Meet Melanie Sprenkel

The Sprenkel family’s history with Haiti H2O began a long time ago, on a basketball court in Pittsburgh’s East End.

Having moved into the neighborhood in 2002, Melanie Sprenkel got to know many families, including the VanderMolen family, one of Haiti H2O’s founders. “Sarah started to share about [Haiti H2O]”. Before long, the Sprenkels were opening up their basketball court for 3-on-3 charity games and raising money for Haiti H2O. “We would make chili, we had beer and soft pretzels—the whole neighborhood came! It was fun. And we raised money for Haiti H2O.”

Melanie has never been to Haiti, but she has been impressed by and drawn to Haiti H2O’s mission for a long time. “So often, organizations think they are helping, but Haiti H2O is partnering with the communities they serve. It’s the mutuality that I love. So often, people who start missionary efforts act like they are there to help people, but Haiti H2O does not have that feeling—it’s that mutuality that I love.”

“Jeff and Sarah’s lives are richer because they know the people of Haiti. The people of Haiti pray for them, and they pray for the people of Haiti. They don’t come in and say, ‘This is what we think you should do.’ Jeff, Sarah, and Doug have been so attentive to what the people of Haiti want and need, not what they think they should want or need. I love that. These are their friends. It’s just beautiful.”

Their history with the Run for Hope

Melanie is a long-time runner, traveling to other cities and states with her husband to run marathons. With Haiti H2O, she has most often run the 5K and the half marathon events. This is the Sprenkels’ 10th year running with Haiti H2O! The whole family runs, even the kids. “We love it—we love these traditions in our family. It has meant a lot to me and my husband.” The whole Sprenkel family, including the children, run the 5K together and then go out to breakfast afterwards.

Their favorite memory of the Run for Hope comes from one of their sons. They were running the 5K and her son was in last place. It was a joke—he was even running backwards at one point. When he finally reached the finish line, he held up his arms in victory. He repeated this other years, until the race organizers insisted he finish in the allotted time!

How their supporters make a difference

When asked about their supporters as they fundraise, Melanie instantly replied, “They are so generous!” Melanie and her family send out a letter to family and friends every year they run. “It’s hard for me to ask for money, so the fact that people are really generous in their support is very encouraging.”

Being connected to Haiti H2O has impacted them personally

Melanie tells us, “It’s life-affirming. The whole philosophy has made me see the body of Christ in a new way—we need each other.” She feels how powerful it is to know that, as much as we are praying for our Haitian friends, they are praying for us as well.