Our kids are involved in our 26.2 miles to kick cancer goal, too! H-Bomb, Tink, Big-C and Dinky-T are all training so that they can come to California and each run a couple miles with me during the marathon for support. Nick will also run some miles with me....Five honey? Does that sound good? And I am THRILLED that my sister even agreed to keep me company for a couple of miles.

Our kids also save a portion of the money they earn and donate to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, too. We couldn't be prouder.

Cancer sucks. Please help by making a donation.

Amazing Photo by One Shot Photography, thank you Tina & Alan for your donation!

Today is the anniversary of my dear friend Marc's death.

He was an amazing person. Cancer sucks.

Marc jumped in the Polar Bear jump every year to raise money for cancer. Nick and I have followed suit, as well as marathon runs to make a difference in cancer research.

Last week I found out a friend my age has been diagnosed with cancer.

Today, a friend of the family shared with me that her father did not survive his blood cancer.

One hour later, I ran into another friend. Her father-in-law's blood cancer has now brought him to the terminal stage.

I reflected on these people on my commute home tonight. I am so lucky to be able to run, to be full of life, to experience joy, and to be surrounded by beautiful family and friends.

I hope that you will join me in attempting to make a difference. We may not eliminate cancer, but wouldn't it be lovely if a diagnosis did not have to equate to a death sentence?

Three years ago, Nick and I ran the Mayor's Marathon in Anchorage to raise money for blood cancers. As most of you know, our lives have been deeply and profoundly touched by cancer.

Now that my broken ankle has healed (and the titanium plate has been removed) it is time once again to raise money for blood cancers, and I need your help.

I will run 26.2 miles in San Francisco this October. I need you to help me raise $2600. Your donation is tax deductible, sweat and blister free. You even get to keep all ten of your toenails. For my part, I will be donating regularly to my fund goal, as well as running and cross training from now until October. I expect that I will whine, cry, sweat, and bore you to tears with the damage to my feet, but isn't it worth it? You and I both know that what I experience will be NOTHING compared to those affected by cancer.

Please make a donation in support of my efforts with Team In Training and help advance the research for cures.