I can't wait to tell you about some exciting, crazy news! I have just registered with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training® to run the San Diego Rock n’ Roll marathon on June 5, 2005! Yes, you read correctly, I will be running 26.2 unbelievably long miles. I know this may be hard to believe; it is hard for me to believe. What am I doing? Have I lost my mind? That's what my husband asked, and to be perfectly honest, I’ve been asking myself these very questions since I made this decision.

Most of you know that I am not really what one would call athletic. . .or even especially coordinated, or even coordinated at all. I’ve been plagued my whole life with family stories of running into walls and falling downstairs, complete with sound effects. Nevertheless, I am currently in training for my twenty-six mile long run, jog, walk, limp. With this history in mind, there must be a force greater than my own deep seeded fears of injury and humiliation pushing me forward to meet this challenge. My ultimate goal, besides crossing the finish line on my own two feet, is to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society raise funds. As a member of the Team, I will participate in the marathon on behalf of local leukemia patients and will raise money for research to help find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, as well as help provide the means to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

I am running on behalf of every person who feels that they are beyond hope, beyond help. I am running for each child that cannot express the pain he/or she feels, and each parent who yearns and prays for peace and the strength to continue on their way. My battle to run 26 miles cannot compare to the fear and pain they feel, but it can help.

So, I am asking your support through donations. My personal goal is to raise $3,500 and I am determined to help the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Cancer is a terrible and frightening disease, and I am willing to do anything in my power to help fight this disease, even if it means running 26.2 miles. No donation is too great or small, every penny counts. If you are not in a position to help financially, please, support me emotionally! Your encouragement and prayers and kind words are much needed and will help me just as much!
Thank you in advance for your support! I can’t wait to keep you all updated on my progress. I will look forward to hearing from you soon!

With Love,
Jennifer