18 Weeks and Counting!

And so it begins.

This week marks my official first week of training for the Boston Marathon.

Why am I running? There are many, many reasons and I plan on getting into them in more detail over the next 18 weeks, but right now I'd like to tell you about one major reason I am running.

Because cancer sucks.

I'm about to embark on one of the biggest challenges of my life: completing the Boston Marathon. But my personal quest, no matter how difficult it will be for me, pales in comparison to the challenge facing cancer patients. By participating in the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge (DFMC), I'm supporting Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's goal to find better therapies and, ultimately, cures for cancer.

The DFMC raises funds for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Established by J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver in 1987, the Claudia Adams Barr Program fosters scientific breakthroughs by advancing the work of gifted researchers in a variety of basic research disciplines. The DFMC directs 100% of funds raised to the Barr Program, which enables gifted young scientists at the leading edge of discovery to achieve better cure rates and to enhance patients' quality of life.

I hope you will support my challenge by giving a gift to my run and, in doing so, help bring an end to the challenge of cancer.

Your kind support and words of encouragement will give me the spring in my step, the tune to keep my stride and the focus to keep running and raising money for Dana-Farber. Thank you for helping Dana-Farber reach the ultimate finish line: a world without cancer.

With great appreciation and many inspired miles to go!

Follow This Link to visit my personal web page and help me in my efforts to support Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund.  If you do decide to make a contribution, don't forget to talk to your employer about matching programs to double your dollars!  And check back here for more updates on my fundraising and training!

~ Christy