Panos's NYC Marathon for the Condor Trust

Crossing the finish line of the New York City Marathon on November 3rd is far more than just a personal achievement—it’s a powerful symbol of life’s journey, filled with countless starting lines and finish lines that shape who we are. Every race begins with a single step, just as every goal in life starts with a single decision. Whether it's pursuing an education, building a career, or overcoming personal challenges, the importance of starting lines cannot be overstated. They mark the moment when we commit to our dreams, the point where we decide to take on the challenges ahead, no matter how daunting they may seem.
For the past 13 years, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with The Condor Trust for Education, an organization that has transformed the lives of countless children in Ecuador by providing them with the opportunity to start their own journeys toward a brighter future. These children face immense barriers—financial, social, and cultural—that could easily prevent them from accessing education. Yet, with the support of the Condor Trust, they are given their own starting lines, the chance to step into a classroom and embark on a path that could change their lives forever.

Running a marathon and pursuing an education share profound parallels. Both require hard work, dedication, and resilience. There are moments of struggle, when the road ahead seems impossible, but it is in these moments that we find our true strength. Each mile run, like each lesson learned, brings us closer to the finish line—whether that finish line is crossing the marathon’s final stretch or receiving a diploma. The finish line, in this context, isn’t just an end; it’s a celebration of every effort, every step forward, and every challenge overcome along the way. It’s the culmination of months, or even years, of dedication and perseverance.

The children supported by The Condor Trust face a marathon of their own in their pursuit of education. Their starting lines may have been marked by hardship, but with the right support, their finish lines are within reach. Every step they take in their education is an act of courage, a testament to their determination to build a better future for themselves and their families. By supporting my marathon run, you are helping to ensure that these children not only have the chance to start their race but also the strength and resources to reach their finish lines.

Education is more than just acquiring knowledge; it is the key to unlocking potential, breaking the cycle of poverty, and creating opportunities for a better life. The work of The Condor Trust goes beyond financial aid; it’s about empowering children to dream, to strive, and to achieve. It’s about ensuring that every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to step onto their starting line and run toward a future filled with possibilities.

Training for the New York City Marathon is a journey of reflection and purpose. With each run, I am thinking about the importance of setting goals, facing challenges, and the incredible impact that reaching the finish line can have—not just on my life, but on the lives of the children I’m running for. The parallels between running a marathon and the pursuit of education are clear: both are long, challenging journeys that require unwavering commitment and the support of others.

As I prepare to cross that finish line, I do so with the knowledge that this journey is about much more than personal achievement. It’s about making a tangible difference in the lives of children who deserve the chance to succeed. It’s about providing them with their starting lines and helping them reach their finish lines, equipped with the education they need to build a better future.

I cannot thank you enough for your belief in me and in this cause. Every step I take, every challenge I face, is fueled by your generosity and support. Together, we can ensure that these children in Ecuador have the opportunity to cross their own finish lines, to achieve their dreams, and to create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
To my fellow runners, supporters, and advocates for education, I invite you to join me in supporting The Condor Trust for Education. Your contribution will help these children start their races and, more importantly, reach their finish lines. Thank you for being part of this journey with me and for helping to make a lasting impact through the power of education.