I'm sure that in this entire training experience, we've all had moments of "Wow! I've never had _______ (insert experience here) happen before!" We shrug it off, maybe take a minute to acknowledge it, and move on. Today was a morning of so many "firsts" that I need to fill you all in.
1. I have been blessed on my team runs that the weather has been beautiful. Maybe a little muggy, maybe blazing hot, maybe suffocatingly humid, but the sun has always been there. Yeah, not so much today. Today's "first" was running in the pouring rain. Not a little drizzle...POURING. I'm still trying to dry out.
2. I am known for ripping my sneakers off the second the run is over. I'm the last one to put them on and the first one to take them off. I've been known to discuss how badly I want to take those puppies off for the last mile or 2 on a team run. Well, today I was in for a surprise. My feet resembled shriveled up raisins. No joke. They were worse than my kids hands after a rrreeeeeaaaallllyyyy long bath. What's up with that???!!!! I actually displayed them for my other team members because they were such a freak of nature. I think they are actually returning to normal now and it is hours later.
3. Aside from blisters in unmentionable areas I've remained unchaffed. Not so much today. My back and right armpit are rubbed raw. Ginny, my armpit feels your pain. Who knows, maybe it was a sympathy rub. And my back? My sportsbra rubbed 2 spots down to red, raw bruises. Gideon even commented on the marks on my back. No worries, I wear my marks with pride. I just wish I could put my arm down without being aware of my armpit.
4. I have also been blessed with being unblistered. My feet have remained pretty even with all the miles. Uh, no. Today I made up for lost time. I have so many blisters that I can't even count 'em. Yum, just in time to put my feet in real shoes for school this week. That ought to feel fabulous!
So ladies, thank you for recruiting me into this brand new experience. Now I have truly lived...shriveled, chaffed, bruised, blistered, soggy flesh.
Click on a name to the right to make a donation & help us reach our goal of $28,000 for the LLS!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Chafing, Oh The Joys Of Running
I think Katie recently mentioned the abrasive relationship she was having with her clothes lately so I thought an entire blog entry should be dedicated to the enemy known as CHAFING! Every long distance runner/walker knows it's the worst! Nothing says "Oooo, I can't wait to run 13 miles" like the promise of flesh being stripped away in areas where you didn't know flesh existed. Then once the chafing has actually happened, you hope your friends and family can accept your new nudist lifestyle because you're pretty sure putting clothes on ever again is not even remotely possible. I'm convinced chafing can (and will at some point in your training) occur anywhere from head to toe. But don't you worry, there is help! (Cue Hallelujah Chorus!) You don't have to be a victim to chafing anymore thanks to the miracle that is Body Glide, "Comfort for the speed of life."
Seriously, people, it works. It can (and should) be applied anywhere that skin rubs against itself or clothing and as it says on the top, it can even be helpful on your feet. I will forever sing the praises of this product...that is, until something better comes along or until I stop running such ridiculously long distances, whichever comes first. Anyway, if you haven't already, go buy some and give us your life-changing testimonial. (I swear I don't work for the company.)
My last piece of advice to avoid chafing is to wear...spandex. I know, it's dreadful but the sooner you can embrace your butt in a pair of these fashion don'ts the better. It seems backwards but clothes that fit closer to the body are less likely to chafe. So run out right this instant and purchase a pair of these thigh hugging beauties and proudly strut your stuff. Might I even suggest these. (Note the back is lined with pockets, which I used last year to carry gels, ibu profen, kleenex, cell phone, disposable camera & cash, 'cause you never know when you're gonna hit a sale at Macy's!)
Those are my tips for avoiding chafing. Do you have anything to add or even dispute? I'm open to a debate, especially if someone can tell me how to avoid both chafing and spandex!
Seriously, people, it works. It can (and should) be applied anywhere that skin rubs against itself or clothing and as it says on the top, it can even be helpful on your feet. I will forever sing the praises of this product...that is, until something better comes along or until I stop running such ridiculously long distances, whichever comes first. Anyway, if you haven't already, go buy some and give us your life-changing testimonial. (I swear I don't work for the company.)
My last piece of advice to avoid chafing is to wear...spandex. I know, it's dreadful but the sooner you can embrace your butt in a pair of these fashion don'ts the better. It seems backwards but clothes that fit closer to the body are less likely to chafe. So run out right this instant and purchase a pair of these thigh hugging beauties and proudly strut your stuff. Might I even suggest these. (Note the back is lined with pockets, which I used last year to carry gels, ibu profen, kleenex, cell phone, disposable camera & cash, 'cause you never know when you're gonna hit a sale at Macy's!)
Those are my tips for avoiding chafing. Do you have anything to add or even dispute? I'm open to a debate, especially if someone can tell me how to avoid both chafing and spandex!
Monday, August 25, 2008
Rough Waters
Wow, today started off reeeeeeeally rough but thankfully, ended with a great walk/run and I'm even looking forward to the walks/runs throughout the week! I think it's because we're getting ever closer to race day, which is terrifying and exciting. Thankfully, both emotions lead to motivation. It's terrifying because I do not feel ready for 26.2 miles and it's exciting because soon it will be over! Hallelujah! Okay, okay, it's also going to be a fantastic weekend and the race itself will actually be fun...hard but fun.
This past weekend, I took a little trip to visit my friend, Rania, in San Diego. It was great to get away for a couple days and see friends. Now, I know what you're thinking so go ahead and ask. "Amy, did you run or did you forget that you're a woman in your 30s training for a marathon and party for 48 hours straight?" Well, I had great plans for a good workout Saturday morning while Rania was working and workout clothes took up most of my suitcase space. I mean, between the pants, sports bra, socks, jacket, hat and gigantic running shoes there was barely room for anything else. In fact, there wasn't even room for a shirt...apparently. That's right, I forgot a shirt. And yes, I know that some women run wearing only a sports bra but I also know that just because Susie does it, doesn't mean I should do it. Citizens of San Diego, you can thank me by making a donation here. Now, this shirt thing was not going to stop me, I was going to find a way to work out. I remembered I brought a bathing suit, Rania had a lovely pool, and my friend, Jen, had been water jogging for 3 weeks do to an injury. I'll try that! Of course, I didn't have the flotation device that she said was very important but surely, it isn't absolutely necessary, right?! The pool was really nice but only 5 feet deep, this proved to be tricky. I tried everything, running around the perimeter of the pool, holding on to the side of the pool, the steps of the pool, the handle of the pool's ladder, anything that would give me the height I needed to "run" without hitting the bottom of the pool. I can only imagine the entertainment that I provided for the surrounding apartments. I'm sure I looked ridiculous not only because I was contorting my body every which way in an attempt to simulate running in water that was too shallow but also because I had all my hair shoved into a Nike hat as I tried to protect the newly colored locks from both the sun and chlorine. (Vanity, vanity.) After at least an hour of this, I called it quits. I definitely got a decent workout but I'm not sure I worked any of the intended muscles. Jen, I get it. The flotation device and a deep pool are very, very important! This week, I have a bit of catching up to do but I'm ready. Bring it. (I'm so tough!)
Many, many thanks to Cyndi & Allan Lepine, Mark Nagel, Kori Ayers, and Jenn & Matt Scherdin for your generous donations this week! With your help, we've raised $1775! It's so fun to see where the donations come from and how many seasons of my life are represented by the people that have chosen to join me in this challenge. The above names alone represent my family, a friend/artist I worked with in the KC studio, a friend I worked with back in my college admission days, and a friend/older sister of a friend of mine from elementary school! Over the past several months, donations have come in from such different and sometimes unexpected parts of my life for this one purpose, to support patients and their families and to find a cure for cancer. I know I keep saying it but I really can't thank you enough for your contributions, it's so encouraging. We are $1425 away from the goal and have just 5 weeks left to reach it so if you're reading this now, I hope you'll dig deep and find a way to give a little or big something to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Click here to find out more!
This past weekend, I took a little trip to visit my friend, Rania, in San Diego. It was great to get away for a couple days and see friends. Now, I know what you're thinking so go ahead and ask. "Amy, did you run or did you forget that you're a woman in your 30s training for a marathon and party for 48 hours straight?" Well, I had great plans for a good workout Saturday morning while Rania was working and workout clothes took up most of my suitcase space. I mean, between the pants, sports bra, socks, jacket, hat and gigantic running shoes there was barely room for anything else. In fact, there wasn't even room for a shirt...apparently. That's right, I forgot a shirt. And yes, I know that some women run wearing only a sports bra but I also know that just because Susie does it, doesn't mean I should do it. Citizens of San Diego, you can thank me by making a donation here. Now, this shirt thing was not going to stop me, I was going to find a way to work out. I remembered I brought a bathing suit, Rania had a lovely pool, and my friend, Jen, had been water jogging for 3 weeks do to an injury. I'll try that! Of course, I didn't have the flotation device that she said was very important but surely, it isn't absolutely necessary, right?! The pool was really nice but only 5 feet deep, this proved to be tricky. I tried everything, running around the perimeter of the pool, holding on to the side of the pool, the steps of the pool, the handle of the pool's ladder, anything that would give me the height I needed to "run" without hitting the bottom of the pool. I can only imagine the entertainment that I provided for the surrounding apartments. I'm sure I looked ridiculous not only because I was contorting my body every which way in an attempt to simulate running in water that was too shallow but also because I had all my hair shoved into a Nike hat as I tried to protect the newly colored locks from both the sun and chlorine. (Vanity, vanity.) After at least an hour of this, I called it quits. I definitely got a decent workout but I'm not sure I worked any of the intended muscles. Jen, I get it. The flotation device and a deep pool are very, very important! This week, I have a bit of catching up to do but I'm ready. Bring it. (I'm so tough!)
Many, many thanks to Cyndi & Allan Lepine, Mark Nagel, Kori Ayers, and Jenn & Matt Scherdin for your generous donations this week! With your help, we've raised $1775! It's so fun to see where the donations come from and how many seasons of my life are represented by the people that have chosen to join me in this challenge. The above names alone represent my family, a friend/artist I worked with in the KC studio, a friend I worked with back in my college admission days, and a friend/older sister of a friend of mine from elementary school! Over the past several months, donations have come in from such different and sometimes unexpected parts of my life for this one purpose, to support patients and their families and to find a cure for cancer. I know I keep saying it but I really can't thank you enough for your contributions, it's so encouraging. We are $1425 away from the goal and have just 5 weeks left to reach it so if you're reading this now, I hope you'll dig deep and find a way to give a little or big something to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Click here to find out more!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
2 Months From Yesterday
That's right, in just 2 months, we will be joining thousands of TNT members and supporters in the Golden Gate City, celebrating our accomplishments (along with 15 years of friendship) and icing our triumphant muscles! So, it's seems a good time to chime in with general updates. How are you doing and feeling at this point in the training? And how can we best support you?
Monday, August 18, 2008
Confessions of a Non-Teenage Drama Queen
*Warning: This is not my usual update and if you choose to skip down to the "Thank you" portion, I will certainly understand and might even encourage it.
The Freak Out- It arrived. The email. It arrived. Registration Confirmation. It's here. It's a done deal. I'm officially registered with Nike and am expected to show up at the starting line bright and early on Oct. 19th. Why is this just hitting me now? I don't know. Who's brilliant idea was it to do this a 2nd time? Sure, I sent out the original invite to friends but they were supposed to tell me I'm crazy and that running a marathon together would be the dumbest way to spend a reunion weekend. They were supposed to politely say no and immediately request that I have my head examined. But noooooooooooooo [insert whiny teenage voice], they had to say yes right away and start training/fundraising and getting excited about the cause and health benefits and the challenge of it all. Great. Now, what? Sure, it'll be good for me. Sure, I still whole-heartedly support the cause and (unfortunately) continue to find reasons to support cancer research. And sure, doing something to benefit the world makes a reunion even more special. But...it's haaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrd. [Again, insert whiny teenage voice.] I have 101 reasons why it's hard but I'll spare you for now. I've been mostly positive this season, even in the midst of the difficult weeks, believing that positive thinking can only have positive affects. Well, I'm freaking out now...releasing the pent up negative energy, hoping that getting this out of my system will somehow free me to accept the positive energy I've been practicing for months.
The Training- Now, that I've taken a few deep breaths, I'll tell you that I've completed 13 miles two weeks in a row. Back to back, half marathons...not bad. And I'll tell you that I walked them. Another confession. I'm not a runner. I want to be but I'm not at this kind of distance. So, I'll continue to try to increase my running during my short mid-week distances and hope that someday, I'll be able to incorporate the running into my long training sessions. I hope that doesn't disappoint anyone. I'm trying to be a proud walker and take solace in the fact that I walk almost as fast as some of the runners. So, I'm certainly not out for a Sunday stroll!
The Thank Yous- A few more deep breaths. With this season being more difficult, I can't tell you how encouraging it is to receive your donations and notes. Often times, that's the thing that gets me out of bed at 6:15 on Sunday mornings to meet my team and keeps me going when I think I can't give anymore. Sometimes, I think about specific donors and dedicate that mile to them or the person in their life who has battled cancer. If you have made a donation and would like to dedicate a specific mile to your loved one, let me know which mile you'd prefer and I'll gladly walk (or run, if I can) in their honor. This week, I send out a special thank you to Allyncia Williams, Pasha Hosseini, Megan Moelbert, and Jill & Dave Humes for your generous donations. With your help, we're at 46% of my goal!
*Disclaimer- I do believe in what we're doing and believe that all goals will be met. This is just an honest moment in one girl's journey to the finish line.
The Freak Out- It arrived. The email. It arrived. Registration Confirmation. It's here. It's a done deal. I'm officially registered with Nike and am expected to show up at the starting line bright and early on Oct. 19th. Why is this just hitting me now? I don't know. Who's brilliant idea was it to do this a 2nd time? Sure, I sent out the original invite to friends but they were supposed to tell me I'm crazy and that running a marathon together would be the dumbest way to spend a reunion weekend. They were supposed to politely say no and immediately request that I have my head examined. But noooooooooooooo [insert whiny teenage voice], they had to say yes right away and start training/fundraising and getting excited about the cause and health benefits and the challenge of it all. Great. Now, what? Sure, it'll be good for me. Sure, I still whole-heartedly support the cause and (unfortunately) continue to find reasons to support cancer research. And sure, doing something to benefit the world makes a reunion even more special. But...it's haaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrd. [Again, insert whiny teenage voice.] I have 101 reasons why it's hard but I'll spare you for now. I've been mostly positive this season, even in the midst of the difficult weeks, believing that positive thinking can only have positive affects. Well, I'm freaking out now...releasing the pent up negative energy, hoping that getting this out of my system will somehow free me to accept the positive energy I've been practicing for months.
The Training- Now, that I've taken a few deep breaths, I'll tell you that I've completed 13 miles two weeks in a row. Back to back, half marathons...not bad. And I'll tell you that I walked them. Another confession. I'm not a runner. I want to be but I'm not at this kind of distance. So, I'll continue to try to increase my running during my short mid-week distances and hope that someday, I'll be able to incorporate the running into my long training sessions. I hope that doesn't disappoint anyone. I'm trying to be a proud walker and take solace in the fact that I walk almost as fast as some of the runners. So, I'm certainly not out for a Sunday stroll!
The Thank Yous- A few more deep breaths. With this season being more difficult, I can't tell you how encouraging it is to receive your donations and notes. Often times, that's the thing that gets me out of bed at 6:15 on Sunday mornings to meet my team and keeps me going when I think I can't give anymore. Sometimes, I think about specific donors and dedicate that mile to them or the person in their life who has battled cancer. If you have made a donation and would like to dedicate a specific mile to your loved one, let me know which mile you'd prefer and I'll gladly walk (or run, if I can) in their honor. This week, I send out a special thank you to Allyncia Williams, Pasha Hosseini, Megan Moelbert, and Jill & Dave Humes for your generous donations. With your help, we're at 46% of my goal!
*Disclaimer- I do believe in what we're doing and believe that all goals will be met. This is just an honest moment in one girl's journey to the finish line.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
All In the Family
I just got back from a family vacation to Bethany Beach, DE with my parents, Kent's family and Krissy's crew as well. We had a fantastic week doing the usual beach activities like playing in the sand, mini-golfing and eating. One of the best parts of my week was having everyone take part in my training. Shannon started it off by riding bike with me and measuring out my mileage. Krissy joined in by riding the bike next to me as I ran a 7-miler on Tuesday. I joined Kent and Jasmine for a cross-training bike ride on Wednesday. My mom had a water bottle ready for me at the end of my Thursday speed workout. My dad probably had the toughest job of the week, riding his bike next to me for an hour and a half on Saturday as I ran my long run! Finally, a huge thanks to Parker, Abby, Sarah, and Max - my nieces and nephews - who faithfully stretched with me everyday. This training is contagious and I am grateful for the support that the Heberlig crew gave to me the last week. Anyone else finding company?
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Chocolate and Friends (not necessarily in that order :)
I'm sure you guys are all in the same boat at this point - tired, frustrated, ready to stop running and fundraising all at the same time and wondering how in the world we're going to get all this $ raised in the next SIX weeks!!!! ... so in today's e-mail I found out what hotel I was going to be staying in (Radisson Hotel Fisherman's Wharf) and I thought, "why not, look it up...". I did and WHAT FUN! :) I am 6 blocks from GHIRARDELLI SQUARE and several blocks from the Cable Cars, etc. etc. I have no idea how close it is to everyone else - sure hope it's really close!! But, don't worry I'd walk a little further than the chocolate store - at least 7 blocks :) Point being - this is going to BE FUN!!! :) I've been so caught up in letters, fundraising, thank you notes, trying to get runs in with traveling, buying new shoes (yes, they help tremendously! Thank God!), etc. that I've lost the perspective of what the weekend will actually mean to each of us - I'm so excited to see all of you and to do this together :)
And then, of course, as God does oh so well, He gently reminds me that isn't that what life is all about too? We get caught up in the little things that completely drag us down so badly that we don't have the energy or the time to get excited about the JOY and the gifts that he so desperately wants to give us. So, friends, be encouraged. This is a weekend to celebrate - work hard, yes, and Lord knows we all are! - but anticipate friendship and life together :) Sending smiles and hugs (and a nice long warm bath :) to you all!
And then, of course, as God does oh so well, He gently reminds me that isn't that what life is all about too? We get caught up in the little things that completely drag us down so badly that we don't have the energy or the time to get excited about the JOY and the gifts that he so desperately wants to give us. So, friends, be encouraged. This is a weekend to celebrate - work hard, yes, and Lord knows we all are! - but anticipate friendship and life together :) Sending smiles and hugs (and a nice long warm bath :) to you all!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Run Like A Girl (See if you can keep up!)
YOU CAN DO IT! This is the tough part of the season where the distances get more intense, the paperwork builds up, the fundraising seems to lull and the stress creeps in. That's perfectly normal, so KEEP GOING! YOU ARE DOING A GREAT JOB! I encourage you to stay as positive as possible because you will reach your goals. If you need some help in this area, this is what some of your supporters have to say to you:
"We are very proud of you and we support you 100%!"
"Thank you for running this-- I had a dear friend that I lost to this form of cancer."
"What a remarkable person you are to take on such an adventure. I'll be cheering for you all the way."
"We wish you nothing but the best! My aunt was just recently diagnosed with Lymphoma and this means a lot to me and my family."
"Run a good race, have fun, stay strong."
"Kick some tail!"
"What you are doing is quite remarkable."
"I know how hard a marathon can be and we are so excited that you are running for such a nobel purpose! Run fast. Run hard. Save lives."
"Man, what a stud you are!!"
"Thank you for doing such a great thing! It really does add up when many people contribute what they can."
"You're freakishly cool for doing this...and way less lazy than we are."
"Being a nurse on the Leukemia/Lymphoma unit, I know very well the impact the disease has on the lives of not just the patients, but the entire family. It's devastating, but with the help of others, I know that we can defeat this! God bless!"
"You go, girl!"
I hope that encourages you this week.
(P.S. The title of this post comes from a t-shirst slogan I read this weekend. Pretty great, huh?!)
"We are very proud of you and we support you 100%!"
"Thank you for running this-- I had a dear friend that I lost to this form of cancer."
"What a remarkable person you are to take on such an adventure. I'll be cheering for you all the way."
"We wish you nothing but the best! My aunt was just recently diagnosed with Lymphoma and this means a lot to me and my family."
"Run a good race, have fun, stay strong."
"Kick some tail!"
"What you are doing is quite remarkable."
"I know how hard a marathon can be and we are so excited that you are running for such a nobel purpose! Run fast. Run hard. Save lives."
"Man, what a stud you are!!"
"Thank you for doing such a great thing! It really does add up when many people contribute what they can."
"You're freakishly cool for doing this...and way less lazy than we are."
"Being a nurse on the Leukemia/Lymphoma unit, I know very well the impact the disease has on the lives of not just the patients, but the entire family. It's devastating, but with the help of others, I know that we can defeat this! God bless!"
"You go, girl!"
I hope that encourages you this week.
(P.S. The title of this post comes from a t-shirst slogan I read this weekend. Pretty great, huh?!)
Monday, August 11, 2008
13 Going On 3200
Well, friends, I've made it to the half marathon mark! Right after completing 13 miles on Sunday, I walked/crawled farther than .1 miles to the bus so I think it counts! It was a toasty morning, allowing us to work on our tans at 8am, but we did it. I've reached the half way point in my training calendar and the half way point in my distance so the next hurdle is reaching the $1600 mark in my fundraising (currently at $1310) and I'll be half way in all areas. I'm soooo close!
Many people have stepped up and decided to partner with me in supporting the LLS and I can't thank you enough! I got a call this week from the mom of Audrey, one of my teams young honored teammates currently undergoing treatment for leukemia, saying thank you for what we're doing so I pass that along to all you. We're doing this together and real people are affected by your generosity in very real ways. This week, I'd like to thank Betty Weaver, Denise Bartos, Perry Covington, Patty Peperato, Rachel Dobbs, Renee Menkhaus, and Mac & Linda McCracken for your donations, encouraging words and support. I've been saying that the world is full of good and generous people and the donations and kind words that have come in from friends, family, colleagues, and especially strangers are my proof.
After work today, I turned in my paperwork to the office, signed my life away and told them no matter what I would finish 26.2 miles and raise at least $3200 in the next 6 weeks to further their mission! It's the real deal. One way or another those 2 things will happen...I wonder how? It'll be exciting to see it all unfold!
Many people have stepped up and decided to partner with me in supporting the LLS and I can't thank you enough! I got a call this week from the mom of Audrey, one of my teams young honored teammates currently undergoing treatment for leukemia, saying thank you for what we're doing so I pass that along to all you. We're doing this together and real people are affected by your generosity in very real ways. This week, I'd like to thank Betty Weaver, Denise Bartos, Perry Covington, Patty Peperato, Rachel Dobbs, Renee Menkhaus, and Mac & Linda McCracken for your donations, encouraging words and support. I've been saying that the world is full of good and generous people and the donations and kind words that have come in from friends, family, colleagues, and especially strangers are my proof.
After work today, I turned in my paperwork to the office, signed my life away and told them no matter what I would finish 26.2 miles and raise at least $3200 in the next 6 weeks to further their mission! It's the real deal. One way or another those 2 things will happen...I wonder how? It'll be exciting to see it all unfold!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
San Francisco Fun!
We've had some intense or serious blog topics throughout this training process. Well, this is not one of them! We are 72 days away from spending a weekend in San Francisco! (We'll ignore the mileage we'll be doing during that time.) Since we're making hotel & flight preparations, I thought it might be fun to keep a list of some things we might want to see or do while in this beautiful city. Granted we don't have that much free time but if you come across something or if anyone reading this has been to SF and has recommendations, please leave a comment with your ideas. If there are lots of ideas, we can whittle down the list, later. For now, brainstorm away!(Photo stolen from Jennifer Yates...hope you don't mind, Jen!)
Sunday, August 3, 2008
One Half
This week marks the half way point in our training! I actually feel encouraged by this because it feels like I might actually be ready in another 10 weeks. I think I was freaking out at this point last season so it's kinda nice to be more relaxed and even confident that I'll be able to go the distance. Yesterday, I hit 12 miles! I don't think we'll train past 20 miles so this is beyond the half way point for our training distance and it's pretty close to a half marathon distance. Phew, I'm going to make it a second time! :)
I received an email last week that included a link to the story of one little boy's determination to beat a diagnosis of ALL. I think sometimes I forget that people are being diagnosed every day and when I read that Nate and his family got the news this past May, I was jarred again into this difficult reality. He's expected to undergo treatment for 3 years and has many hurdles to face at such a young age so keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I encourage you to visit Nate's website and read his story/journal. It's a reminder of the bravery of little ones, the love of family and friends, and the importance of our involvement...now, not "someday."
SO MANY GENEROUS people decided to get involved this week by visiting my website and making donations to the LLS. It is with a grateful heart that I thank Jessica & Greg McCracken, Anonymous, Cheryl Bish, Jennifer & Andrea Kamell, Andrea Hamilton, Andi Smith, Michael Gilbert, Debby Schnitzer, Jennifer & Perry Covington, Ben Aken and Katie Hala. Wow, that's quite a list for one week! I want to mention that while I know most of these generous people, there are a few I've never met but who decided to support the cause after reading an email that was forwarded to them from one of my friends. I think we all realize that we're in this together...life, that is, and taking opportunities to make help others is what it's all about. The money doesn't go to me, it goes directly to the LLS to help patients like Nate. So thank you for donating, thank you for leaving encouraging notes, and thank you for telling others about this opportunity to get involved in finding a cure for cancer now, not "someday."
I received an email last week that included a link to the story of one little boy's determination to beat a diagnosis of ALL. I think sometimes I forget that people are being diagnosed every day and when I read that Nate and his family got the news this past May, I was jarred again into this difficult reality. He's expected to undergo treatment for 3 years and has many hurdles to face at such a young age so keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I encourage you to visit Nate's website and read his story/journal. It's a reminder of the bravery of little ones, the love of family and friends, and the importance of our involvement...now, not "someday."
SO MANY GENEROUS people decided to get involved this week by visiting my website and making donations to the LLS. It is with a grateful heart that I thank Jessica & Greg McCracken, Anonymous, Cheryl Bish, Jennifer & Andrea Kamell, Andrea Hamilton, Andi Smith, Michael Gilbert, Debby Schnitzer, Jennifer & Perry Covington, Ben Aken and Katie Hala. Wow, that's quite a list for one week! I want to mention that while I know most of these generous people, there are a few I've never met but who decided to support the cause after reading an email that was forwarded to them from one of my friends. I think we all realize that we're in this together...life, that is, and taking opportunities to make help others is what it's all about. The money doesn't go to me, it goes directly to the LLS to help patients like Nate. So thank you for donating, thank you for leaving encouraging notes, and thank you for telling others about this opportunity to get involved in finding a cure for cancer now, not "someday."
WHAT????
OH MY GOODNESS!!!! We are more than half way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This week was awesome ladies.... $27,800 here we come!! You girls rock.
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