August, 2010

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Hello again, dear friends and family!

Well, it's mid-summer and mid-training. I hope you are all enjoying the fruits of summer and your favorite activities with loved ones. I hear the weather has you all reaching for the iced tea and AC.

Fortunately in San Diego, the clouds and 60 degree temps have lingered through July, making for easier training for me. We're now doing 14-16 miles at a time on our long weekend runs. It's all fun and games until about mile 10, when I begin wondering WHY am I doing this again?

I remembered what the point of this running and fundraising is yesterday.

As I dug deep to find some strength around mile 12, I thought of my Dad, knowing that picturing him doing something crazy and fearless would inspire me. Like the way he used to race us down the ski hill, hang gliding with waterskis, etc. And then the memory was quickly replaced by one of my last moments with him as he was dying from cancer. He was unable to speak except for the tears of joy he cried when I arrived at his bedside. We had about 10 minutes to communicate without words, knowing we were saying goodbye. It was just three days before my birthday, and clearly I did not spend it celebrating that year.

I found myself literally gasping for breath like an asthmatic, trying to run and cry at the same time. Can't imagine what I looked like to people passing on the street.

This month, August 22nd, marks the the 8th Anniversary of Dad's losing his fight with cancer. I'd like to make this Anniversary more memorable by reaching my fundraising goals for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I was unable to help my dad, but with your help, we can help patients and their families fight cancer so that they can continue to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries together.

Please help me with a donation in any amount you can afford. Hopefully, on August 22nd, I'll be able to say "Happy Anniversary, Dad! Look what we accomplished in your memory!" And I'll celebrate my birthday a few days later with a smile, thanks to all of you.

Aloha,

Michele

June, 2010

95 down, 600 to go...

That's the easy part. Logging the miles, that is. I estimate between me and the starting line for the Nike Marathon remains about 600+ miles of training runs. A mile at a time, I can do it alone.

But raising dollars to help others in need is a lot harder. Thanks to all of you who responded so quickly with your generous donations. Because of you, we've passed the 25% mark quickly. But, like a marathon, the first 6 or 7 miles are the easy part. Now I've got to find some clever ways to reach my fundraising finish line. I'll be pouring beer at weekend festivals for tips, hitting up local businesses for donations, having a garage sale. Can anyone donate a Disney-style costume so I can stand at the intersection and cajole motorists to help out and have a laugh at the same time?

Joking aside, it's become apparent to me why this is a worthwhile cause. Several of my Team Mates have parents who are fighting Leukemia or Lymphoma - and when I realized their parents were my age, the cause took on a new meaning. During the recent Rock 'N Roll marathon here in San Diego, memorial posters with photos of those who had lost their battle were found along the race course. Heartbreaking to see how many people were missed by their loved ones. Ever try running and crying at the same time?

I'll continue to provide you with updates in the coming weeks so you can be a part of the Team and not just someone I'm hitting up for money. For those of you who may be sitting on the sidelines and wondering whether or not to donate - call or email me and I'll be happy to help you see the light! And to those of you who are ready to help out - THANK YOU!!!

Aloha,

Michele

You grind the coffee, I'll grind the miles. Use your coffee habit to help cure cancer! Click on the link below and treat yourself to some great coffee while helping me raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society: http://www.easywebautomation.com/app/?Clk=3759471

May, 2010

Racing to Save Lives

Compared to what others endure in their race against cancer, I think we can all agree running one marathon is a relatively easy effort. Although I'm not personally affected by cancer, I feel strongly that each of us should use our abilities to help others. As a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training, I'm raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives. I'm participating in the Nike Women's Marathon in San Francisco on October 17, in honor of all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes, and I'm asking for your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure for blood cancers!

Your donation directly helps patients and families affected by blood cancers. For example, funds are used to help patients obtain medication, treatment and transportation, Family Support Group Programs, and many other services offered by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Please join with me to help others by making a donation!

Thanks!

Michele