Racing to Save Lives

My name is Shari Barnes and the young man with the contagious smile above is my son, Christopher a.k.a. "Oreo" Jones. Chris lost his battle to cancer on June 2, 2004 and it is my mission to put a face with cancer. Your contributions aren't just a figure going into a bank account - they are desperately needed to help patients like my son fight this cruel disease and wipe it out once and for all! So much has been accomplished through research, but we're not there yet. There is still much to be done.

My son was an amazing person. He was known as the singing carhop at Sonic because everytime you saw him he was singing, dancing, and smiling. He loved life and he loved people - he had the most amazing gift of seeing the good in everyone and bringing it out in them. He was ROTC Cadet of the Year, Youth Optimist of the Year, and was going to college to become a Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor so he could help those battling with addiction - He was going to change the world.... but then... cancer at the age of 19. This disease robbed this world of a truly beautiful soul, and the letter he left us (above) has kept so many of us fighting in his honor. He apologized for not being the hero he thought he was meant to be... he has become that hero, that inspiration, through all that knew him and through the lives he has touched directly and indirectly.

I am by no means an accomplished athlete, but come January 2011 I will run 26.2 miles in memory of this amazing young man and I am asking for your contributions. I'll do the hard part :) - but I need your help in raising money for this truly worthy cause.

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Momma Oreo is out to kick some cancer butt and please think of all the Christophers and their families when you donate. They need us!

Thanks for your support!