Hi everyone, this is Maria. I am running the Dole Great Race Deena Kastor 5k to raise money and awareness for a cause very close to my heart. As many of you know, I have Stage 4 cancer that is incurable at this time. However much time I have left I want to leave a mark.

Instead of raising money for rare cancer, I would prefer to help endangered mountain lion populations in the places I love running in. You can donate and come run it with me or just simply donate. (The race fees DO NOT go for the lions). This money will go towards the completion of a vegetated land bridge to help these animals safely cross the 10- lane 101 freeway. Donations can be made below or through my web page. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Please share so that we can help these cool cats out.

Prefer to donate by check?

Make your check out to National Wildlife Federation with #SaveLACougars/Maria in the memo line. Mail your check to National Wildlife Federation c/o: April Gilbert, Operations Coordinator, 1916 Mellon Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039. Thank you!

Select naming and recognition opportunities are available for leadership and principal level donors. For more information, or to discuss a gift, please contact Jonathan Lipton at LiptonJ@nwf.org or 210-410-0220.

Looking for other ways to support the wildlife crossing? Bring me home. Well, not me. But my incredibly handsome likeness. All the proceeds from this campaign will be focused on building something really cool: a wildlife crossing for animals to safely cross over 10 lanes over the 101 freeway at Liberty Canyon. With your help, we’re going to re-connect a precious ecosystem.