Since my last post less than a month ago, I am astonished by what goals I have met. These accomplishments I knew I could do, but really never knew how great it would feel to really dedicate myself to something that I care about so deeply. This experience has changed my perspective on so many things, regardless of how big or small each obstacle has been.

On January 12, I was so proud of raising just over $800 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, but now a month later I have raised $2,000 more dollars. Through this fundraising, I have learned so much about how many individuals and their families these blood cancers affect. WIth the help and support of my mom's business, Harper's Fabrics & Quilt Co., her customers and staff I have been successful in fundraising. I have also met people's whose lives I am helping to change. At Hilary and my Best of 2010 Gallery Open House last weekend, I had a mother open her wallet to a photo of her infant daughter who was diagnosed with Leukemia and is now in maintence phase. It is the research of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that helped to save this little girl who has yet to even experience the best of her life. This little girl now has hope to enjoy aspects of her life that we all take for granted. These are the moments that remind me every day why I am dedicating myself to this. I am doing this to change people's lives and to help them survive this disease. (Pictured above is Hilary and I at our Best of 2010 Gallery Open House where we raised over $1,000)

Also in this past month, I have accomplished the longer runs that were some of the obstacles I did not know if I could really do it. Well, I surprised myself! I have run 16 miles and then yesterday, 18 miles. These runs have shown me that what I set my mind to, I can do. And in six weeks, I will set my mind to accomplish my very first marathon in Los Angeles and I will do just that!

I would not want to experience running my first marathon in any other way. Team in Training has been a mind opening experience for me, and I have met so many people that have the same common goal as me. So many of us are coming together to make a difference in what we are running for, and I know that we will be successful (and have been successful) in making a difference with the money that we are raising for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

There are so many people that have supported me that I continue to thank and think of. Each donation means the world to me and helps to fight blood cancers, and I thank those who are helping me to do something that is saving people every day. I will never forget that little girls face, who has so much ahead of her; so much more life to live because she is surviving Leukemia.

If your interested in following my journey, my blog is www.andtothefinishline.blogspot.com

This past weekend I hit a new mile stone...and yes...I have hit one almost every week, but 14 Miles for me was BIG. It was BIG because I originally thought I could only run a half-marathon (if that) and that's what I intended to start this journey as. Now look...I have done more than a half-marathon! And I am on my way to a full marathon!

It's crazy that we are half way done with our training and our fundraising! Unfortunately, my fundraising isn't quite to half-way and I am hoping that everyone can help me out with that one! Every little bit helps! The entire journey is about so many things. Not just the running or not just the fundraising. It is about the whole experience, and here at the half way point...It has already been such an amazing journey! I can't wait for the second half!

I can't believe I have already raised $825 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and deeply appreciate everyone who has contributed to my efforts to support this cause! Just that much money can make a difference, so I hope that you will help me raise even more!

Almost 8 weeks into training for the Los Angeles Marathon in March, I really have never felt better. This experience is truly mind-opening about what your body can do, but also what a difference you can make in other's lives through fundraising and raising awareness of how Leukemia and Lymphoma has affected so many people in their lives.

Just through talking about what I am doing, I have heard amazing stories of individuals and their families that have been through the worst and back because of Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood related cancers. These are the individuals that give me the strength to train 6 days a week and wake up early on Saturday mornings to run our long distances. I will never have the strength and hope that these families have shown through the obstacles that this disease has forced them to overcome. They truly are my inspiration!

At first I was running this marathon to help the community and give back, because of the loss of my grandmother to lung cancer in August and her undenying want to help everyone in every way possible. Now my world has opened to so many more stories that inspire me every mile of the way. I am running for so much more now and it really just makes me smile to think about it!

I hope that you can help me along this journey and contribute to my cause. It's not only about running anymore; it's about helping families and patients to fight blood cancers today and in future years.

Check out my blog if you are interested in tracking my journey to Los Angeles on March 20, 2011 (No I won't be running to LA...but thats a nice thought)!

www.AndToTheFinishLine.blogspot.com

Believe it or not (because I am not sure I believe it yet), but I did sign up for the LA Marathon on March 20, 2011, last night. Thankfully, my official first day of training happened to be yoga day so I am not groaning yet.

A friend of mine, Hilary, and I joined Team in Training which is the largest fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Through the team we get training, coaching, weekly practices and I am sure a lot more than I even know now. Sounds like a lot of support so far, but I know this is something that I can do. I just have to do it mentally.

This commitment is not all that random, because I have wanted to run a marathon for a few years. Well maybe my goal had fallen recently to a half, but its something I have wanted to do. Hilary and I went to a Team in Training meeting last night and we were both thinking before that even a half sounds like a lot. And well...what do you know...an hour later we've embarked in twice that! Thanks to Hilary's words of wisdom...

"Go Big or Go Home!"

So here we go! We are going big!

I hope that you will visit my page often to keep updated on my progress, and help me reach my goal to help save lives for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Sociey!!