One more turtle lap for the kids of Vietnam

Thank you for being part of my NYC Marathon journey 💙

My first marathon was right here in New York. I finished in 6 hours and 2 minutes, a proud, exhausted turtle running for the children of Gaza.

That day changed something in me. Since then I’ve run for children in Gaza and Sudan in Tokyo, for rural families finding their feet in London, and for children’s right to an education in Berlin. A few weeks ago in Berlin, I finished in 4:46, more than an hour faster than where I started. I’m still a turtle, just one who’s been training with purpose 🐢

Now I’m back in New York for marathon number five, my fourth this year, and this one is for Vietnam.

I’m the daughter of Vietnamese parents who left everything familiar and rebuilt their lives in Germany from nothing. They worked, sacrificed and trusted that a community would give them a chance, and it did. That’s why my sister and I had the opportunities we did.

I also have a very special reason to keep going this year: my 9-month-old nephew. One day I want him to know that his auntie ran toward things that were hard, and that she did it for other people’s children. I want to show him that strength isn’t about how fast you run. It’s about who you run for. 🐢💙

So I’m running for Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, a Hanoi-based charity supporting children in crisis across Vietnam: street kids, children with disabilities, and children who have been trafficked or exploited. Blue Dragon rescues children from danger, helps them reunite with their families where possible, and stays with them through recovery, with safe shelter, education and support toward a livelihood. They also work to stop exploitation before it starts.

That’s the kind of help I believe in: not a one-off rescue, but dignity, opportunity and a real future.

My legs will hurt on the Queensboro Bridge, and I’ll want to stop somewhere in Brooklyn. But the children Blue Dragon serves don’t get to stop, so neither will I.

How you can help

1. 💙 Donate: whatever you can; every contribution makes a real difference
2. 🔁 Share this page with your friends, family and colleagues
3. 🐢 Cheer me on from the sidelines on race day

My parents’ courage gave me a chance. My nephew will grow up with even more of them. Help me make sure more children in Vietnam get theirs too.

Thank you for running beside me in spirit 🐉

Yen