“There is a systematic flocci-naucinihilipilification of all other aspects of existence that angers me.”

This was just one of the phrases that came from one of Patrick O'Brian's books that my stepdad, Bob, asked Ken and me to read out loud to him during the final weeks of his life. Mr. O'Brian wrote the historical naval novels that the movie "Master and Commander" was based upon. We had to have not one, but TWO reference books accompanying us just to decipher the salty speech and technical naval jargon. I think most of Bob's enjoyment of our reading came from witnessing our colossal struggle just to spit out the words coherently. I had an easier time reading Chaucer aloud in Old English!

Flocci-naucinihilipilification is defined as "the estimation of something as valueless." The phrase from the book stuck with me because it fit how I was feeling about cancer at that time - I spent a lot of that time being angry. I believe the existence of every person has value. Cancer does not recognize that value, it does not honor an individual or respect their dignity.

So as I walk loop after loop at the park to prepare for the Lake Placid half - I think about all the people of value whom we have lost to cancer or whose lives are drastically changed by cancer. I'm working to transform that anger at cancer into positive action - an act of love by raising money and awareness in support of the search for a cure - an act of acknowledging the value of life.

I'm really grateful for all the folks who have been supportive - both by donating and by cheering me on. Thank you so much for seeing the value in this endeavor!

"Solvitur ambulando. To solve a problem, walk around."

St. Jerome may seem to be an unlikely source of my inspirational quote as he was quite the cranky guy - but it turns out that he may be more fitting than one would think. He is the patron saint of archivists, students and translators - perfect patronage for my new endeavor.

I'm training to participate in the Lake Placid Marathon in June as a member of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Team In Training. All of us on Team In Training are raising funds to help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.

I am completing this event in honor of and to remember those who have passed on -- the archivist's work. I am completing this event in honor of all individuals who are currently battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team and there is much to learn from them - the student's work. The money we raise will help fund the work of turning science into a cure - the work of the translator.

Please make a donation to support my participation in Team In Training and help advance LLS's mission. We need your support to cross the ultimate finish line - a cure!

I hope you will visit my web site often. Be sure to check back frequently to see my progress. Thanks for your support!