to start giving away her medals. She gave them to people facing a tough life challenge and need some extra strength. You can go on our website and pull more from the Our Story
3) Tell us about the impact these medals have on the recipient.
These medals have so much impact on the recipients. They feel the love, strength, bravery, courage, and determination from the athlete. Many people bring their medals with them to treatments
4) What is your favorite story of gifting a medal?
My favorite story is about a recipient name Melanie. I was told about Melanie after she had a relapse of her Esopheageal cancer. Mel was in the hospital and I anonymously dropped off a medal for her at the nurses station. She posted a picture of herself with the medal on social media and someone outted me! From there, Mel and I met in person and became fast friends. I went to some of her chemo sessions and she also became one of our chapter leaders! .
5) How many medals have you donated so far?
Gosh! I would say we’ve donated more than 10,000 medals! It’s hard to keep track as we have so many people delivering medals for us!
6) What is your wish for the future of We Finish Together?
My wish for the future of We Finish Together is WE continue connecting with people all over the world. We’re also in the beginning stages of having a documentary created so I’m super excited about that!
7) What is the best thing about the organization?
The best thing about us is that we are based solely on the kindness of others! It’s doesn’t cost any money to receive a medal!
8) What kind of medals are you looking for?
We are looking for all types of medals, specifically ones that are earned. Unfortunately, we can no longer accept left over medals from races. Disney medals are always a huge need for us, along with Spartan race, and military medals.
9) How can someone get involved?
We have a form on our website that someone can fill out to get involved or email me directly at blake@wefinishtogether.org
10) Anything else our readers would love to know?
We do need donations to be able to ship medals both in and out of the country. Sadly, we get lots of medal requests for children battling cancer and always want to have the funds on hand to send them wherever they live.
