Never would I have imagined the year 2012 having such a significant meaning. Yes, 10 years ago I was about to enter my senior year in high school and thinking about all the life changes that were about to be my reality. But there was one life change that I didn't expect to encounter. This year, July 29, 2012, marks the 10th anniversary of the passing of my big brother, Charles Reuben O'Neal II.

My first real basketball coach, the person I had to learn to have "tough skin" with, my breakfast connoisseur (heavily salted eggs), my friend, & still to date the best big brother ever. At 15, I learned that my brother was sick, but I didn’t know just how sick he really was. I remember one night, Charles being in so much pain we had to rush him to the hospital. Riding in the backseat with my “mean” big brother who teased me about being adopted, he reached and grabbed my hand to squeeze to get him through the pain. That night I knew it was hard for him. And that night I was glad that I could be there for him. After a year and a half battle with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, my brother passed away just 1 month before I entered my senior year of high school.

This year in honor of my brother Charles, my mother and I decided to we wanted to do something different. Something big. And the opportunity to join Team in Training came to our attention. Participating with Team in Training allows us to raise funds for LLS – The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society thru various events. The event we chose is the Rock 'n' Roll San Diego® Marathon & Half Marathon in San Diego June 3, 2012.

That brings me to my request. My mother and I need your help! Our goal is to raise $2900 each in order to participate in the half-marathon in San Diego. There is a link below for LLS that will give you information on how your tax deductible donation will be used. 75% of your donation goes directly to research and patient care.

In the event we don't meet our goal, know that your donation is not in vain. All donations are greatly appreciated and will be used in the fight against this terrible disease and just may help prevent another family from losing their big brother. I recently found out a friend I graduated from high school with, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, I refuse to lose another person to this disease. Your donations will go directly to helping her with her fight and prevent another family from losing their son or big sister.

To my dear friend and my beloved big brother EVERY STEP IS FOR YOU!

Our training begins February 11, 2012. Friend me on Facebook and follow our journey. I’ll be posting pictures and video footage of “The Process” :)

Thanks,

Robin & Christen O'Neal