Leaders

Dr. Pat Castle is the founder of LIFE Runners, the world’s largest Pro-Life team with over 21,000 teammates who wear “REMEMBER The Unborn” jerseys as a public witness in 3,367 cities. Pat is an inspiring and unifying force for Pro-Life through faith, activism, and education. He received the Springtime Foundation Christian Unity Award and was part of the movie Unplanned. Pat encountered St. Padre Pio while racing up Pikes Peak and carried a “REMEMBER The Unborn” flag to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro. He cofounded the annual Law of Life Summit and the annual A-Cross America Relay, the largest spanning Pro-Life event. Pat served as a pregnancy help center chairman and teaches outreach at abortion facilities. He completed the Notre Dame Vita Institute and is a fourth degree Knight. Pat directed youth retreats and RCIA. He grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from the Air Force Academy. Pat earned a PhD in nano-analytical chemistry from the University of Illinois and is a board member at the Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology. He did ten military assignments, including the Weapons of Mass Destruction defense officer at the base closest to Osama bin Laden on Sep 11th. While an Air Force Academy chemistry professor, Pat developed the ethics curriculum and coached the marathon team. He raced 25 marathons, highlighted by Jerusalem, Venice, Marine Corps (2:53), Boston (2:59), Pikes Peak, and Great Wall of China (2nd overall). Pat cofounded and teaches for the Omaha Encounter School of Ministry. He has delivered millions of life-saving messages and raised over $5 million to help end abortion. Pat speaks across America – video.  Get his team Daily Devotions book to be All In Christ for Pro-Life!   

Bernadette Costello (2020): operations director.  “My mom conceived 22 children (6 miscarriages).  After delivering her fifth child, the doctor attempted to do a hysterectomy without her permission.  My mom awoke and stopped the doctor.  Praise God for her heroic stand, as I was her 12th child born.”  Bernadette was a respiratory therapist, saving several babies through medical care advocacy.  She served as a parish Respect Life coordinator, and started an Embrace Grace support group for women who have unexpected pregnancies.  Bernadette does sidewalk outreach training, offering help to women.  She and her children serve meals at the Sienna Francis Homeless shelter.  Bernadette is the Ablaze House of Prayer vice chairman of the board.  She was miraculously healed from blindness.  Bernadette is a co-founder and faculty member for the Omaha Campus Encounter School of Ministry, teaching healing and prophesy.  She selected the best 366 LIFE Runners devotions (out of over 3,000) and edited them to one page (one minute), now published as the LIFE Runners Daily Devotions.  “It is a privilege and blessing to serve God.”

Jeff Grabosky (2013): vice chairman. Jeff grew up in New Jersey and earned Finance and Theology degrees at the University of Notre Dame. In 2011, he completed a solo and unsupported 3,700-mile run across America. During this journey, Jeff ran while praying for intentions people sent him from all over the world.  He became only the 23rd person to cross the country in this manner and is just the 43rd person to complete an ocean to ocean run, finishing with one of the longest routes in history while averaging more than 30 miles a day over the four-month journey. During his journey, Jeff met LIFE Runners founder Dr. Pat Castle in Alton, IL which resulted in the formation of the annual A-Cross America Relay for Pro-Life (est 2013). His book, Running with God Across America, was published in 2012 and details his prayerful journey. Jeff has also worked in the insurance and running specialty industries.  He currently lives in Florida with his wife, Mary, and four children.

Grant Fenske (2015): healing coordinator. His goal in life is to spread the peace and love of our Lord through prayer and humility. Grant is a Third Order Dominican. He is a fourth degree Knight of Columbus who has a strong devotion to the Rosary and Eucharistic Adoration. He has led retreats for Christ Renews His Parish. For eight years Grant hosted a program on Radio Maria called “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” that was broadcast throughout LA. Grant graduated from Saint John’s Prep High School in Condado, Puerto Rico. He graduated from the University of Southwest Louisiana in 1986 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Personnel Management. Grant works for 3M. He helps organize races that support Pro-Life efforts. Grant sees the National LIFE Runners Team as a family joined with the life-saving mission of sharing The Good News with love and compassion.

Matt Jandrain (2022): board treasurer.  Matt was born and raised in Omaha, NE and is one of eight kids.  He attended Benedictine College in Atchison KS, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a masters degree in business administration.  Matt did mission trips to El Salvador, Dominican Republic, and Guatemala.  In 2020, he began volunteering for the LIFE Runners apostolate.  Matt is now living back in Omaha and studying for the CPA exam.  He is the proud brother of Clare Jandrain, the 2021 LIFE Runners Female Student of the Year.  Matt and his great family are truly All In Christ for Pro-Life!