If you thought jumping out of a plane was the craziest thing I’ve ever done, hold on to your seats… I think I’ve topped that! I have registered to RUN A MARATHON! Yes, all 26.2 miles at the Suzuki Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in San Diego on June 2nd !

What would make me do such a crazy thing? A cause so worthy, I couldn’t say no! I’ll be running in honor of a little girl by the name of Elizabeth Collins. The Leukemia Society supports runner-hopefuls (like me) in an effort to raise money for kids like Elizabeth.

And I need your help to reach my goal! I must raise $3,500 by March 1st (DEADLINE EXTENDED - I am still excepting donations!). Let's make a deal... I'll do the running, you help with the money! NO DONATION IS TOO GREAT OR SMALL . . . every bit helps! (Over 75% of my personal goal of $3,500 will go back to The Society for research, patient services and education!)

So how will I make 26.2 miles? When all else fails, inspiration and motivation come in the form of my honored hero, 5-year-old Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a vibrant child whose favorite color is pink and who loves to tell goofy jokes. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocyctic Leukemia (ALL) in 1999 when she was just 2½. The challenges I have yet to face are minimal compared to what Elizabeth has conquered. She is truly an inspiration! (Meet Elizabeth and her family at www.swcollinsfamily.homestead.com)

Did you know?
 Leukemia & its blood-related cancers strike some 107,900 Americans each year and kill 60, 500
 Leukemia is the #1 cause of death in children between the ages of 1-15. That is the bad news.
 The good news is that the survival rate has risen from 4% in 1960 to 81% in the last decade.

Thanks in advance for your support! I look forward to hearing from you soon – please sign the guestbook before you leave!

With love and appreciation, Emily