UPDATE 5/15/10:

77 miles today..WOOOHOOO!!! It was a gorgeous ride from Malibu to/around Camarillo and back. Only 2 weeks until Tahoe and I can't wait. Thank you again to all who have supported me and if you've forgotten it's NOT too late! I'm only $76 dollars away from my goal :) Remember, every dollar makes a difference and you're SAVING LIVES with your donations!

UPDATE 4/20/10:

I've passed the $3,000 mark! THANK YOU EVERYONE for your support and encouraging words :) Training is going so well (last week was a 62 mi ride..) and I'm continuing to relish in every moment of it. Countdown to the ride...t minus 47 days. Can't wait.

UPDATE 4/2/10:

Thank you to everyone who has donated! I have raised almost $2,500 to date! My training is progressing and I think it's safe to say I'm addicted to riding :) This week we're going to hit the big 5-0 mile mark....1/2 century! I continue to be inspired by the stories of survivors and teammates who are relentless and their courage/heart is a constant reminder as to why I'm doing this!

Racing to Save Lives!!!

A few weeks ago I was taking a bike ride near my house and I had a strange revelation....my 24th birthday was quickly approaching and in 23 years I have been given more blessings than some could hope for in a lifetime. It was a humbling revelation and it got me to thinking, I should start looking for a way to give something back. I did a Google search and that is when I found Team In Training (TNT), a way to combine my love for physical fitness with philanthropy. Sounded perfect. TNT is a fundraising and training program that will prepare me, along with my teammates, for the challenges of completing a century bike ride (100 miles) while fundraising for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

On June 6, I'll be riding 100 miles in "Americas Most Beautiful Bike Ride" and have committed to raising $3900 to help find a cure for blood cancers. I am sure you or someone very close to your heart had been affected by cancer and for me, it has hit too close to home to continue to do nothing. I will be completing these 100 miles in memory of some very special people: my grandmother Eleanor Boniakowski who passed away from breast cancer, family friends Rocky and Mark Tropeano who both lost their fights, Peggy Leonard, and Lauren Richmond lost her battle with chordoma last year. This is for them.

Additionally, If you have a friend or family member you would like me run in honor or memory of, please let me know and I will pin their name to my race day jersey. I am in for a long race, but theirs is longer. Every bit helps bring us closer to the finish line, and we'll get there with your help.

My personal goal is to raise $5,000.00 to help find a cure for blood cancers. I realize times are tough for a lot of people, but finding a cure is something that should not be affected by the poor economy. Any amount will help me reach my goal and is very much appreciated...and donations are tax deductible!

Thank you for taking the time and consideration to read this and please make a domation to support my participation. Rememeber, no donation is too small, even $1, who knows your dollar could be the one that finds a cure! I truly appreciate your support and I hope you will visit our web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see our progress. Thanks again!

xo,

Jackie