‘Tis the Season

In just a few months, I’ll be starting my 10th year of running on the American Cancer Society DetermiNation team. Over that time, I’ve run more than 20 races in a dozen locations for “DNation.” In fact, when I register for a race now, the first thing I do after receiving my registration confirmation is sign up with the DetermiNation team that’s local to the race I’m running.

I care deeply about the cause of fighting cancer, and running gives me a way to join the fight. The American Cancer Society is my charity of choice, but I realize it may not be yours. That’s fine. There are many, many wonderful charities to choose from. I urge you to find one that appeals to you and join it. You’re out there running anyway – why not make your miles more meaningful?

Since we are in the season of giving, I wanted to give you the gift of choice. I invited a few of my running friends to share with you the charities for which they run. Together, we represent just a small sliver of possibilities for you – there are over 150 charities represented in the Chicago Marathon alone! There is sure to be a cause that fits your personal values and wishes for the world. Find it. Support it.

The Children’s Tumor Foundation – Sarah Coulam

Sarah Coulam

The Children’s Tumor Foundation is the global leader in funding medical research to find effective treatments for neurofibromatosis (NF). NF causes tumors to grow on nerves throughout the body and can lead to blindness, bone deformities, cancer, deafness, disfigurement, learning disabilities and disabling pain.

Hardly rare, but rarely talked about, NF affects 1 in every 3,000 births and millions of people around the world. The Foundation is leading the way in drug discovery for the disorder, with 50 drugs in the pipeline today and there will be more tomorrow; we are always evolving and you can be too. By joining the NF Endurance Team you are helping us get one step closer to finding a cure. Thousands of participants have run with our team, sharing their reasons to run and dedicating their race to one of our NF Heroes.

RuNFor a Reason

Join The Children’s Tumor Foundation team
Connect with Sarah

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation – Brady Gervais

Brady Gervais and her family

I run for my physical health and mental well-being. I run for the high. I run for the escape, and the discipline. I run because, damn, it’s just a lot of fun. And sometimes I just run for the food that follows.

The reason that trumps them all is my dad.

In 1995, he died from multiple myeloma – an incurable blood cancer – 18 months after being diagnosed. He was 46.

I remember the day he and my mom broke the news to my sister and me. I was a few weeks shy of turning 10. We stood around the kitchen island. I can’t remember if it was my dad or mom who said the word cancer first. I can remember that upon hearing that six-letter word, I fell to the floor. Cancer was a death sentence, wasn’t it, I thought?

It was for my family.

I don’t want cancer to be a death sentence for any family. The same sick, sinking feeling I got when my dad revealed his diagnosis returns whenever I learn someone else fights the battle he did.

While there have been incredible advances in multiple myeloma treatment and people are living with it longer than my dad did, it can still be a death sentence for some. I don’t want it to be. The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) doesn’t want it to be, either.

So I run. I run for my dad, the cancer that killed him and the organization that’s as determined as I am to make sure multiple myeloma doesn’t take away more dads.

You can also read more about Brady’s fundraising efforts as she prepares to run the Big Sur International Marathon in April on behalf of the MMRF.
Follow Brady on Twitter

DetermiNation and Relay for Life – Manuel Haro

Manuel Haro

I became a volunteer for the American Cancer Society on the one-year anniversary of my Mom Maria Haro’s death from a seven-year battle with cancer. In my mind, I kept replaying those painful memories of her suffering with cancer. I was sick and tired of all these negative feelings and used that as motivation to fight back against this horrible disease. For three years, I’ve volunteered for many of the American Cancer Society programs, but the two programs that are very special to me are Relay For Life and DetermiNation.

I fundraise, online chair, e-mail, Blog, Tweet, Facebook, run marathons, emcee, mentor, and do many more things, all to fight cancer. I love being a mentor to our Relayers and Determination Athletes. I want all of our participants to succeed in fighting back against cancer.  When our DetermiNation Athletes and Relayers succeed, we all succeed in getting closer to finding a cure. Providing our participants the skills to become successful fundraisers and helping them promote their events is a win-win for the cause. This raises more awareness and brings more allies to this fight. Together, we will find a cure.

Volunteering for DetermiNation and Relay has been a great outlet for me to make a difference in the fight against cancer. I look forward to the day that no one will ever have to hear the words, “you have cancer.”  We are all blessed with talents and skills; therefore, use those skills and help make a difference in this world.

Visit these links for more information and volunteer opportunities in your area for Relay For Life and DetermiNation
To read about Manuel’s cancer-fighting adventures, visit his blog

Autism Speaks - Luau

Luau and his daughter

Inevitably, in every race that I run, there is a moment that I think of my younger daughter, Brooke. She has autism. Her autism makes it difficult for her to process both information and sensory input. Her way of communicating is generally through a set of scripts that rarely apply to any given situation. I never thought I would be the parent of a child with special needs, and when she was diagnosed with autism, I thought that my whole world would come crashing down.

But then I found two lifelines. The first was running – in a world that I had perceived as spinning out of control, I was able to take control of something for myself. The second was Autism Speaks – they gave my a voice, a platform to help make the world a less hostile, anxiety riddled one for my baby.

Though a majority of funds raised for Autism Speaks goes to scientific research trying to unlock the puzzle that is autism, a very significant amount of monies goes toward my personal mission – raising autism awareness. To me, that is the most immediate impact I can have on my baby’s world because, awareness leads to understanding which leads to compassion.

Mid-race, when I am hurting and wanting to quit, I think of my Brooke and all the children like her – I think of their and their family’s daily struggle, and I find the strength to carry on.

To donate to Autism Speaks, go to www.autismspeaks.org.
You can find Luau at www.runluaurun.com

American Heart Association – Daniel Malinski

Daniel Malinski and his family

I run for the American Heart Association’s Run with Heart Team. This will be the team’s 4th year, and I’m excited for what lies ahead. I’ve run with heart for the last 2 years, in honor of my dad (a heart attack and triple bypass survivor) and for my oldest daughter, Kaelyn (congenital heart defect/ heart surgery at 2 days old)! They are my heroes.

I firmly believe in the American Heart Association’s mission, to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. With that, I also run for me. I am proof that you can make changes and live a healthier life. I’ve lost over 120lbs these last two years while training and as I’ve run with heart.

People can join the cause and run with heart, but they don’t have to run a marathon. You can run a half marathon, a 5K, an 8K, heck the AHA even has 3 Heart Walks in the Chicagoland area! They offer many opportunities for those who want to get involved and volunteer.

Join the the American Heart Association team
Follow Daniel’s blog

Prevent Child Abuse Illinois – Daniel Malinski

I am also running for Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. (I believe I am the first marathoner running for them.) I am a child abuse survivor. Growing up often felt like walking on eggshells. I never knew when the next blow up would come or what would spark it. Sometimes it was for something as simple as not putting laundry away correctly.

I carried the anger, fear, confusion and pain from childhood with me for so long, and that’s one of my biggest regrets.

As much as running helped me physically, I found that it gave me comfort mentally as well. I started to see I could do anything I put my mind to. I didn’t feel worthless, I felt like I had a purpose.

I run to show myself I don’t have to be scared, confused or angry anymore. I run to be an example – to show that no matter where you are, what you’ve been through or who you are…you can do anything you put your mind to. I run to show that it’s possible to stop running from your past in fear; to show that you can break the cycle, you can get help, and that you’re worth it. I hope that I’ve done that.

I am raising funds for Prevent Child Abuse Illinois in 2012 as a way for me to heal. I also hope that sharing my story will do some good for others who have gone through or are going through something similar.

Join the Prevent Child Abuse Illinois team
Support Daniel in his marathon

Team in Training – Chris Wilno

Chris Wilno with his wife and dad

To open, I would like to say I am a fan and a supporter of charity…..period. Our lives head in different directions, and along the way life will throw a test at us. It may be a loved one battling cancer, a friend whose child has autism or any number of circumstances. Whatever that test is, we have a choice to make as individuals. We can stand back and watch or we can stand up and fight.

My first test was when my father was diagnosed with leukemia. I watched him battle this cancer for 15 months and ultimately lose his battle. In his final months, I moved in with my parents….partially to be a good son and selfishly because I only had a limited amount of time left with my best friend. While he fought cancer, I sat helpless until one day I decided I would run a marathon in his honor. I chose the marathon because I had always been afraid of it. Staring my fear in the face was my tribute.

That led to the Team in Training program with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society where I have now raised over $100,000 to fight cancer. I have also watched my new best friend, my wife Crea, battle cancer twice. I have experienced the death of my daughter. Running is how I remember and honor them. I now coach for Team in Training because I truly believe that 26.2 miles can change your life. Team in Training lets me change lives while changing the world and finding a cure for cancer.

My wife has stood back and allowed me the time to participate in endurance sports and be very active with Team in Training. It is my time to allow her the time to train. She is participating in the Lavaman Triathlon in April 2012 to help raise money to fight cancer. This is a big deal for anyone let alone someone having stared cancer in the face 2 times.

Support Crea in her triathlon
Follow Chris on Good Plus One Blog

A final note

Like I said at the top, if you’re going to be out there running, you might as well make your miles have meaning. Pick a charity and do some good in this world. If you don’t know what charity to join, look at ones affiliated with the race you’re participating in, or talk to representatives at the next race expo you attend.

Don’t be afraid of the fund-raising. That is the biggest fear that first-timers have, but I assure you, it needn’t be. If you care about the cause, people will support you. And most charity programs have good tools and tips to help you raise money. I expect you will find it much easier than you think, and far more rewarding than you expect.

Related posts:

1. Because of You