Racing to Save Lives

Welcome to my Team In Training home page.

Dear friends and family,

I'm going to run the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll marathon in June. Think I’m crazy? Truth be told, you may not be so far off the mark! I'm not really in great shape yet. As of right now, I can't run very far or for a very long time. 26.2 miles seems like a really long way to go. I mean, really really long. I may not even be able to swim that far. So, am I crazy? Well, a couple of very sane reasons are driving my decision to run:

The first is that I have been truly and deeply inspired by the people who I have met in the recent weeks, who suffer from incurable blood cancers and have the willingness and drive to live, let alone run a marathon. If they can do it, so can I!

But it’s about more than just me – or my awesome friends. Through The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program, I will not just be running for myself, but in support of an organization that is dedicated to curing lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and improving the lives of patients and their families. In exchange for fundraising, the Society will help me train for the race, provide coaching and medical guidance, and will put me together with other runners of similar skills.

So here I am, seizing my opportunity. My goals are two-fold: one, to cross the finish line of the San Diego Marathon on June 5, 2011 (even if I have to crawl to do it!); and two, to raise $2,500 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I'm hoping you will be able to help me with both of these goals. Your encouragement and positive reinforcement will go an incredibly long way in helping me complete this marathon. Your financial support will not only help save the lives of those afflicted with blood-related cancers, but make their lives more comfortable and manageable while they are fighting – and winning against - the disease. Consider also that many of the strides that are made toward curing blood-related cancers translate into making a difference in fighting all types of cancers.

If you are so inspired to take up this tremendous cause with me, please feel free to share this letter and request with anyone who might be inclined to help. Every contribution will have an impact, will be acknowledged personally by me, and will be appreciated by so many.

Finally, if you know someone who has been afflicted with a blood-related cancer, I would love to run in their honor as well. Please let me know their name(s) and I will be sure to wear something for them on race day.

Thank you so very much!

Craig Gonzales

Follow my progress on my website as well as my facebook page:

www.gonzaleschiro.com

www.facebook.com/gonzaleschiro