Hope For The Warriors

Hi Everyone,

Thanks in advance for taking a minute to read the story behind supporting a good cause! On Saturday, 9/13/2025, I'll be running the Marine Corps half-marathon in Camp Lejeune, NC. I've chosen to take the opportunity to recognize and run for a great nonprofit: the Hope for the Warriors foundation! HFTW was founded in North Carolina in 2006 and has since expanded to provide national level support to veterans and active duty military members alike, as well as their families, as they navigate the complexities of the difficult military lifestyle. They provide support in a number of ways, including a cause very near and dear to me recently: navigating mental health needs for military personnel.

My wife Lauren and I have decided to use the run as a good way to benefit a great cause, and we wanted to take this chance to raise awareness for HFTW, but please know there is no pressure to donate. The $500 goal is arbitrary, and I'll be honored to donate any money to the cause! If you do choose to donate, the amount is entirely up to you. A fun way to benefit the cause might be $3 per mile or even a total amount based on my pace (I'll do my best to challenge myself!)

Again, thanks for getting this far! I'm grateful to be able to support a cause doing such important work, and if anyone would like to find long-term ways to support HFTW, their website can be found here .

With Love,

The Nelsons

Welcome to Paul and Sally Kelly's web page for donations to help America's wounded warriors.

 

Let’s Roll, America. First of all (everybody asks): I’m NOT a warrior. I am a grateful beneficiary of the sacrifices and dedication of thousands of brave men and women who have answered the call to duty during our nation’s times of need. I am a citizen of the greatest nation on earth. I enjoy liberties that citizens of other countries can only dream of. Americans take more freedom for granted than most people on this earth will ever enjoy.

 

However, that freedom comes with a price. In this country, that price has been paid again and again with the blood of heroes and the sacrifices of their families. Remember their sacrifices. Please help these brave men and women on their road to recovery and rehabilitation. Please Donate to Hope For The Warriors™, a civilian organization, with 501(c)(3) non-profit status, whose mission is to enhance quality of life for US Service Members and their families nationwide who have been adversely affected by injuries or death in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors™ actively endeavors to ensure that the sacrifices of wounded and fallen warriors and their families are never forgotten nor their needs unmet, particularly with regard to the short and long-term care of the severely injured. To learn more about this great organization, please visit their website at Hope For The Warriors.

 

Sally and I started this fundraising campaign in 2007 as I approached my 30th year of living with my disability. With her selfless love and support, I set out with three goals before me: 1) To complete the Marine Corps Marathon; 2) To handbike over 2008 miles in training, fundraising events, and races; and 3) To raise $26,200 ($1,000 for every mile in a marathon) to support projects undertaken by Hope For The Warriors™. Through the outpouring of support from hundreds of grateful Americans, including friends, family, neighbors, and local businesses, our success has been beyond what we had ever dreamed. Not only have we surpassed our initial fundraising goal, I have surpassed my mileage goal in 2008 and each year since. Fifteen years and over 44,000 miles later, I have completed 130 marathons and half marathons, including completing my long-time dream, the Marine Corps Marathon ten times. Supporting Hope For The Warriors™ has been one of the greatest experiences in my life.

 

Sally, for her part, completed her third marathon at the Marine Corps Marathon in October, 2018. This powerhouse of a lady managed to finish sixth in her age bracket in this prestigious event. In 2022 we are renewing that commitment. I am on track to complete over 2008 miles again this year. I am registered again for the Marine Corps Marathon again this fall. Your donation is the biggest support you can offer.

 

Your donations are making a difference in the lives of many deserving military families. Join thousands of grateful Americans with your donation as we extend our fundraising into our fourteenth year to help these great heroes. As an American with a disability, I understand the challenges that face these brave men, women, and their families. I also find their personal stories of triumph over adversity to be my motivation. There is no better place in the world to have to live with a disability than the United States. We are blessed with technology, opportunities, and compassion that are available nowhere else.

 

Please help America’s heroes with your tax-deductible contribution to this great organization. Give generously. Our nation’s warriors have given selflessly for you. Help those who have fallen in their time of need. Follow our blog to track our progress: 2008 Miles of Hope -LetsRoll!