My Fundraising Page

May 19, 2008

Remembering the reasons I run...



Welcome to my Team In Training (TNT) home page!



Many of you visited a site similar to this one a year ago when I was fundraising and running in honor of Greg Williams for the Indy Mini 1/2 Marathon. This year, I carry on the tradition of running for Greg, but sadly in his memory - he passed away Dec 28, 2007.

The race will be Oct. 12, 2008 - the place Chicago, IL - The Bank of America Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles for those of you non-runners)



When I started running 5 years ago, my comment was "there's no reason to go further than 3 or 4 miles". Now I say "26.2 miles? Piece of cake"... well, at least I hope that's what I'll be saying on Oct. 11 (and maybe even Oct.13?). I started running to get in shape, to feel better about myself, to lose weight, and "lose" stress. : )



Somewhere along the road I found friends to run with, a cause to run for, a family -both blood and spiritual- who encourages and lifts me up, and a love of helping and encouraging others in their "distance journey". After my first season with TNT as a runner, I joined ranks and became a coach - which has been one of the most rewarding "jobs" of my life. I don't know who has gotten more out of the coaching experience, but I would venture to say me... with all the friends, support and encouragement I have received.



So now, you ask, "how can I help?"

My goal is fairly simple - I want to give back above and beyond to the LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and TNT for what they have done for me. I want to give to the LLS with the hope that every family gets "more time" and that no family has to hurt and fight again the way the Williams family has hurt and fought.



The "goal" set before me is $1600. The goal I am setting is $4000. Whether you give one dollar or one hundred dollars, know that the money you have donated will go to research - the majority staying in the state of Illinois at places like Northwestern - and family/patient support & care, and will make you a part of a group that I consider very precious to me.



That said, I can't thank you enough for your support and encouragement through this process. I will update when I can with progress notes for training - stop back and watch the fundraising bubble fill up and up. Everyone who contributes $25 or more to the goal will have their name(s) placed on my jersey for race day... I will carry you with me everywhere I go that day.



All my best...

and thanks for reading about the "reasons I run".

Love, Jess



**Picture above is Greg Williams and his son Aaron.

Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Supporter Comments

"Way to go Jess. I'm soooooooo proud of you. Aunt Norva"
Norva Lewis
Tue Jun 3 06:42:33 EDT 2008
"From Tonya and I both!"
Kevin Parker
Mon Jun 9 03:46:36 EDT 2008
"Way to go Jess!"
Lowell and Leslie Koons
Mon Jun 9 06:29:52 EDT 2008
"With our love and admiration for all that you do... Mom and Dad"
Ruth Hanson
Sat Jun 21 04:59:40 EDT 2008
"I know you can do this and hope to be at the finish line or maybe even running with you along the way! Love and prayers! Jess & Bubba"
Jessica Hooker
Mon Jun 23 11:57:10 EDT 2008
"What a wonderful charity! And, I'm so impressed you can run that far!!! Congrats on all of your accomplishments and good luck! Laura & Jason Wise "
LAURA WISE
Tue Jun 24 03:28:55 EDT 2008
"run good for a good cause!"
Leland Sorenson
Mon Jun 30 09:47:02 EDT 2008
"You're a rockstar!"
Emily Ambroso
Sun Jul 6 07:40:51 EDT 2008

My Fundraising Total

80%
80 %

Make a Donation

We are no longer accepting donations for this event, however you can still make a donation to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

My Thanks To

Fundraisers Hanson $275.00
Jeffrey Lewis $250.00
Jessica Hooker $250.00
Ruth Hanson $250.00
Greg and Megan Stev... $200.00
Mary & Walter Ro... $200.00
Sue Hodgson $100.00
Charlotte Williams $100.00
Casey Krysiak $100.00
Richard Rockwell $100.00
Jessica Hanson $100.00
Greg Williams $50.00
Aaron Williams $50.00
Emily Ambroso $50.00
Kevin Parker $50.00
Norva Lewis $50.00
Freda Romonosky $25.00
Troy Bartos $25.00
James & Betty Wa... $25.00
Leland Sorenson $25.00
LAURA WISE $25.00
Lowell and Leslie Ko... $25.00
Kay Turvey $20.33
Tom & Vicki Dail... $15.00

Supporter Comments

"Way to go Jess. I'm soooooooo proud of you. Aunt Norva"
Norva Lewis
Tue Jun 3 06:42:33 EDT 2008
"From Tonya and I both!"
Kevin Parker
Mon Jun 9 03:46:36 EDT 2008
"Way to go Jess!"
Lowell and Leslie Koons
Mon Jun 9 06:29:52 EDT 2008
"With our love and admiration for all that you do... Mom and Dad"
Ruth Hanson
Sat Jun 21 04:59:40 EDT 2008
"I know you can do this and hope to be at the finish line or maybe even running with you along the way! Love and prayers! Jess & Bubba"
Jessica Hooker
Mon Jun 23 11:57:10 EDT 2008
"What a wonderful charity! And, I'm so impressed you can run that far!!! Congrats on all of your accomplishments and good luck! Laura & Jason Wise "
LAURA WISE
Tue Jun 24 03:28:55 EDT 2008
"run good for a good cause!"
Leland Sorenson
Mon Jun 30 09:47:02 EDT 2008
"You're a rockstar!"
Emily Ambroso
Sun Jul 6 07:40:51 EDT 2008