Melanie LeQuia & Jake Fontaine 25k River Bank Run

We are THRILLED to announce that we will be running the 25K Fifth Third Riverbank run on May 12, 2018 in honor of the Jason Kinzler Family First Foundation!!! Both of us had the privilege to witness Hannah and Jake Kinzler, along with Jake’s brother, Josh, run the race last year in honor of the JKFFF. We both left that day feeling so inspired, that we have decided to represent Team Kinzler in the 2018 25K. So... We’ve been putting in the long hours and MANY miles of training, now, we need YOUR support!

I (Melanie) feel so blessed to have gotten to know the Kinzler Family through my St. Pius X Community with the various retreats, youth nights, and teaching preschool religious education with Hannah. It was quite the experience teaching little preschoolers about God - let me tell you. I’m sure we can both agree that those days always brought us so much joy and laughter. Especially when little kids would raise their hands to pray for their dead dog week after week…. Or for their bike.. Let’s just say we were ALWAYS surprised (and were also in awe of their adorableness!!). I am so proud of her for continuing to teach - it is such a gift of hers!! Even before that, I was actually their safety that helped them cross the street in elementary school one year (which they probably don’t even remember!). ALL of the Kinzler’s are truly remarkable individuals that have impacted my life more than they realize. It has been an honor to witness such kind and determined people honor their dad not only by running the 25K, but it is also reflected in their everyday lives.

I (Jake) have developed a close bond with the Kinzler family over the years. Hannah, the oldest child and one of my best friends, is one of the most warm hearted, resilient people I’ve ever met, and her hard work and  positive outlook on life has helped to shape me into the person I am today--whether she realizes it or not. Jake, the middle child, has an immense heart and an even more immense passion for the Detroit Lions (it’s all fun and games until the Lions are losing!). Josh, the youngest of the three, has one of the greatest personalities you will ever come across, serving as a constant source of laughter...and sass. And finally, Mrs. Kinzler, the rock of the family who holds down the fort with a type of kindness and patience I’ve only seen in one other person: my own mother (which is probably why I think Mrs. Kinzler is such an amazing human!). The Kinzler family is the type of family where every member--even their dog--you can’t help but love and I’m so blessed to have them in my life, which is why I cannot wait to represent their family and their foundation during the 25k (however, I CAN wait to run 15.5 miles…)!

The JKFFF strives to provide financial assistance to families, who have experienced the unexpected loss of a parent and/or primary caregiver. To date, the foundation has given out more than $310,000 of financial assistance to families across West Michigan. Please join us in helping the JKFFF continue to carry out its mission!!! Perhaps you too might be inspired by their message to participate by being a runner, walker, or cheerleader on May 12 reppin’ some good ole’ TEAM KINZLER!! Please also consider donating to their foundation- you never know whose life you might CHANGE by doing so!!!

Thank you for taking the time to read! Please consider donating, and also please keep us in your prayers as we train for the daunting 15.5 MILES!!! We’re going to need them!

Love,

Melanie and Jake