04/30/2025
We are overflowing with pride and joy as we celebrate one of our beloved teachers, Jenn Newman, for accomplishing something extraordinary — not just as a runner, but as a radiant light of service, dedication, and heart.
Jenn recently completed the Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team, a journey that began not with a superhuman running time, but with a bold heart and an unwavering belief in community. She poured her soul into the rigorous charity application process (six charities, five rejections, countless hours of planning), and when she was accepted into the Dana-Farber team, she pledged to raise $15,000 to fund life-saving cancer research.
Her plan? To use her yoga teaching to fundraise. And she did it. Through her classes, workshops, collaborations, and the generous spirit of her students and supporters, Jenn exceeded her fundraising goal.
She never stopped giving of herself, even when the journey got hard. And on Marathon Day, she didn’t just run — she celebrated. Jenn danced at street parties, high-fived kids, cheered on teammates, and ran with joy in her heart. She says:
“The marathon has broken my heart so many times, but yesterday was not one of them… I ran comfortably and had high energy the whole time. I stopped to sing and dance… and the turn onto Boylston was unforgettable and possibly the most magical finish line I’ve ever run through.”
Her experience running for something beyond herself, as part of a team committed to healing and hope, was the experience of a lifetime. And it reminded her — and all of us — that sometimes, the most powerful journeys aren’t about time or speed, but about heart, courage, and showing up for others.
Jenn, your Jai family is in awe of you. Your strength, joy, and dedication ripple through our community, and we are so lucky to know you, learn from you, and be inspired by you. Thank you for letting your love of running and yoga be a force for good.
From all of us at Jai — congratulations on completing the Boston Marathon and becoming a true champion for Dana-Farber. You have touched so many lives, and we are forever grateful to walk (and run!) beside you.
With love,
your jai home 💛
