For the Kids 2024 Fundraiser

My name is Aum Gandhi. Who am I? I am a first-generation Indian American born in Los Angeles County to a working-class immigrant family. As long as I could remember growing up, nothing came easy to us, and we had to hustle every day.

I grew in an environment riddled with substance abuse, gang violence, abuse, depression, and poverty before I was even too young to understand what I was dealing with. We took the opportunities that we could find and moved our way up in life. Today, I consider the things that we had a blessing, because so many others dealt with far worse where I grew up. Despite the hardships, I am blessed to have an amazing family that stuck together through the bad.

The story of my past has been written and I believe the things I dealt with growing up are so I can help the next generation find their path. Where you are shouldn't dictate where you're going. Where you've been isn't what you are.

Today, we look towards the future, and I need your help.

Richstone Family Center - now operating 50 years - is a Hawthorne-based nonprofit organization that aims to prevent and treat child abuse, domestic violence, and generational trauma. The kids in this environment are exposed to abuse, gangs, crime, depression, and substance abuse.

Today, I am a professional runner for Merrell in the ultrarunning space. I regularly take on races in the 100-mile and 200+-mile distances.

Here are some of the things I've done over my 3-year career.

-5 x 100 Mile Finisher

-2 x 200 Mile Finisher

-1 x 300 Mile Finisher

-Everest Ultra 2023 Finisher

-Runner's World Runner of the Year 2023

-23 x Ultramarathon Finisher

What is my purpose in telling you this? I come from that environment. I was 18 years old and had a prediabetes diagnosis, weighing 250 lbs. I struggled with depression and anxiety from a young age and didn't have the resources to overcome it. My environment was full of abuse and toxic masculinity. But I'm here thanks to a long journey supported by an amazing tribe of loved ones.

So, let's be the tribe for these kids. My goal this year is to complete a grand slam of endurance challenges. Here is my schedule:

December 28-January 3rd, 2024: Across the Years Six Day Race: 301 Miles, 9th Overall Male.

March 9th-10th, 2024: Antelope Canyon 100

April 18th-20th, 2024: Highland Ultra in Scotland

June 14-18th, 2024: Tahoe 200

August 9-13th, 2024: Bigfoot 200

October 11th-16th, 2024: Moab 240

My goal? Complete a Grand Slam consisting of a 300-mile race plus the Triple Crown of 200 Milers in one calendar year. Why? Well my goal is to test my personal limits, but it's also to lead by action. When I speak at Richstone, I see myself in those kids. I want them to see what I do and realize it doesn't matter where you come from, you can achieve big things if you're willing to fail big.

I can't do this without you. Please help me be the tribe for this kids. Be my strength as I take on these races. And let's fight together to end child abuse.