2010 Blisters for Sisters ^TM

Meet The Runners

Hometown: Littleton, CO

BFS 2009 Race: Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in San Diego

Donna has been the Executive Director of Dominican Sisters for the past seven and a half years and still loves her job. "I feel blessed to be able to do this work-it makes a huge difference every day in the lives of so many people who would suffer without our assistance!" She made a promise to Sister Marie Therese and Sister Regis when she first came to the agency to do "whatever it would take" to see that the legacy of the Sisters would live on-little did she know it might mean running another marathon!

Donna has been jogging for the past 20 years but only running seriously since 1996 after breaking her ankle (while running) and deciding it was time to become a "real runner" or give up the sport. Her friend Debi, who lives in California, was her "virtual running partner" when she trained and ran her first marathon in 1998, at age 42. Donna often shares with others that, "Running a marathon is a great metaphor for Life: you must set the goal, discipline yourself to do the necessary preparation, and then pace yourself-it's a long haul, but worth it!"
 

BFS 2009 Race: Not sure - a 10K or ½ marathon is the plan

I am the Clinical Director at Dominican Sisters and even though I'm a beginner, I decided to give Blisters for Sisters a try. I injured my knee in a "Deep Tone" class and it still gives me problems so I'm using this training program to get in shape and really work on my running which I've only been doing for a few months. As a 55-year old non-athlete my main goal is to become a 56-year old athlete.  

Hometown: Anaheim, CA

BFS 2009 Race: Rock 'n' Roll Marathon in San Diego

Debi Scott lives in Anaheim Hills of southern California with Jim, her husband of 20 years, and their two dogs, Hayley and Lucy (aka 'the Muttley Crue'). She has worked almost 30 years in aerospace at Hughes/Raytheon, most recently as a hardware reliability engineer. Debi developed a passion for distance running in the mid-90s when she ran her first marathon, and she is thrilled to be pounding the pavement for DSHHA.

"For years now," she says, "I have loved hearing Donna talk about her job; she has told me story after story of all the wonderful things the Dominican Sisters agency of Denver have accomplished with its dedicated staff of medical and administrative professionals. The innovative ways DSHHA continues to grow and expand its outreach to the community is awe-inspiring. I honestly do not know anyone who loves her work more than Donna does and is more rewarded by the fruits of her labors. There are many worthy charity organizations out there, but DSHHA is the only one I can personally vouch for; knowing Donna as I do - her integrity, her drive, her work ethic, her amazing talent as both a clinician and an administrator - I have absolute certainty that every dollar I collect for the Dominican Sisters of Denver will be put to the best use possible, and I feel truly honored and privileged to have this opportunity to support DSHHA's mission as a member of the Blisters for Sisters 2009 team."

Sarah Heath

Hometown: Ft. Benning, GA

BFS 2009 Race: Rock 'N' Roll Marathon in San Diego  

I am Donna's oldest daughter and a long-time volunteer and former staff member for the agency. I am passionate about the sports I participated in through high school like softball, basketball, swimming, dance and track & field. I developed my love for running as a college student at CU-Boulder. At the age of 21, I dedicated my first marathon to a childhood friend and fellow runner, Brian Ellsworth, lost in a car accident in 2003. I have run at least one marathon every year since.

I'm one of the original (2008) Blisters for Sisters™ runners, and I'm very passionate about the mission of Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency. DSHHA is an advocate for the "sick and poor", but I think most people do not fully recognize that the "sick and poor" are people among us, people that we know...they are service members and veterans of our wars, former teachers of our children, they delivered our mail, and owned our favorite bakery. Now more than ever, we are watching good people struggle and these are the pillars of our communities. They have outlived their family members, their benefits, and their savings - and they need the support of people who care. Not only is Blisters for Sisters™ an excuse for runners of all levels to raise money that will directly support the people among us who deserve it the most -- it is an opportunity for an individual to prove to him/herself throughout a race course that the human spirit is capable of infallible strength and miraculous achievement. I have witnessed it personally.

My fiance, Taylor and I live in Columbus, Georgia, at Ft. Benning Army base. We proudly support Blisters for Sisters and DSHHA from the sticky South! I will be running the San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon.
 

Maggie Heath

Hometown: Littleton, CO

BFS 2009 Race: Platte River ½ Marathon

I ran cross country in high school but didn't enjoy it. When I went to college this fall, I started running for relaxation and stress relief and found that I really loved it. My mom encouraged me to run a ½ marathon and I decided to join Blisters for Sisters to help raise money. My record for running without stopping is two hours at a slow speed. I've never run any race and my goals are to finish the ½ marathon and lose a little weight and you can bet someday I'll be running a Blisters for Sisters full marathon!

Jessica Olin

BFS 2009 Races: Pikes Peak ½ Marathon
                           Platte River ½ Marathon
                           Colfax Marathon

Michael J. Blick

Hometown:  Thornton, CO

I am a member of the St. Rose of Lima Peace and Justice Ministry. Our committee has made a commitment to support Blisters for Sisters ™ in order to raise funds for this agency and the care they provide to the elderly and sick poor. Our plan is to solicit donations from members of the congregation and from businesses who support our parish. My daughter and I are the committee’s designated walkers/runners.

I am a 62 year old active backpacker and hiker. I do not run but plan to walk the Colfax ½ marathon, lose 30 pounds, stay healthy and contribute to this FUNdraising campaign. Besides some past injuries, I am now injury free and only have to overcome bouts of hayfever and chronic laziness.
 

Hometown: Golden, CO

BFS 2009 Race: Colfax ½ marathon

I have been a runner for 11 years and have run 3 marathons and several half marathons.  I run because I love the sport and what it does for me.  I have never been comfortable soliciting donations from my friends and family...until now.  I have been so moved by the work of the Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency that I will be running a half marathon to raise money and support for this worthy cause. 

The first time I ever heard of the Dominican Sisters, I was working for the Volunteers of America Senior Nutrition Program.  I was visiting one of our Meals on Wheels clients, a very nice elderly lady living in subsidized senior housing.  She had difficulty speaking and answered all of my questions with one of three responses: “yes”, “no”, or “Dominican Sisters.”  I did not know who the Dominican Sisters were, but I knew that they must be very special!  I had the opportunity to get to know the Dominican Sisters during my time at Volunteers of America and I learned that “special” is a colossal understatement!
 
 I am currently a nursing student at Regis University.  My favorite runs are Matthews/Winters Park and Apex Trail in Golden.  My favorite running buddy is my dog Owen.

Hometown: Santa Fe, New Mexico

BFS 2010 Race: Steamboat Springs Marathon

I recently retired from Exempla Healthcare in Denver where, for the past eight years, I was Senior Vice President for Mission. Today, my wife Theresa and I live in Santa Fe, New Mexico where we are in the process of figuring out how to live this next stage of our lives. It is an exciting time. Theresa is ready for retirement; I’m not quite at the same point. As a result, I’m out looking for employment! Others are asking, “Why?” I don’t have a very convincing answer other than wanting to make a difference in the lives of others, particularly the disadvantaged.

I began running weekly at age 26. I’m now 73. If the truth be known, I don’t run; I shuffle. I don’t have the desire to run competitively – I run because I enjoy it, feel good afterward and get a hoot out of running beside so many young people. A super perk associated with running with other Blisters for Sisters enthusiasts, is that I know the dollars raised are for a really good cause. The Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency does incredibly important work!
 

BFS 2009 Race: Steamboat Marathon

I am a mother of four and small business owner in family-owned and operated construction business. Married to Brent for 14 years, our children, Kaitlyn, Connor, Brenna and Calahan, keep me busy and life with kids sometimes leaves me without personal goals. Through soccer, I met Lisa Bradford (of Ascent Therapy Clinics) who opened the door of opportunity for me to grow as a person, not only for me but for my family by having goals and good habits.

I’ve run two 5K races and I hope to be able to run the Steamboat Marathon and stay with this training program. I am a beginning runner and I also like to ski, bike, walk and swim. I am excited to go through the training and have found peace in running! I am nervously looking forward to the finish line and am happy to be raising money for a great cause, too!

Hometown: in Minnesota

BFS 2009 Race: Steamboat Half Marathon

I grew up in Northern Minnesota playing all kinds of sports. In high school, I competed in basketball and volleyball. I graduated in 1988, went on to the University of North Dakota and Moorhead State University for my undergraduate work and got my M.S. in Communication Disorders from the University of Wisconsin. I have been working as a Speech Pathologist in the Jefferson County Schools for 10 years. I am a single mom of three kids, Cameron, Courtney and Cassie.

I am really a beginning runner. I ran short distances with other athletics in high school and I’ve just started seriously running in the last month. My goal is to finish the half-marathon in my time of 2 hours and 15 minutes. This is my first race but I will possibly think about running another race. Right now, my goal is to be physically and mentally ready for Steamboat in June.

Hometown: New York City

BFS 2009 Races: Colfax Half Marathon

Raised in New Jersey, educated at Dartmouth College and graduated from MED School of Cincinnati in 1974. I was married in 1981 to the guiding light of my life, Joyce Puschel Reitman, a psychiatric nurse practitioner who works for the Colorado Department of Health. We have two children, Emily and Andrew.

I realized the value of running in keeping my self esteem where it should be and relieving tension. I completed the Denver marathon in 1979 in just over three hours and ran the Mr. Evans Hill Climb that summer. My goals include finding the time to run six days a week, run the Bolder Boulder in under one hour, run the Vail Golden Peak Hill Climb in the Fall, and for next year run the New York Marathon and Bay to Breakers Marathon.

I became interested in Geriatrics by working in Nursing Homes where I learned the importance of the simple things of life; listening to others, realizing that everyone has a story, and the importance of relationships in helping people heal. I became involved with the Dominican Sisters over the last ten years because I was impressed by their persistent support of individual patients who had little else to provide a sense of caring and stability in their lives. My current position is as a Kaiser continuing care physician working with people transitioning from serious illness in hospital to home or other setting.

Now, I run for a higher purpose – to remind people of the importance of organizations like Dominican Sisters that, by helping those in need, improve the lives of us all
 

Josh Stephens

I am seeking my Masters in Counseling at Regis University and work full time at Sprint. I’ve been working out, off and on, for about the past ten years including some running. Last summer, I started running for longer durations and when I found out about the Blisters for Sisters™ program, I thought I could train to run, get into better shape and maybe even finish a ½ or full marathon.
 

Hometown: Denver

BFS 2009 Race: Steamboat Half Marathon

I did not start running until I was 40 years old and am now 58. I have only run a dozen 5 – 10 K’s, and some relays. I am training hard for the Steamboat Half Marathon and hope I make it through. I am very excited about this opportunity to be a part of raising money for the Blisters for Sisters™ as the Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency has a special place in my heart.

I am a native of Denver and attended John F. Kennedy High School. After pursuing a degree in Fine Arts at CSU, I decided that being a starving artist wasn’t my favorite career. After teaching art in Elementary schools, I became an Executive Director of the National Association of Remodeling Industry, Assistant Director of IMCA. I have an amazing husband, who is my best friend (Dave) and we backpack, golf, run, ski, and everything else in-between together. I also have a wonderful daughter and son-in law (Kelley and Chad), granddaughter (Peyton) and twin girls on the way (Kinley and Avery), and a marvelous son, Ryan and his significant other, Jill.

I love to travel, have taken flying lessons and recently my husband and I both received our sailing certificate for bare-boating. We just returned from a sailing trip to the Caribbean visiting 10 of the Leeward Islands. The picture is of me (in the red ball cap) and a friend running on the Island of St. Vincent. The challenges were the steep hills and the bamboo bridge! – but great for my training.
 

Blake Hamilton


I am a sophomore at Regis University. My major is business and I have hopes of running a human resource company. I am a beginning runner. Although, I have never run a marathon before, I am very excited. My time goal for the ½ marathon is 2 hours. I am training to run a 6-minute mile and just to be comfortable with running long distances. I hope to run both Blisters for Sisters™ and the Bolder Boulder this year and run a full marathon within the next two years.
 

Delaney Roach

Hometown: Trinidad, Colorado

I’m a freshman at Regis University. I joined the Blisters for Sisters™ program because I love volunteer programs and I want to get in shape and be healthy. I don’t have much of a running history but, with determination, I hope to reach my goal of completing the ½ marathon.

I am not an avid runner but I played high school sports and look forward to the training. I know this will help me become healthier and boost my confidence!
 

Denice Miranda

I have trained and played soccer since I was 8 years old. I’ve always been active in sports including playing basketball and cycling though I am a beginning long distance runner. My short term goal is to train and finish a marathon – either Colfax or Fort Collins this year. My long term goal is to run a marathon each year. My training goal is to finish my first marathon and raise more than my goal of $1,000 for Blisters for Sisters™.
 

Frank Harritt

I am an intermediate runner with several races in the past 40 years including two marathons in Las Vegas and Provo, the Atlanta Peachtree 10K and my first 10K in Greenville, South Carolina – where I had my only major injury, a sprained ankle. I am diabetic and take insulin but have never had a problem with my running.

For Blisters for Sisters™ I plan to train for and complete the Colfax ½ marathon and I hope to meet or beat my personal best of 1 hr 34 mins. For my long term goals, I hope to be able to complete both the Colfax and Denver ½ marathons each year.
 

Janet Plunkert

I am a full-time nurse, married for 18 years with three children. I’m also an intermediate runner with about ten 10Ks under my belt. I am training for and hope to complete a ½ or possibly even a full marathon this year for Blisters for Sisters™.
 

Julia Hallahan

A beginning runner, I want to train with Blisters for Sisters™ to go beyond the walking/running I have been doing for the past 10 years and complete a ½ marathon!
 

MaryJo Warren

I enjoy exercise and when I saw the article in the Denver Catholic Register about one of the Dominican Sisters’ patients and I felt like this was a great organization. This will be my first real training program and I am excited! I am definitely a beginning runner with two 5Ks and years of walking experience. I want to use this time to learn to enjoy running.
 

Shelby Lane

Hometown: Conifer, Colorado

I am a second-year law student at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law. While I have always been fairly active in sports, I have never been what you would call a runner. In fact, I have always despised the idea of running for no reason, or, as I call it, “forced running”. However, Blisters for Sisters™ came to my church and gave a presentation on what they are able to do with the fundraising proceeds, so I decided that I would attempt what all my friends think is impossible. So, with the support of those same friends, I am now beginning a training schedule and hope to run a the Colfax full marathon this summer (although I reserve the right to shorten that goal to a ½ marathon, if necessary! :)).
 

Hometown: Littleton, CO

I am a board member of Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency. I’ve only been running as part of my exercise regime and I’ve raced in about ten 5Ks to support other causes. Now, I feel there is no better cause to step out of my comfort zone for than to be running the ½ marathon for Dominican Sisters!

My time goal for the ½ marathon is 2 – 2 ½ hours and my training goal is to have no injuries. I will be running in the Colfax ½ Marathon in Denver and in two 5Ks later in the year.

I’ve been married to my husband, Sam, for 23 years and we have two sons, Sam, a freshman in high school, and Andy, who is in the 2nd grade.
 

Hometown: Denver, CO

I work and volunteer in the senior health care in the Denver area. Helping to connect seniors with the many resources available to them in the Mile High City is a passion of mine. As a Denver native, I am proud of the city and happy to facilitate its many amenities to seniors.

I run to clear my head. The footfalls on the trail are the beat I march to and my steady breath a mantra. I don't run to win. I don't run for health — although it doesn't hurt — I run just because. I have been running for over 10 years, usually three times a week going two to three miles. I have never run a half-marathon, let alone a full marathon but this is a goal I've long had, and what better time than right now? And for such a great organization, I am so happy to run my first marathon and raise money for the Dominican Sisters Home Health Agency!