I’m a lucky guy.
I’m surrounded by and supported by a wonderful family as well as great friends and colleagues. I’d like to tell you about one of those wonderful relatives, explain what makes me especially lucky, tell you what I’m doing to “give back” a little, and ask for your help in reaching my goal.
I’m lucky because I still have my one and only sister, Sharon. You see, Sharon is a cancer survivor. To honor her, I decided in 2003 to join the American Cancer Society’s DetermiNation team of endurance athletes and run the Chicago Marathon. I’ve been active with the DetermiNation program ever since. I would like your support by making a donation to the American Cancer Society. I’ll tell you how shortly, but first, I’d like to tell you a bit about my sister.
Sharon (#2 in our family; I’m the baby, #4) is 14 years older than I. As often happens with much-older siblings, they end up sharing in the child-rearing of the younger kids. Sharon was no exception. One of my earliest childhood memories is sitting at a small, old wooden desk in our house while Sharon helped me learn my ABCs. A few years later, I remember running around and teasing her when her boyfriend came over to visit. (Some way to show my thanks, huh!)
To this day, she hasn’t lost her knack for helping kids. She raised four of her own, and for many years now, she has run a daycare center out of her home. Oh, and she also runs one of the best “special occasion” catering businesses in central Indiana, making beautiful wedding cakes and mouth-watering candies. She amazes me.
In 1988, Sharon was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. By the time they found the cancer, it had spread from her thyroid to the lymph nodes and down to her lungs. Doctors completely removed her thyroid and two huge tumors, one described as “baseball sized” and the other as “the size of a man’s fist.” (To me, those are about the same size, but I have small hands. Anyway, it’s DAMN BIG!)
The doctors did the best they could, but every so often, a little bit more cancer grows inside her. In April of 2003, they found some more. They treated it quickly, and she once again fully recovered. As the year began, I had no aspirations of running another marathon. I had already finished 3 of them, and the thrill of running a marathon was largely gone for me. But that spring, as I saw Sharon suffering yet again from her then-15-year-old affliction, I felt I had to do whatever I could to help. And believe me, training for 6 months and eventually running 26.2 miles was MUCH more appealing to me than taking over her daycare operation!
So, I joined DetermiNation. That year alone I raised nearly $11,000, and my nine-year total is over $53,000 for the American Cancer Society to help fight cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. I would greatly appreciate your support by sponsoring me.
Sharon and I even created a little theme for this endeavor: “Turtles against cancer.” That’s “turtles” as in the parable of the tortoise and the hare, which is a fitting analogy both for my race pace and for the ongoing fight against cancer, and “turtles” as in the tasty gift you can receive for making a contribution.
For a donation of at least $50 (that’s less than $2 per mile of my marathon run!), you’ll get a box of delicious chocolate and pecan turtles. Not just ANY turtles, but official “Turtles against cancer” homemade by Sharon herself! If you like Fannie May turtles, you’ll LOVE these tasty turtle treats! Mmmmm, mmmmm!
Of course, any contribution is greatly appreciated. Remember, contributions are tax-deductible. Donating is quick & easy, and it goes to a great cause.
If you’re an “old timer” who prefers writing a check, that’s okay too. Send me an email and I’ll give you instructions on where to send the check.
Thank you for considering sponsoring me!
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