I'm challenging myself. I'm trying to raise $2,400 and run a 1/2 marathon. It's been good so far. I'm up to running 10 miles and have 85% of my fundraising dollars. Racing to Save Lives Being a participant in Team in Training has taught me many valuable lessons. While I am still training for my marathon, I am learning about the stories and the families that have also, unfortunately met with cancer.  Along with my Grandmother June, I will run in Honor of Patricia McCormick Nye and Brian Johnson. Brian Johnson Today there are many stories; stories of survival and challenging cancer. I have been fortunate enough to meet Brian Johnson. I met Brian on the field playing Ultimate Frisbee, a fast past game that requires Frisbee coordination and running- as well as a passion for life. Brian exudes that and more. He is not only an active, athletic individual, but also a father of three. Unfortunately Brian was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma December 11, 2006. His abdomen had been feeling odd, off and on, since October of 2006. He started Chemotherapy January 11, 2007. I will run thinking about Brian and sending my good wishes to a speedy recovery. Please read his story and see his pictures at: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/brianjohnson. Patricia McCormick Nye Patricia Nye was in her 30’s when she died of Leukemia. I first learned of her story when her son, Ossie Nye kindly gave me a donation and let my father know of his similar story. I was so saddened by the similarities- a young mother dying and not seeing her children grow. Ossie was kind enough to pass on my information about my run to cure cancer. I was even more awed when his sister, Deborah e-mailed me a couple days later. It was so wonderful to remember Patricia even after all these years. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to have known her memory. Deborah recently shared this story with me, “Yesterday I took my two beautiful wonderful well behaved (ok maybe not) children to the grocery store and then to get sub sandwiches, and my 4 year old after a day in preschool was having a meltdown all over the place, outside of one store she was actually jumping up and down screaming and I was thinking to myself (what the heck?) then I flashed back to my mother who couldn't stand to spank us, she was too softhearted, and I had really really misbehaved, so she was going to spank me and I was running around with my hands over my bottom screaming no, no, no, please, I promise I'll be good!!! So life seems to come full circle for all of us. I guess I would add that she was a wonderful mother who was loved fiercely by her three children. Thank you again, I can't tell you what it means to us that you are doing this.” Thank you everyone for all your support. Everything you give- the kind words of encouragement and the helpful fundraising dollars to the cause makes so much difference. I am grateful to be doing this great event and to be part of your lives. | 
