Marni McGough

IT’S THE LOOK IN THEIR EYES.
THE LOOK BEYOND THAT COMPELS ME TO GO.
TO CLIMB.
TO CHALLENGE.
TO CHANGE.

Can you imagine a child dies every 15 seconds in Malawi from a disease caused from unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and hygiene? As a child life specialist working with kids in the hospital, I have seen the death of children up close… and the utter heartache that accompanies. The look of hopelessness in the eyes of the parents and the “how do we go forward from here?”. Yet in Malawi, because 25% of children die by the age of 5, sometimes parents don’t even name their kids. As I read this, I try to reconcile the lifestyle we have here and our call to help others in this life. Certainly, we are blessed at no fault of our own… And living to the fullest is something I feel called to do each day. Yet, as opportunities are placed before us, we are often too busy to slow down and actually imagine putting ourselves in another position or wondering… Could it have just as easily been me walking 4 miles each day for water that may still kill my children? So, once again, I choose to slow down and change some things in my life and hope to reach the heart of others to give however they feel led to help.

Those who know me know… I love Adventure!
Children, Dancing, Hiking, Climbing, Sailing… God’s Creation. Water. Mountains. Wind. Love.

I have been blessed by two wonderful boys, Chase and Colt. They continually bring joy and growth to my life… for the last 28 years and counting… and are the culmination of any achievement in which I have been blessed to be included. I have a close-knit family who raised me and remain an integral foundation. I am a child life specialist seeking to bring smiles to kiddos and make the hospital a less scary place. I race sailboats and am thankful for new friends as well as lifelong childhood friends. I most recently studied self-talk and am reminded how we talk to ourselves creates our neural pathways and affects our actions… And how we can change these connections and positively impact our paths.

As for schooling, I have a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Texas A&M. Gig’em!! An Aggie all the way through, my BA is in Speech Communications and MS in Ed Psych. I became a Six Sigma Master Change Agent at my hospital and was privileged to help with projects that reduce errors in the hospital. Five years ago, I decided to get my Captain’s License and became a Certified Self Talk Trainer and Life Coach. I seek to grow, bring joy and use the gifts God has given me to help others in a tangible way. I hope the love I have points towards Christ and His love.

I have found that love bridges any cultural or religious difference, any uncertainty of another person. Love causes us to act. Three years ago, also over the July 4^th holiday, I climbed Kilimanjaro with Clean Water Climb and then repaired water wells in Malawi with Child Legacy. Meeting the people there in person, gave me an even greater love and desire to help them. This time, the challenge will be 10 fourteeners in Colorado in 10 days or less.

Please take a look and consider with your heart supporting me in this endeavor.

For every $1 raised, 2 people receive clean water for 5 years. My goal is to raise $1250. That’s the average cost of one water well and brings safe drinking water to an entire school or village, benefitting an average of 2000 people for 5 years! If you sponsor a village or school repair for $1250, you will receive a personalized well report in your name or in the name of whomever you wish to honor. Any amount you give will help me reach my goal and go towards helping the people directly. I joined the group at the last minute, so as I will turn 50 this year, I’m hoping you will donate as a birthday wish for me… so we can pass on the love.

I’m also going to hike with the names of all of my donors to the top of the mountains!

“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18

TO DONATE TO MY CLIMB: Click the link above!

Thank you from my heart for your support and keeping my efforts in your thoughts and prayers as I take action to impact others.

~Marni