Overwhelmed

I'm not even two weeks into my fundraising for Team for Life and preparations for the 1/2 marathon I'll run in December.  I'm overwhelmed with the anticipation of things to accomplish between now and then, both physically, financially and mentally.

In my "former life" (before the beautiful blessing of full-time motherhood to my two littles), I worked at the UF Foundation -- the office of Development and Alumni Affairs.  Most of our employees were development officers for the university.  My job, included identifying candidates that would make good fundraisers for the university's various colleges and divisions.  I could identify what made a good employee for such a job.  I knew what traits these professional fundraisers needed.  And I also believed I lacked those myself.  I'm uncomfortable asking others for financial support.  Especially in these tough economic times.  

When I signed up to run the Miami 1/2 Marathon with Team for Life, I immediately went to my most comfortable avenue for fundraising.  Writing.  I drafted an email to friends, family and coworkers of Jeremy; informing them of what I'm doing and why.  I asked for their prayers and support.  In less than two weeks, I'm only $150 from my fundraising minimum!  

I know, it is not my persuasive writing, but others' love for Jeremy and I that has made this daunting fundraising goal attainable.  So, if you're one of the friends/family who has made a donation on my Team For Life fundraising page, thank you for blessing Jeremy and I.  And I know that God will bless you in return for the love you've shown.  Luke 6:38:  "Give, and it will be given to you.  A good amount will be poured into your lap.  It will be pressed down, shaken together and running over.  The same amount you give will be measured out to you."

I want to race with Team for Life, because I believe - down to my bones - in what they're doing.  I recently received a packet from Lazarex Cancer Foundation, which included historical statistics for the foundation.  Within the last five years, they've supported patients with 38 different kinds of cancers.  The rare and aggressive cancers were listed below the statistic.  Soft Tissue Sarcoma jumped off the list as my heart raced and a lump grew in my throat.  Just reading the words, caused a stir of emotions.  

I'm disgusted by cancer; proud of Jeremy; humbled by God's grace - in awe of his power; and inspired to live a life pleasing to God by loving others.  Including cancer patients.  Lazarex provided 85 patients with financial assistance and 31,382 days of life through participation in FDA clinical trials AFTER their patients were told nothing else could be done.  This equates to 87 years!  I'm excited to support this cause.  I am honored to be part of a team that is making such a difference in the lives of  patients battling cancer and their families.  I'm committed to this race and the fundraising I've started for Lazarex Cancer Foundation.  I'm brainstorming on fundraising ideas/events.  Please feel free to share any ideas you have.  As for now, I'm off for a run on the treadmill.  

Philippians 2

 ^1-4If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care— then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Ready or Not, Here I Go

So, I've officially registered to run a half-marathon.  The farthest I've ever run at one time, is about five miles.  And I've just signed up for 13.1!
Believe it or not, I'm not intimidated by the run.  I'm excited.  If Jeremy can face cancer and I can walk with him through all of the trials and challenges that go along with it, I can definitely run along the beach of Miami in December.  
However, if you know me well enough, you know I do everything big.  I think I got that from Jeremy.  We want everything we have and do to be great; something to be shared and proud of.  So, I didn't just sign up for a 1/2 marathon... I'm going to do it in Miami Beach... and I'm going to join Team For Life to help cancer patients.  That's the part that intimidates me.  
The last (and only other) race I ran, I did for the Climb for Cancer Foundation. I'm not just passionate about cancer.  I'm  frightened by cancer.  And when I finished the 5k for the Climb for Cancer Foundation, I felt strong.  I felt like I'd done something that wasn't just good for me, but it was good for Jeremy and other wonderful people like him, battling an ugly and frightening disease.  


When I found out the Rock n' Roll Marathon Series was coordinating a half marathon in Miami in December, I looked at charity sponsors for this race who have teams of athletes running for a cancer cause.  I came across one of three cancer organizations/foundations participating in this race, Lazarex Cancer Foundation's Team for Life.  Lazarex Cancer Foundation provides financial assistance to defray the costs associated with patient participation in FDA clinical trials.  Additionally, they help patients navigate their clinical trial options and provide community education and outreach services.  It's help for patients with all types of cancer, who are told they have no other options.  This struck me as so important, because Jeremy was a victim of a rare cancer.  There is not a lot of research on soft tissue sarcomas.  We are fortunate to live in Gainesville, where we are so close to one of the best sarcoma clinics in the country.  Nearly every person we meet at this clinic, is traveling to Gainesville from out of town.  


I thought about it for a couple weeks.  Researched more on the Lazarex Foundation and the race; and after talking to Jeremy in depth, decided to "click the button" and officially register with Team for Life.  


Now that it's official, that means I not only need to get started with my training schedule, but I need to tell everybody about what I'm doing and why I need your help.  In order for me to run this race with Team for Life, I must raise $750 for cancer patients via Lazarex Cancer Foundation.


I've never worked at raising such a substantial amount of money.  But I've never believed in something this much either.  I've learned recently, that when I'm passionate about something, I'm good at it.  I've prayed a lot about this and I am certain that I can be victorious in this venture.  I have amazing support from Jeremy, family and close friends.  I have a few friends who are even running the race with me, and helping spread the word about my fundraising efforts for Team for Life.  I'm going to use this training to strengthen my body, mind, and faith.  


In 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, I love how Paul compares the Christian life to that of an athlete.  "You've all been to the stadium and seen the athletes race.  Everyone runs; one wins.  Run to win.  All good athletes train hard.  They do it for a gold medal that tarnishes and fades.  You're after one that's gold eternally.  I don't know about you, but I'm running hard to the finish line.  I'm giving it everything I've got.  No sloppy living for me!  I'm staying alert and in top condition.  I'm not going to get caught napping, telling everyone else all about it and then missing out myself."  (The Message)
Those words are my inspiration to grow stronger in physical strength while also, and more importantly, growing in my knowledge of and relationship with God.  I'm confident I'm going to learn even more about myself and my Savior in this process than I knew possible.  And with that goal, there's no losing this race!


So, if you can help me reach my $750 min fundraising goal, I would be relieved and extremely grateful!  If you can't help financially, support me with your prayers for perseverance physically, financially, and spiritually.  


I'll post my progress with training and studying here on this blog.  Ready or not, here I go...


My fundraising webpage for online giving:
http://Lazarex.kintera.org/faf/r.asp?t=4&i=477907&u=477907-333641714&e=4801579191