18-Year-Old Caitlin Adams Runs 410 Miles Across Maryland To Raise Money For Prosthetic Limbs

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[news]

What are you doing this summer?

Whatever your plans are, they're likely less ambitious than those of 18-year-old Caitlin Adams, who just finished a 410-mile run across the state of Maryland, according to a Baltimore news station.

And she didn't do it just for fun (shocker -- who wouldn't run over 400 miles just for sheer pleasure?). Caitlin, a Towson University sophomore, says SHE did the run in order to raise money for and awareness FOR prosthetic limbs, benefitting an organization called Limbs for Life.

About her inspiration for the run, Caitlin said to a Towson University publication:

"When I was a junior in high school, the word prosthetics kept repeating itself over and over in my mind...I had no idea what the word meant. I looked it up in a dictionary and learned it was an artificial limb. It coincided with when I first started to run track and it hit me how much of a blessing it is to have two legs. I've since met people who need artificial limbs and have talked with them. I want to do something to make a difference and help make someone else's life better. So I decided to use my running ability to be able to do that."

The run was initially supposed to be 390 miles long, but according to a post on Caitlin's Instagram account, she took a few detours and ended up running over 400 miles in just a little over a month.

Just one of the many pictures coming. Finished the #runacrossmaryland , 410 miles. Raised almost $22,000 and got 8 prosthetic limbs for amputees. This has been an amazing journey. It all grew from the little things , each person doing their own part to help, and it made it blossom. I have a ton of special thank yous that I want to give everyone, but I won't do it on an Instagram caption :) so thank you EVERYONE! More coming #runforapurpose #limbsforlife #runacrossmaryland

A photo posted by Caitlin Adams (@cattywack17) on Jun 28, 2015 at 6:59am PDT

Through her fundraising page, Caitlin has now raised over $22,000 since she announced her plan to run back in January on Facebook. The money she raised funded eight prosthetic limbs for individuals with disabilities. Caitlin met up with several recipients of prosthetics along her run and ran alongside them, presumably to gain insight into their experiences with physical disabilities.

"I shaved my legs and went into a pond with still water." 36 hours later she lost both limbs. Anything can happen to anyone, don't take anything for granted. It was so awesome to not only walk but RUN with you Beth! Your positive attitude is so contagious and you are truly an inspiration to all! #390miles #runforapurpose #limbsforlife #runacrossmaryland Donate: www.runacrossmaryland.com

A photo posted by Caitlin Adams (@cattywack17) on Jun 21, 2015 at 2:28pm PDT

This is Nathan! A two year old boy who has a prosthetic! He runs around on it all the time and he is as happy as can be! His smile is contagious and he is a real inspiration! I got to throw the first pitch at the Shorebirds game and decided to give it to him! Go Nathan! Donate at: www.runacrossmaryland.com #runacrossmaryland #limbsforlife #390miles #runforapurpose #25k

A photo posted by Caitlin Adams (@cattywack17) on Jun 29, 2015 at 1:47pm PDT

Caitlin admitted in an interview that there were quite a few skeptics who doubted her ability to cross the state on foot.

“So many people didn't believe in me, but you just have to use that as motivation,” Caitlin said.

Any doubters are awfully quiet as of Saturday, when she crossed her finish line in Ocean City, MD. Way to go, Caitlin!

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