Last night, I had the honor of attending an event thrown by Every Mother Counts and Oiselle at the Great Hall venue in Green Lake.
For those of you whom don’t know, Every Mother Counts (EMC) is a non-profit organization started by Christy Turlington Burns (yes, THE CTB) dedicated to supporting maternal health and making it safe for women around the world to go through childbirth.
Watch this video clip for “No Woman, No Cry” for a glimpse into the lives of women around the world struggling with risky pregnancies: YouTube video link.
Back to the party – the focus was on the screening of the short film Every Mile, Every Mother, directed by CTB and Clancy McCarty, which follows the EMC team during last year’s Hood to Coast ~200-mile relay race in Oregon. The film highlighted the need for support, perseverance, and teamwork needed to get through this tough race and through safe childbirth.
JJ kicked off with a warm welcome and thanks, and introduced Sally.
Sally recounted how she had first met Christy and got involved in a partnership with EMC. It was really awesome to see such a real display of admiration between two women with the same strength and goals.
Christy looked radiant and I’m always struck by how sweet, genuine, passionate, and real she is.
I had a unique perspective as I had run Hood to Coast last year, too, and got to witness the hard work that the guys and gals went through to complete this metaphoric journey.
Here’s my recap of HTC 2013.
Pictures from last year:
I was inspired hearing of the stories and personal journey that each runner went through during HTC. I also continue to be impressed by the extraordinary passion and efforts that the EMC organization dedicates towards making the world a safer place for women and childbirth. Bravo, EMC!
After the screening, I mingled and met many awesome new friends. I also met two new flock team members, Melissa and Molly. It’s such a small world as Molly and I have been Twitter pals for a bit and share a love for Yumm Bowls.
What a fun night! If you’re so inclined, and want to support the EMC effort, check out the selection of beautiful EMC apparel designed by Oiselle here. 40% of all proceeds go directly to EMC.
I also leave you with my attempt to radiate Christy’s modeling skills. 🙂 Totally failed, but I couldn’t help but ask what her favorite signature pose was!
PRO TIP from Christy: Smile, look at the camera, and laugh. She does it way more elegantly than me. 🙂
sarahthefitfoodie 
That sounds like a really great organization. I too, could have died from my first pregnancy without proper medical care. I can only imagine how much it happens in third world countries.
Extremely worrisome when I think about medical care in third world countries. So glad that you got the proper medical attention for your first kiddo. My nephew is a tough dude!
I LOVE that you asked Christy that! The resulting photo is adorable.
It was so great meeting you in person, Sarah. Hope to see you again soon.
Thank you, Molly! See you again soon, most likely for a run!
That preview of the documentary really leaves me wanting to see the whole thing. I love Oiselle’s partnership with EMC, and I absolutely love CTB! She is such a natural beauty and a wonderful role model. That picture of you and her doing her modeling pose is amazing!
Thanks, Cecilia! The EMC organization and Oiselle’s partnership is certainly bringing attention to the global cause that this so deserves. Admittedly, I take for granted so many things – access to safe healthcare when I have kids in the future shouldn’t be one of them. CTB is amazing! 🙂
Sounds a really interesting event, and how cool that you got to meet and have your picture taken with Christy Turlington!