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.