My mission is to raise $5,000 for Team in Training, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Lois, Lester, and Monica. I will be participating in the Nike Women's Marathon in October and am asking for everyone's assistance. Your monetary donations will help find a cure, new treatment options, and help provide emotional, physical and spiritual support for the individuals and families touched by cancer. Our motto is "If you think running a marathon is hard, you should try chemotherapy."

I am running in honor of the following people that have touched my life:

Lois, an incredible mother, grandmother, wife and friend faced her cancer with more grace and dignity than I have ever seen anyone display. While suffering through the chemotherapy and radiation she never failed to be thankful to God and to trust that she was firmly in His hands. She was one of the most wonderful, loving individuals I will ever know and it is in honor of the life that she led, the love that she gave, the hope that she exhibited, and the courage that she showed that I will train and raise money to find additional cures.

Lester was my brother’s best friend throughout his life; he gave new meaning to the word loyalty. I remember growing up, they were like the socks and shoes, you never saw one without the other. When life threw challenges to either one of them they knew they could count on the other to be there and that together they would face whatever came their way. When Lester was diagnosed with leukemia it was very difficult for my brother as this was one battle that Lester had to fight alone. While Brian could be there for support and encouragement it was ultimately Lester that had to endure the treatments. It is in honor of their friendship that I will train and raise money to find new treatment options.

Monica is my personal inspiration, like me she was the “baby” of the family; as such she was always sheltered and protected from much of life’s darker side. When her brother, a doctor, had to tell her that she had Hodgkin’s Lymphoma she no longer had that luxury. She had to become her own woman overnight. By facing the cancer head on and exhibiting the courage to endure the treatment she was forced to find herself and discover her own strength. Monica’s family is incredible, just like mine, and they were there with her every step of the way. However, they could not take away the side effects of the chemotherapy and radiation or the fear of the unknown. Monica continued to work and go to school although she did cut back her hours. Her determination and inner drive inspire me to know that, even though we may always be the baby of the family, we are just as strong and capable as anyone else. It is in honor of her personal strength and her family that I will train and raise money to offer support and counseling to those in need.

I am hopeful that you will help to support me in this challenge. The team motto is “If you think running a marathon is hard, you should try chemotherapy.” The team trains you very well and you can do a half marathon or a whole and you can walk or run. As I am getting older and working with my own doctors I am rediscovering the importance of health and fitness and believe that this is a great way for me to honor my friends and make a difference in their life and in mine. Please help me to reach my fundraising goal of $5,000; you will become an important part of tomorrow’s cures.