It Starts with Me: Juanita Bowling Runs with Purpose, Balance, and Heart Honoring Her Son

Juanita Bowling is a devoted mother, volunteer, licensed insurance agent, and Gold Star mother whose life has been profoundly shaped by the love and loss of her son, U.S. Army PFC Frank Jeremy Castillo, 31 March 2022. Known affectionately as “Frankie” or “Frankie Pooh,” Frank was a brilliant, musically gifted young man with a gentle spirit whose talents and kindness touched everyone around him. Juanita treasures the memories of his smile, his love of music and reading, and the joy he brought into her life.

For Juanita, being a Gold Star mother means honoring Frank’s legacy every single day, carrying forward his spirit through service, love, and remembrance. Running has become a vital part of this journey–turning grief into action, remembrance into motion, and love into purposeful miles. Each step she takes carries her son’s name, story, and legacy forward, inspiring others along the way.

Balance has always been key and intentional for Juanita, along with self-care and making time for herself. Her motto is, “It starts with me—if I don’t take care of me, who will?” She believes that we must care for ourselves first before we can truly care for others, and that prioritizing self-care is not selfish–it is necessary. By being physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy, she is better equipped to serve, support, and lead those around her with strength, presence, and compassion.

Juanita starts her training early to avoid conflicts with work, family, and her children, embracing a no-excuses mindset. She approaches life with flexibility and grace, keeping family and meaningful commitments at the center. Through balance and discipline, she discovers strength, purpose, and the ability to persevere all the way to the finish line. For Juanita, training fuels her body, mind, and heart, enabling her to honor her son, serve others, and stay grounded in what truly matters.

A native Texan and a pacer for over 12 years, Juanita is passionate about volunteering, serving others, and building a community of support for surviving families. She will be running the Cowtown Half Marathon as one of the 11 athletes in the Gold Star and Survivor Endurance Program, carrying Frank’s memory with every mile and inspiring hope, courage, and connection in everyone she meets.