This Sunday will mark six weeks since the passing of my dear sister-in-law. At the end of this January, she became ill and succumbed to liver failure on February 5 when they were unable to find a suitable transplant. She had become part of our family not more than four months earlier.

These past few weeks have been very difficult for me and my family as we've tried to pick up the pieces. Team in Training has given me something to strive for, and helped me get through my loss. This has been a painful reminder of how precious life is, and I can't tell you enough how thankful I am for all your support.

Thank you so much for helping the fight against cancer! I'll see you at the finish line!

I can't believe the marathon is just around the corner! I started training in November, unsure whether I would be able to run a marathon. Since then I have done a 14 mile run, a 16 mile run, and a 20 mile run, and you'd better believe I'm jumping at the bit for 26.2 on March 18.

A good buddy of mine told me that once race day is on the 10 day forecast, that he'd compulsively check the weather. I gotta say that makes sense to me, so here it is!

This is my first year participating in Team in Training, and only my second time running in a race longer than 400 meters. I cannot think of a better cause to be a part of.

At the age of 26, I am surprised by just how much blood cancers have affected me and my loved ones. As an undergraduate, one of my fraternity brothers and dear friends was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Throughout his treatments, he showed an incredible vigor and enthusiasm for life. His treatments were a success and he has been cancer free for several years now. More recently, my friend's father similarly came down with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Nevertheless, he always had a contagious sense of humor and was positively exuberant. I was thrilled to learn last month that he overcame his cancer and is now in full remission!

To say I am in awe of these two amazing individuals would just barely scratch at the surface. Through their strength, I have found the inspiration to push myself and be part of something greater in life. For this reason, I am running in support of the cancer research that helped save their lives.

In the months ahead, you will give me the extra strength to achieve my goals with Team in Training. Thank you in advance for supporting me in my race and in my fundraising efforts!