Participants of Team SARF at the LA Marathon.
LOS ANGELES — Sona Arabian, a 50 year old mother of two, is a running enthusiast, a cancer survivor and community activist who has crossed the finish lines of 38 marathons around the world, enduring the long journeys in the spirit of triumph over adversity.
Last November, she took the initiative to contribute to the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund by calling upon the community to donate to SARF on the occasion of her running of the New York marathon. Following that successful campaign, and to amplify her efforts, Sona went on to recruit a group of 8 visionary Armenian runners to create Team SARF, dedicated to support SARF’s great humanitarian mission.
Last Sunday February 14, 2016, Team SARF ran the Los Angeles Marathon wearing the upcoming SARF telethon logos on their shirts all along the course. Over 20,000 athletes participated in this annual event which attracted thousands of spectators and well -wishers along the 26.2 mile stretch. At mile 9, when the Armenian runners arrived in Little Armenia, they were greeted with a group of Homenetmen Scouts holding the Armenian tricolor and a large SARF banner. “This was the climactic moment of the entire marathon” said Sona Arabian. Michael Srourian, the scout leader who coordinated the effort was equally enthusiastic. He had just four words to say “Great success. Very proud.”
The SARF telethon will be broadcast this Sunday February 21, 2016 on Horizon, ARTN/SHANT, and USArmenia.
Donations to SARF could be made at www.syrianarmenianrelieffund.org, or by calling (866) 888-7273
Source: Asbarez
Link: Armenian Mother Runs the LA Marathon for SARF