Birthday Runs: A Family Tradition

Every summer around my birthday, my dad and I had a tradition of participating in a local running event together. Each year, the distance increased—starting from 1K when I was four, to longer runs as I got older. It was a fun way to stay active, challenge myself, and build memories. In 2017, my first run was a 1K at Robinswood Park in Bellevue Washington. I had no idea that the very same park would one day host my own charitable event. Over the next two years, I completed a 3K at age five and a 5K at age seven—both still at Robinswood. In 2020, however, COVID-19 disrupted everything. Races were canceled, but my dad and I were determined to keep our tradition alive. So we mapped out our own 8K route at Marymoor Park and ran it together.

By 2021, we took on a 10K. But that year wasn’t just about distance—it was a turning point. We decided to use the run as a fundraiser for local hospitals. While that felt meaningful, it also led me to ask a bigger question: why not support hospitals that offer care for free to underserved communities? That question planted the seed for something bigger.

From 10K to a Foundation

Later that year, I organized my first independent run at Robinswood Park. The goal was to raise money for the Sri Premika Varadhan Clinic, a rural hospital in India that provides free healthcare to people in need. The event was small—just 30 participants running or walking 1K, 3K, or 5K routes—but it was a start.

In 2022, we moved the event to the summer to avoid the cold and partnered with Flute n Feather, a nonprofit based in Dallas that shared our vision. They helped to streamline donations, and to secure matching contributions from different companies. The following year, we expanded our outreach by advertising through local gyms and fitness centers, which helped us attract 50 attendees.

In 2024, we introduced custom-designed t-shirts. We also expanded the event to Dallas, Texas. The turnout was 60 people—thanks in part to family, friends, and the strong community there. We matched that number later in the year at our Robinswood event, marking a new high for our Washington chapter.

By 2025, we reached a major milestone. For our Dallas event, we secured our first corporate sponsor—Lumel—and crossed the 100-participant mark for the first time. That event alone raised $6,000. Around the same time, Inspire Love Inspire Care Foundation was officially granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, strengthening our ability to fundraise and expand.

To date, we’ve raised over $30,000 in support of medical clinics serving underprivileged communities in rural India benefiting more than 4000 patients.