As promised, we wanted to send an update on training, but more importantly, on Sofia.

For an update on training, it’s going :) This has been a tough winter for everyone to get out there and run, but we have the most amazing motivation from that tough 9 year old girl. So mile after mile, step by step, we’ve been increasing my mileage these last few weeks and we're in better shape every day!

But more importantly, Sofia!

She had her first round of chemo last month and the results were not bad, but not good. Unfortunately she didn’t react to the chemo, which I’m learning is quite common for cancer since all cancer is different and you have to find just the right “cocktail”. But the good news is she didn’t get any worse!

She’s currently in her second round of chemo as we speak and we’ll get results next week, so fingers crossed!! In the meantime, Sofia and her mom MT put together this amazing video that I had to share. It gives you all a glimpse of her personality and great attitude, but mostly importantly, her constant smile. So enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bbuZ81HzDk

Most of you have donated so generously- we cannot continue to thank you enough for the continued support. For those of you checking out our blog for the first time or you just haven’t yet gotten the chance, every dollar helps!!

Enjoy and we promise to keep the updates coming!!

Love always,

Bern, Steven, Kiersten, Sammy and Wendy

Welcome to the fundraising page of Bernadette McCrudden, Steven Conlon, Kiersten Jacobsen, Samantha Jacobsen & Wendy Conlon!

“Where there is great love, there are always miracles.”

Willa Cather

Our family has always been blessed with much love. A few years ago, our

cousins from Scotland, the Vezzas, spent their Christmas holiday here in New

York. After a few days on Long Island, they ventured up to the McCrudden

household where fresh layers of snow had just fallen. We managed to dress

all five children in snow gear for a day of sleigh riding and snow ball fights.

Christmas was a sight as presents covered the floor. The children were thrilled.

Later that afternoon we went to Michael’s house in New Paltz where the fun

just continued. One of the Vezza boys told his mother that this was the best

Christmas ever.

This year, Christmas was quite different for the Vezza family. Their greatest

present would not be a trip to New York or come in a box. Their greatest gift

this past Christmas came in the form of a miracle when nine year old Sofia

Vezza came home from the hospital for Christmas. In November of 2012, Sofia

was diagnosed with Leukemia. Now her days are filled with long hospital stays

and treatments instead of attending school with her friends or playing with her

American Girl dolls. Leukemia is a disease too familiar to our family. In 2002,

we said good-bye to a father, brother-in-law and friend, Christian Jacobsen

who lost his battle with Leukemia leaving behind a wife and three daughters.

Now his daughters and sister and brother in law are running the San Diego Half

Marathon to help raise money to cure this disease. We will be running with Team

in Training (TNT) For Sofia , hoping our love will find her a miracle.

Since 1988 TNT has raised over $900 million dollars for research, patient aid

programs and community outreach programs. Their goal is to find a cure for

leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. Their fundraising has

helped increase the survival rate from 4% in 1960 to 81% over the last decade.

Please help us support this great cause by donating to our fundraiser.

We have decided to join together to help raise $20,000 for the Leukemia

Society. We are writing to ask you to help us with our goal. No amount is

too small. As we pound the pavement we will be remembering Sofia and all

the friends and loved ones who have been touched by leukemia, lymphoma,

Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma.

We would like to thank you in advance for all of your love and support.

Sofia, Age 9

Christian Jacobsen and his 3 daughters

Passed away in 2002 at 42 years of age

GO TEAM SOFIA !!