I'm Running For A Cure!

Dear Family & Friends,

I am hoping I can count on your support for a very worthy and credible cause.

My purpose is straight forward:

I am going to raise $2,750 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by completing the San Diego Rock & Roll Half Marathon on June 6, 2010.

Four years ago, my life changed forever. On January 29, 2006, my dear friend Jennifer lost her courageous battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Jenn was 31 years old, and a loving mother, caring wife, and loyal friend. It is in her memory that I am dedicating the next 6 months of training, racing, and ultimately raising awareness to fight these horrific diseases.

I am, once again, asking for your support during my journey.

I will have aches & pains during my training, and it will be a battle to cross the finish line of the 13.1 mile half marathon course. My knee injuries are still hangin' around, along with the physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion of training for an endurance event, will make my journey challenging. Unquestionably, it will NEVER compare to Jenn's battle she faced every day as a leukemia patient. But, we can share in the pride of caring by honoring Jenn and the thousands like her.

I am not alone in my effort. Once again, I am part of Team in Training, the largest endurance-training program in the country. TNT's mission is to use endurance events to raise funds for blood cancer research and patient aid. To date, TNT has raised over $1.0Bn (yep, that's BILLION) to advance the Society's mission. It's that kind of effort & dedication that helped my decision to join the TEAM over 4 years ago.

But more than anything else, it was the determination, dedication, and pure resolve of one single individual that is driving my efforts this year. Losing Jenn to this horrific disease motivated me to learn, will push me to endure, and continuously makes me strive to raise awareness. With the help and support of all of you, my journey will AGAIN be a success.

In 2006, I raised a total of $5,753.80 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by running 26.2 miles in the Chicago Marathon. I wrote sponsor's names on my shoes, my triceps, my hamstrings, my quads, and my calves. I wrote "For Jenn" anywhere I could. I carried my good luck charms on my singlet. I ran the 26.2 miles for Jenn, but I also ran it WITH Jenn. Not only was I blessed to be able to wear one of her bandanas during the race, but I know that during the tough spots, she was running along with me, like an angel guiding me to the finish line.

That journey is complete. But my dedication to fighting blood cancers continues, this year, with the San Diego Rock & Roll Half Marathon. Let's face it...those of you that have been around, know darn well my knees can't handle a full marathon, but a half? YES. I can. I will. Knees can heal, they don't need a cure. Blood cancer patients DO. My job is to make sure that happens.

Please join me in helping LLS fulfill its mission. Jenn had a "never quit" attitude, and I get my strength from that. Join me in the fight against blood cancers by contributing to this admirable cause...one that is near and dear to my heart. If you knew that your donation could prevent a loved one from hearing the diagnosis Jenn and her family heard...

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Karin

www.JogginForJenn.com