I've decided to run a half marathon (13.1 miles) to benefit the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society. I signed on with Team in Training on August 7, 2004 to accomplish this enormous feat!

My first impression of Team in Training was, "Wow, what a great way to get in shape and I'm helping someone else too!" But then I realized it’s so much more than that. I thank God every day that I have a healthy child and that my family is healthy. I’m so glad I get to wake up every morning and spend another day with my son to watch him grow and just be a smart and silly kid. I must admit that I sometimes take these simple things for granted like so many people do. But there are people don't have their health and who wonder what the the next day will bring, if the next day even comes. It is an honor for me to help someone get through such a challenge. Certainly, every second of every day, those with blood-related cancers face a much larger sacrifice than running a half marathon. And it's not just those with cancer; it affects parents, sisters, brothers, and children too.

Each participant in Team in Training runs in honor of someone affected by a blood-related cancer. I am running in honor of Joy Scott. She is a mother of three young children and, with the help of her husband, is currently undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia. She may soon undergo a stem cell transplant using her brother as a donor. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers as you go through your day. Imagine the strength she must have to fight her disease everyday!

My goal is to raise $1800 by October 25, 2004 to help people like Joy and their families.