2018 Twin Cities' Most Inspirational Member: Molly Wellik

Selected from many amazing nominations at our annual Celebration Banquet last weekend in Minneapolis, Molly Wellik is Moms on the Run Twin Cities' 2018 Most Inspirational Member. Read on to find out why Molly, a member of Burnsville/Lakeville Moms on the Run, is so inspiring. 

In her nomination of Molly, fellow member Ashley Kapsner writes: "There's not a person I know that isn't inspired by Molly. When you meet her you immediately notice her positive, infectious energy and ability to relate to all. She knows no strangers. 

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She's faced many things in her life and continues to push through unimaginable circumstances and complex heart-wrenching situations involving those she loves with her whole heart. She has been forced to make excruciating decisions many would never be able to make. Despite her ongoing struggles, she somehow finds the strength to be a compassionate friend, one of the most welcoming members of our team, a skilled listener and a woman of extreme faith. She doesn't shy away from relating her experiences with others as they confront similar experiences — sharing resources and knowledge. These are not conversations held to pass the time; Molly is affected and feels deeply for others and always finds time to check back in with them.

Outside of MOTR, Molly dedicates time to volunteering with Girls On The Run as a coach, hosts gatherings for her church's youth group, opens and shares her home with many and is a very active a philanthropic member of the community. She loyally supports a tremendous number of nonprofits and causes. She believes and does the work. Humble is who she is, but doesn't adequately describe how much she gives and leads with her heart. 

At one of our meeting locations for class a couple of us noticed her setting a brown paper bag on the windshield of a car that we had noticed in the back of the parking lot belonging to a homeless man. Molly has been making this man breakfast and quietly leaving it for him every week. 

She's taken on one running challenge after another — head-on and fearless. Her progress has been exponential, palpable and inspirational to us all. She encouraged her sister Rhonda to join before her 60th birthday and she completed her first 5K. Molly and her husband Pat share a special bond and passion for running and have landed themselves at the front of the pack snagging age group awards in almost every race they run! She is an incredible role model of what living an active lifestyle looks like and how to pursue your own health and wellness in the midst of the most difficult of situations."

Molly calls the Burnsville/Lakeville ladies her family. "I feel so honored. These women fill my cup every week. I get asked all the time how I cope with everything that's happening in my life, and I respond with 'I run! I run a lot!' They just make running so much fun."  

As Most Inspiring Member, Molly wins a $200 prize package from our sponsor Run N Fun. Congratulations, Molly!

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