Meet Our Runners

Donate to The 10.15 Project

Essentia Health
Merck & Co
TrueNorth Steel & North Dakota State University
G Personal Training
Vance Thompson Vision
Stryde Supplements
West Fargo Public Schools & Marvelous Mouse
Sanford Sports
Domestic Engineer
Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services
Ascend Fit Studio | Lotus Lagree | Prairie Grit
Sanford Health

Rachel Bakken

Essentia Health

I am a registered nurse specializing in Maternal Fetal Medicine at Essentia Health. Originally from Pahrump, Nevada, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of North Dakota and now live in Fargo, North Dakota, with my husband and our three children — Paige, Hallie, and Chase. Outside of work, I enjoy running, hiking, and spending time outdoors.

With over 15 years of nursing experience in both labor and delivery and clinic settings, I’ve cared for a number of patients who have endured pregnancy or infant loss. I have been deeply moved by their strength, and I’m dedicated to ensuring that each baby is honored and remembered. In a time that can feel so isolating, it’s important that families know they are not alone. As a healthcare professional, the impact that these families have had remains with me long after our time together.

Leslie Brunette

Merck & Co.

Always on a mission to encourage and build others up, I’m a Texas resident but a proud North Dakota native! I’m excited to join this team of twelve as a runner with 21+ years of miles and smiles behind me. From 5Ks and 10Ks to half marathons, marathons (most recently the New York City Marathon on 11/2/25!), one ultra marathon, and multiple ragnar ultra relays, I rarely say no to a run, ha!

I’m also the proud mom of three amazing Zs — Zayne, Zaylea, and Zandyr — and the wife of my running super fan and amazing husband, Jayson. We’re celebrating our 27th anniversary this year!

My love of running is deeply anchored in advocacy. I began my running journey as an ambassador for child abuse prevention in North Dakota with Team PCAND. I truly believe that one mile at a time, we can be a voice of hope and inspire action. Running across North Dakota, my home state, has long been a bucket list dream of mine, and doing it to increase awareness, compassion, and hope makes the journey even more meaningful.

The mission of The 10.15 Project speaks directly to my heart and sole(s). I’m running to honor my loved ones and friends impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. Their love and stories will fuel every step of this journey.

Ty Casey

TrueNorth Steel & North Dakota State University

I am from Kindred and have called North Dakota home for a majority of my life. I have spent the last ten years of my life working in education of some kind as I love to help others learn and grow. This started with Agricultural Education with the hopes of becoming an FFA advisor and now it has transformed into helping individuals and teams grow in their abilities to work with others and teach others.

In my current roles I am teaching students how to teach at North Dakota State University, I facilitate team and individual development workshops at TrueNorth Steel, and I host a race in Moorhead, Minnesota called Red River Ultrafest. Each of my roles allow me to help individuals grow and become more in the environments in which I work with them.

My “why” in this project is quite simple. As I have grown up, I have seen more and more people struggle with the loss of losing a child during pregnancy and as early infants. This is something that has happened with immediate family members and very close friends, and I saw the struggle first-hand. So I want to do this to help in some small way make the loss a tiny bit less burdensome.

Heidi Greenwood

G Personal Training

I grew up in Roseau, Minnesota and attended the University of North Dakota. I played college volleyball and ran track. I was the 2008 DII National Champion in the 1500m and ran in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials.

I currently live in West Fargo and own my own personal training business. I enjoy all things wellness, sourdough bread, and organizing. I lost by first two baby girls, Jules (22 weeks), and Leni (28 weeks). My husband and I now I have two living daughters, Quincy Jules, and Jude Leni.

I am running, as part of The 10.15 Project, to help spread awareness and provide support for those enduring such loses. I want to create a safe space for families to grieve, to say their child(ren)’s name, and to help them feel joy again.

Michael Greenwood, MD

Vance Thompson Vision

I grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota, and attended the University of North Dakota, where I played football before continuing on to medical school. Today, I am an ophthalmologist at Vance Thompson Vision in West Fargo, specializing in cataract, refractive, cornea, and glaucoma care. I’m also a co-founder of GreenMan Vision, a virtual reality–based company focused on helping patients better understand their vision through immersive technology.

My wife, Heidi, and I love spending time with our young children, Quincy and Jude. Our lives have also been deeply shaped by the losses of Jules and Leni — experiences that continue to guide and influence the way we move through life, parent, and connect with others.

I am honored to be one of the founders of The 10.15 Project. For me, this run is deeply personal. Every mile is an opportunity to honor Jules and Leni, carry their names forward, and stand alongside other families who understand the heartbreak and complexity of navigating pregnancy and infant loss. Through this journey, I hope to help create greater awareness, compassion, and connection for families who have experienced loss and to remind them they are not alone.

Bret Holmstrom

Stryde Supplements

I grew up in Kindred, North Dakota, and now call West Fargo home. I’m a husband, father, ultrarunner, and entrepreneur who’s always looking for the next challenge and adventure.

When I’m not training for a race or chasing miles on the trails and roads, I love spending time with my wife, Lanee, and our daughter, Junie. Much of what I enjoy revolves around the outdoors — whether that’s running, exploring new places, or simply embracing the adventure and freedom that comes with being outside.

Endurance sports have taught me a lot about perseverance, purpose, and pushing through difficult moments, and that’s a big part of why I chose to be part of The 10.15 Project. This mission allows me to combine my passion for ultrarunning with something far greater than myself, helping bring awareness, hope, and support to families impacted by pregnancy and infant loss.

I’m honored to be part of a movement that turns miles into meaning and helps ensure these stories, lives, and loved ones are never forgotten.

Brittney Kingsley

West Fargo Public Schools & Marvelous Mouse

I live in Fargo with my husband, Justin, and our two daughters, Abigail (9) and Emmy (7). I’m originally from Glenburn, North Dakota, and a graduate of Concordia College (’09), where I ran track and cross country—running has stayed a constant in my life ever since. Today, I teach part time as a Gifted and Talented Teacher for West Fargo Public Schools, and I also help families plan Disney vacations as a travel agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels. Between work, family, and faith, life is full in the best way.

Running with The 10.15 Project is something that is very close to my heart. I’m doing this in memory of my niece, Alivia Plutowski. She was born on September 21, 2014, with a congenital heart defect and spent her entire life in the hospital before passing away just 13 months later. Her life, though short, has had a lasting impact on our family, and carrying her memory with me through this run means more than I can fully put into words.

I’ve also been deeply moved watching too many close friends, the Greenwood family included, run in honor of their daughters. Through them, I’ve seen how meaningful this community is and the way it brings comfort, remembrance, and connection to families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. It’s an honor to be part of something that remembers these babies so intentionally, and I’m incredibly grateful to run for Alivia.

Kyle Knutson

Sanford Sports

I grew up on my family’s farm near Kathryn, North Dakota, and attended high school in Valley City before earning my Bachelor of Science degree from North Dakota State University and my Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Minnesota. After completing my residency, I became a Board-Certified Sports Clinical Specialist and currently work as a physical therapist at Sanford Sports in Fargo.

Growing up, I played a variety of team sports, but I discovered my passion for distance running during college after participating in Fargo Marathon events. Since then, running has become a major part of my life, and I’ve continued to expand my race résumé with marathons including the Twin Cities Marathon, Chicago Marathon, and several others along the way.

Outside of work and running, I enjoy just about any form of fitness and exercise, including weightlifting, water sports, golf, and snowboarding. My wife, RaeLyn, and I stay busy with our two young children, ages 3 and 1, along with our golden retriever, all of whom keep life wonderfully messy, active, and fun.

Sara Oltvedt

Domestic Engineer

I was born in Minneapolis and raised in Moorhead, Minnesota, where I graduated as valedictorian of Moorhead High School before continuing my studies at Macalester College and Minnesota State University Moorhead. Today, I share life with my husband, Dan, who is deeply giving in nature and a thoughtful leader in the progressive agriculture space, and stay closely connected with my adult son, Camden. At home, three long-haired miniature dachshunds: Oliver, Coco, and Cora. They most certainly keep things lively and full of personality.

I find grounding in movement and everyday moments—through running, pilates, and strength training, as well as quieter joys like reading, baking, and spending time outdoors. These rhythms offer both energy and reflection, shaping how I show up in the world.

My connection to The 10.15 Project comes through the experience of loss within my close circle. While not my own, these losses have left a lasting imprint. I run to honor those lives, to carry their memory forward, and to stand in quiet solidarity with others navigating grief. I hope this journey helps create space for empathy, connection, and healing along the way.

Rachel Schultz

Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services

I grew up in a small rural town in the middle of North Dakota with my dad, mom and two brothers. I received my Bachelor of Science degree at University of Mary and then went on to get my master’s degree in clinical laboratory science at the University of North Dakota. I have been employed at Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services (AE2S) as a Resource Planning Specialist for 13 years.

Growing up, my best friend’s dad, Jess Smith, who was also my teacher, was a runner. I would go over to her house and no matter what the weather was like, he was out running. He was my middle school track coach and mentor. He doesn’t know it, but he will forever be the reason I am still running today. I have completed many types of races including half marathons, marathons, ultras and also have completed a few Worlds’ Toughest Mudder courses. I also participate in Ragnar races with friends as well. Running has always been an outlet for me to center myself and be grateful for all that I have.

My husband, Dustin, and I have been married for ten wonderful years. We are proud parents to three remarkable children: Kynlee (22), Hunter (19), and Hudson (17), and we also cherish our angel baby, Oakley. When we lost Oakley in 2021, I didn’t have any non-traditional resources to help me with my grief. When my family moved to Fargo in 2023, Haven was introduced to me by our home builder, and I am so grateful to have found an organization that understands my struggles and encourages us to connect through our shared experiences.

My goal for this run is to ensure everyone across the state of North Dakota knows they are not alone and there are resources available. Throughout my grief process, I had to remind myself that I need to have a purpose. This run was created by others who also needed to find that purpose again and have a mission to do something good with all their running. Through this journey I hope we are able to ease the minds of families in similar situations just a little bit knowing there are people out here willing to go the extra mile so that you are not forgotten.

Danielle Turk

Ascend Fit Studio | Lotus Lagree | Prairie Grit

I am a mother of three boys, avid runner, yogi, lover of all things movement and outdoors as well as making it my mission to make celiac a doable lifestyle through my love of baking and cooking. I consider myself a “jack of all trades.” I graduated with a degree in Health and Human Development, dietetics. I knew my passion extended beyond clinical care and went on to study my masters in holistic nutrition. I have dabbled in the study of midwifery, became a certified doula, health and nutrition coach through IIN, as well as continue to actively pursue any and all information involving preventative and proactive medicine/lifestyle.

I am truly passionate about getting others inspired to be their own best advocate. I believe health and wellness is the foundation to all things important in life. As a mom, I know that I show up better for my family when I am taking care of myself and making my well-being a priority. I recognize that being able to pursue wellness like I do is a privilege, and so I actively seek out ways to make health accessible to more. My mom, whom I look up to and aspire to serve as well as she has, taught me “More for all, less for none.”

In running with The 10.15 project, my “why” is to seek that same sentiment for those who have been affected by pregnancy and infant loss. I aspire to help those suffering to have more access, more support, more awareness, more shoulders to lean on, and aim for less to feel they are alone on a very difficult journey. I know I am going to gain so much more than I can offer myself, but am driven to be the best support I can be to those I am running for.

Terry Vandrovec

Sanford Health

I’m a dad, husband and human based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota and graduated from Concordia College. I spent nearly 20 years in the media, primarily as a sports reporter before moving into marketing and joining Sanford Health. I love spending time with my wife and kids. My hobbies include going to the gym, reading and side quests.

I’m running as a part of The 10.15 Project to honor our late daughter Breley, her twin sister, Kailey, and all the people impacted by pregnancy and infant loss. I grew up with two of the founders of The 10.15 Project and so many years later, are coming together through a common experience – that’s powerful.