Welcome to the fight...

Hi and thanks for stopping by. If you are receiving this page and my name doesn't sound "familiar", please know that our paths have crossed - personally, professionally or perhaps in cyberspace and whether you know me as a childhood friend, an old work colleague or schoolmate, a business owner, a community volunteer or a friend on the world wide web, I ask you to please continue reading.

For those of you whom I may not personally have had the pleasure of meeting face to face (yet), my name is Valerie Washington Pendergrass and I have recently made the decision to join the fight against blood cancers by runnning a marathon. As some of you know, I lost my oldest brother to cancer in 2004 and most of us have had way too many dear friends in the fight or touched by it amongst our families and friends.

Yes, I realize that it may sound a bit drastic to run 26.2 miles since I could just donate or raise money without the added bonus of running all day in the Florida heat and humidity but, if you know me at all, you've probably already concluded that just giving money wasn't enough....

So let me tell you about my event. I am training to run the Walt Disney World Marathon on January 11, 2009. I have always wanted to run a marathon and, as a former world class athlete, I've been yearning to get back into a bigger fitness game.

As fate would have it, I received a flyer from Team in Training in the mail about a marathon prep event that raises funds for blood cancers. THAT had my name written all over it (making a difference AND reaching a fitness goal!).....so here I am. Preparing to run a marathon and inviting you to support me.

Here's the crazy part. I'm only trying to raise $2,500. That's IT. As you can see, I am well on my way but I need your support to get the rest of the way. I'd love to complete all my fund raising efforts by November 29th so that I can focus all my efforts on completing the marathon!

Here's how you can help:

1. Make an individual contribution. I know times are tight for many so all I'm asking of you is $25. That's IT. Of course, if you want to donate more, I won't give it back (smile) but if I can find just 100 people to donate $25, my fundraising mission will be complete (you can even be anonymous if you choose and remember that your gift is tax deductible). Don't forget to see if your company has a matching gift program!

2. Be a corporate sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities begin at only $1000 and provides great benefits for your organization! A couple of sponsors and I've met my goal! If this sounds like an opportunity for your company, please contact me and I'll be happy to review the options and opportunity.

3. Spread the word! Let others know about my website and what I'm up to. I would love to double or triple the amount of funds raised!

4. Join the cause! If you have ever thought about participating in an endurance event (marathon, half-marathon, triathlon etc) and simply neded some motivation or inspiration, here's your chance! The training programs take you from "couch to completion" so have no fear. If you're interested, please contact me for more information. LLS/Team in Training hosts events nationwide year-round.

5. If you reside in the Central Florida area, mark your calendars for January 11th and come out and cheer me and my team on! Although I have never run a marathon, I have played lots of sports and I know how inspirational it is to have friends and family right there beside you!

6. Finally, if you are so inclined, say a prayer! Running a marathon means daily training for the next 4+ months and my body will go through lots of aches, pains, moans and groans over that time. I can use all the prayers and blessings you have to give!

So....... that's my story and I'm sticking to it! Thanks again for stopping by and I hope you'll go ahead and make a donation before you go. Just click on "make a donation" - it's that easy.

I cannot tell you how excited I am and how much I appreciate your support! Don't forget to stop by frequently to check my progress!

Blessings,

Valerie

October update.........

Welcome back! At this writing, Team in Training has been on its marathon mission for almost a month and a half! As you can see, I am more than halfway to my fundraising goal!!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I truly feel blessed and honored to be supported by so many amazing people! In down economic times, it's easy to say no which makes the blessings all the greater!

I've also made much running progress in the past month. I'm proud to report that I recently completed a TEN MILE RUN! For someone who hasn't been a runner for "many moons", I can tell you that I am quite excited about reaching that milestone! By the end of October, we will have completed a 13 mile run - WHEW!!

October is also RECOMMITMENT MONTH!

On October 15th, we will each have the opportunity to raise our hands once again and say, "Yes, I'm in!!" Thanks to your fundraising support, my commitment and the support of the amazing Team in Training staff, I will definitely be among those continuing the journey toward Disney in January 2009!!

I'm both nervous and excited but when I have doubts, I remember to take things one day at a time and one step at a time. I remember crying with my brother when he was diagnosed. I remember celebrating the victories along the way and I remember his courage. He gave me courage then and he gives me courage now.

Thank you also for partnering with me, standing beside me and holding me up (even when you don't realize it!)

November Update.......

Welcome back and thanks for checking in! It's difficult to believe that the marathon is less than two months away - WOW!!

I'm happy to report that I recently ran 15 miles and by the end of November, the team will be logging 20! I'm told our longest pre-race day run will be 21 miles.... While that still seems daunting, it isn't quite as intimdating as it seemed just one month ago.

As you can see, I am also a-l-m-o-s-t at my fundraising goal!! Just $180 more (so close and yet so far away!) thanks to your faith and generosity in such an amazing mission.

I continue to be blessed with good health, good focus and no injuries so I ask for your continued prayers over me in this journey and beyond.

Continued blessings to you my friends and have a wonderful THANKSGIVING holiday,

Valerie