Last year, when I decided to make a list of goals I wanted to accomplish before I turned 40, I put “run a marathon” on the list. I developed some criteria. It needed to be memorable, take place before my 40th birthday, and it needed to allow me to raise money for a cancer charity in honor of my dad.
After some research, I decided on the San Francisco Marathon. It met all of my needs, or so I thought.
While the race is before my 40th birthday, the date for 2013 was moved to accommodate another event. This year’s race is on Father’s Day. I have to be honest and say that I have mixed emotions about being away from my dad on Father’s Day, especially now that his cancer has spread.
When I signed up for the San Francisco race, a cancer charity was among its list of charities. I later learned that not only was that list for 2012, but that particular charity did not rank high with agencies like the Better Business Bureau. I wasn’t comfortable asking my family and friends to donate to an agency like that, so I decided to wait for the marathon organizers to announce their 2013 charity partners. The announcement was supposed to happen in January. Then it was pushed to February. As of this writing, the 2013 charity partners still haven’t been announced.
So today, when the Chicago Marathon announced registration was open, I decided to change my plans. I’m going to run the Chicago Marathon in October and raise money for the American Cancer Society. This marathon is 29 days after I turn 40. That’s ok. Raising money to beat cancer is more important, especially now that we found out my dad’s cancer spread to his liver.
So, I’m asking you to join me on my mission to Beat Cancer and support me as a member of Team Determination. In return for your donation, I promise to work hard, train, and do my best to finish.
Thanks in advance for your support. It is greatly appreciated.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
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2 comments:
You are amazing, Debbie! Way to be strong for your dad. He will be so happy and proud of you. And while I'm sad your first choice didn't work out for you (especially since we both have a love for SF - what a beautiful city), but I have to admit I am very happy to see that you will be raising money for the American Cancer Society! :) I'm a little biased, though, of course. And Chicago is honestly one of my favorite cities to visit as well, so I'm sure you'll still have a blast! I wish you the best of luck!
You are amazing, Debbie! Way to be strong for your dad. You will make him so happy and proud. I'm so sorry to hear that the cancer is spreading. I know the helplessness that you're probably feeling right now, but I'm glad you did the same thing I did... taking action and doing what you can to help in other ways, like raising money for the American Cancer Society! :) I am sad though that you won't be able to go out to SF, I know that you love that city as much as I do.. it is gorgeous. But Chicago is honestly one of my favorite cities to visit too so I know you'll have a blast! I wish you the best of luck, and I'll keep you, your dad and your family in my prayers! Keep on, keeping on girl! You are an inspiration!
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