Jayla's Ground Crew Squadron

From the Tarmac to the Trail: 300 Miles for Warriors with Wings

My journey into endurance running began when I met Scott and Krista. After they lost their daughter, McKenna, to childhood cancer, I joined their “Team in Training” fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We fundraised for an amazing cause while I learned to push my body toward a marathon finish to honor McKenna’s memory.

Today, that mission has evolved, but the "why" remains the same: the kids who are fighting battles they never asked for.

Currently, my heart and my miles are dedicated to my niece, Jayla, who is bravely facing neuroblastoma. To honor her, McKenna, and every child in the fight, I am taking on the two biggest challenges of my life: the San Diego 100-mile ultra and the Tahoe 200-mile ultra marathon.

Why 300 miles? Because I’m fundraising for Warriors with Wings, a charity founded by one of my best friends and childhood leukemia survivor, Ryan Melendez.

With my own background in aviation, I know the profound sense of perspective and freedom that comes from leaving the ground behind. Warriors with Wings pairs children battling cancer with pilots who take them into the sky, offering them a "flight plan" away from hospitals, treatments, and the heavy reality of their diagnosis. It gives these kids the chance to see the world from a place where they aren't "patients"—they are co-pilots.

How you can help:

I am asking for donations per mile finished. Whether it’s $0.10 or $10.00 a mile, your contribution directly supports these flights and the brave warriors who deserve to feel the freedom of the air.

I’ll be doing the work on the ground so these kids can find peace in the clouds. Let’s get them airborne.

Suggested "Per-Mile" Tiers:

• The Co-Pilot: $0.25 per mile ($75 total)

• The Navigator: $0.50 per mile ($150 total)

• The Captain: $1.00 per mile ($300 total)

• The Supersonic: $2.00+ per mile ($600+ total)

Fuel a Dream

Fuel a Dream is a monthly donation where for as low as the average price of 1 gallon of gas, you can help a Warrior Pilot discover the freedom of flight. There are three tiers to the Fuel a Dream program:

1. Fuel a Dream ($5.50/mo)

• as a thank you, you'll receive a Warriors with Wings® Pilot Wings pin and bracelet

1. Fuel a Flight ($33/mo)

• as thank you, you receive a Warriors with Wings® Pilot Wings pin, bracelet, and an exclusive Warriors with Wings® x Bold Aviator Shirt

1. Fuel a Plane ($200/mo) 

• as thank you, you receive all the perks of being a "Warrior Plane"

Make your Plane a Warrior Plane

Warrior Plane is a one time $1000 donation, in which you will receive:

• Warriors With Wings® Decal
• N-number added to “Goldie",  the first "Warrior Plane"
• Warriors With Wings® Pin and Bracelet 
• Exclusive Warriors With Wings® x Bold Aviator Hat and Hoodie/Shirt
• We donate an Aviator Pro ground school to a “Warrior Pilot” (kid or young adult battling cancer) and you receive 20% off an Aviator Pro ground school course of your choice! (Private/Instrument/Commercial/Multi Engine)
• More incentives to come!!

Our eventual goal will be to match all "Warrior Planes" with "Warrior Pilots" (kids/young adults who have been affected by cancer) in the surrounding area so that they can have a mentor throughout their aviation journey.

Custom Donation

Choose a one time donation amount that works best for you!