Run Girl Run

1 girl, 2 feet, 3 marathons, $10,000 & 26.2 to go...

In October of 2005, I lost a great friend to Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

I met Steve Bouvier in 7th grade. We were in all the same nerdy classes together. From teasing and taunting was born a great friendship, and I don't have many memories of growing up that don't include 'Bouv'. He was one of those friends you hang on to.

Steve battled cancer for over four years. When he first got sick, we were calmed by good statistics and cure rates. We were all more than optimistic - in that first year and a half or so, we thought he had it beat. Unfortunately, it was just the beginning of a really long battle. Bouv underwent bone marrow transplants, chemo, and a few new/experimental procedures. He married Jeanne in a little ceremony in his beloved Vermont. He got better and he got worse. We got the news that October that there would be no more treatments - he, his parents and his wife decided that he would come home and be comfortable. When we lost Bouv, he had just turned 29.

Between now and November 1st, it is my goal to raise $10,000 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as I train for the New York City Marathon.

I still contend that I am NOT a runner...and yet...this is the 4th marathon I will run in Bouv's memory to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma society. Running does not exactly come easily to me but having this cause and Bouv in my mind makes the early morning miles pass a little more swiftly.

The mission of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Every donation is tax deductible, and much of the research into new procedures and treatments directly benefit curing all forms of cancer, not just blood cancers - so your donations really do make a difference in so many ways.

I run for the families that are fighting cancers every day.

I run so that one day there will be a cure.

I run because I miss Bouv and sometimes I'm angry , sad and frustrated.

I run because it's something I can do to help.

I run in celebration of Steve, his life & the impact he had on those that knew him.

I run because I can when others can't.

I hope you'll check back frequently to see my progress. And if you want up to the minute updates, please read my training blog - girlyoubetterrun.blogspot.com - and be my fan on facebook - facebook.com/runroxrun.

Thank you so very much for your support!