Why I Run United: Eddie Manuszak, Team WISD Early Childhood

As the executive director for early childhood at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) for the past two years, I noticed how important it is to have community in your work and personal life!

My department’s work is dedicated to making connections for families of prenatal mothers through children aged five in a wide variety of different programs. We coordinate with community members like United Way of Southeastern Michigan to provide support.

It is great work, but oftentimes it does not afford an adequate work-life balance. We must find time to strike the balance to lift up our mental and physical health and establish better wellness.

When the Run United 2024 campaign appeared, I knew this was a must do! I already like to run, and I thought this would be fun. I took a chance and started a team within the early childhood department. I’m hopeful that by participating, we are helping ourselves stay mentally and physically healthy, while also raising awareness and funds for the United Way.

By participating in the Run United 2024 Virtual Marathon, we are feeding our spirit both with the work we do, but also within ourselves. With United Way, we can continue to build and assist in cultivating a caring and connected community for children. Together we can make early childhood matter most!

United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s fifth annual Run United Virtual Marathon will support students in our region, helping them take on the school year with school supplies, books, and access to out-of-school time programming. Participants are challenged to log 26.4 miles from August 12th to September 13th. Through One Cause, friends, family and teammates can view their progress and virtually cheer them on.