For Melissa Pompa, running a marathon was much more than completing a personal goal. It was a meaningful way to give back to first responders through the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Canine Therapy Program. Melissa, or "Mel" to her friends, is pursuing a master's degree in public health at California State University, Long Beach. She’s also a researcher for the Wounded Warriors Service Dog Program, working to improve service dog training and matching for disabled veterans.
Mel shared that her journey into running for a cause began with her passion for public health and her close connection to first responders. "I have family friends who are first responders," she explained. "Their stories inspired me to think about what I could do to help.” Researching further, she found that the LAFD Foundation’s Canine Therapy Program was a perfect fit for her background working with service dogs and in the public health sector. "The moment I saw the Canine Therapy Program, I knew that was my calling," she shared enthusiastically.
Mel’s marathon training began in June and was a journey filled with both excitement and challenges. Preparing for the race meant weekly training, long runs, and mental preparation. "It’s not just physical. I thought about the stories I’d heard, the people I knew, and the cause I was representing," she recalled. "I was running for them, not for me."
She described how finishing the race filled her with overwhelming gratitude and pride. “Crossing that finish line was one of my greatest achievements,” she said.
The LAFD Foundation’s Canine Therapy Program, which currently has only two therapy dogs for approximately 3,500 firefighters across Los Angeles, stood out to Mel as a critical program in need of support. "There's a clear disparity here," Mel said, “and I wanted to help with that in any way I could."
Through her marathon fundraising, Mel secured over $2,700 for the program, demonstrating that even small contributions can make a big difference.
Mel offers advice to others considering creative ways to support the LAFD or similar causes: "Take your passion and share it with the community. When you combine passion and confidence, it becomes an opportunity to make a positive impact."
Mel’s dedication highlights her commitment to her career in public health and her heartfelt support of the first responders who keep our communities safe. Through her efforts, she hopes to raise awareness for programs like canine therapy and inspire others to find unique ways to give back.
"It's about shining a light on something underrepresented," she said. "And that’s what I want to keep doing."
