Friday, July 23, 2010

Help Me Run the NYC Marathon and Fight Cancer

I have exciting news. I was able to snag an entry ticket for the New York City Marathon in November. What's even more exciting? I snagged a spot on Livestrong's Team Fatty to raise money to fight cancer while I train.

For those who don't know Fatty, he's a cycling blogger who lost his wife to breast cancer about a year ago. He's done some amazing work with the Livestrong Foundation to raise funds to help fight cancer.

So this is a big deal for a couple reasons. First, the New York City Marathon is HUGE. Some forty thousand athletes attend and it's not easy to get a slot to race. I'm feeling really lucky to get to explore New York for the first time in the spirit of a giant athletic event.


Second, cancer hits close to home. I'm sure that's the same for many of you. So I will raise funds and run in memory of Grandma, Mrs. Bachand and Aunt Kathy, and will run in support of Aunt April, Angela and Dr. Leon.

Here's where I need help. I need to raise $3,500. I've promised Livestrong that I will raise that amount and they're holding my credit card hostage until I do. If you're able to, you can donate to my fundraising page here.

I did some really hard math and figured out that if everyone donates just $10, I'll only need 350 people to donate. Here's also where I could use your help. I'm a hermit and spend my spare time running with my dog in the mountains, so my social circle is about as impressive as my favorite wool running socks that I stitched back together after Kona had fun with them. If anyone's up for it, please link my fundraising page to your facebook page, twitter account, blog post etc. Spread the word because I think if we do, we'll be able to throw that fundraising number out of the ballpark, and that would be a big hit against cancer.

Even our girl Kona benefits. We'll be out for more long runs in the coming weeks. So Kona asks for your support too. Who could resist that face?


There's a roll call on the side of my fundraising page that names everyone this race is for. I'm not sure how it works, so if you can't add a name to that when you donate, please list your names in the comments here. Simply write: "In memory of" or "In support of." I will compile all these names on an article of clothing (not sure what just yet) and wear it during the marathon.

Thanks a ton for your support. I'll update on my progress and bring you more running with Kona stories as we train!

11 comments:

Sara said...

Oh, how exciting! What a rush to run with that field of racers. I will definitely donate for your cause, and put a call ou on my blog too!

Wow, I have goosebumps for you! What an opportunity of a lifetime.

Granite State Pet Sitting said...

What a Great Opportunity! We are your newest followers and will also donate for your cause!
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Sam said...

We donated. I am very excited for you to come to New York, my home state - if you have some free time while you're here, you should come by and meet Marge and I - and what better than for a great cause. I donated in honor of my grandmother, who is a cancer survivor!

Kathy Mocharnuk said...

OOH my gosh that is sooo exciting, I am soooo excited for you, I know the blogging community is going to come through and you will get that money and be on your way. I can not wait to hear about your progress as you train, and see all the great pictures when you go!

Dawn said...

Exciting! NYC is one wonderful town, and the marathon is amazing! You will have such a great time! Can't wait to read all about your training runs too! Just be careful, add miles slowly and don't get injured while you're training! I'll go check out the donation spot.

Diana said...

WhooHoo, thats so wonderful!!! Diana

Unknown said...

What a wonderful cause to donate for! We hope you can get your $350!!We'll help by advertising on our blog :)

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

glad to meet you! Yes it is a wonderful cause. My husband's Mom passed of breast cancer (I adored her). How long are we able to donate? I want to but can't this week, do we still have time?
I am also following your blog now.
I found you because I have a Sheltie and I follow Priscilla's blog "Sheltie Beauties".

Caren Gittleman
Cat Chat http://opcatchat.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

Good for you Girl Kona Mom :) Boy Kona donated and said HAVE FUN TRAINING! XOXO
Jen and Kona

KonaDogBlog said...

Its me again....I just caught up on some of your posts. What is the sedative you give her to relax before the vet? My Kona, who seems much less anxious than girl Kona, is his most scared at the vet. To the point of urinating and hiding under things :( I hadn't thought of asking for a sedative. Poor babes. I worry that one day he will really need an exam and the vet will just not be able to do it....
thanks and I enjoy your blog. GOOD LUCK WITH THE MARATHON!! HOW EXCITING!!!!!!

KB said...

I don't know how, but I almost missed this post. Generous Stella highlighted it today, and I came to check it out. I'll contribute... just have to decide which one of many people and animals to have it be "in memory of".

I follow Fatty's blog. Very cool that you'll be on Team Fatty! Can you get me a jersey? Just kidding...

You and I sound remarkably similar. Hermits who spend our free time running/biking on trails in the wilderness...

I'll highlight your fundraising on my blog soon. Maybe not today since Stella just did it. But soon. What a great thing for you to do!