Maybe I’m losing my mind or graduate school has officially made me crazy. Either way I’ve signed my legs away to running a marathon. It’s a nice easy run of 26.2 miles! This will be my second marathon. I completed the Westchester Marathon on October 9, 2005. The even I’m planning on doing this coming October is for a much better cause and I hope you’ll agree.

On October 29, 2006, I will be running in the Marine Corps. Marathon in Washington, D.C. to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to find a cure for leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families. Donations will go towards much needed research, patient services, and professional education.

By giving my time and energy to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society I will be involved with their Team In Training program. Not only will I be training with other team members, but I’ll be running in honor of a little boy named Maxim, who was diagnosed with leukemia when he was three years old. Thanks to research funded by the Society, Maxim is currently in remission! I’ll also be running in memory of my best friend’s father Norman, who lost his battle with lymphoma a few years ago. Perhaps someone you know has also had one of these terrible diseases.

In addition to successfully completing my run, my goal is to raise $2,800 for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I know it sounds like a great deal of money, but I’m confident I can do it with your help and that of other friends and family members.

To help many affected individuals and families in their fight I’m asking you to commit to making a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Your gift of any amount would be helpful and very much appreciated.