Hey Everyone,
I wanted to let you all know that just last week, I was given an opportunity of a lifetime...to run in the 2009 Boston Marathon on April 20th. Those of you that know a little bit about marathons and me and my running abilities, also know that I have no business being in the field of the oldest and most prestigious marathon in the world. For those that don't, the Boston Marathon is so special, runners have to qualify for it by running a prior marathon at what seems like super-human speeds. In my case, my best marathon is still about 40 minutes slower than I would need to qualify for Boston within my age group.
So this where the "opportunity of a lifetime" comes in for me...I was offered the chance to run the marathon with Team LIVESTRONG, a team of about 20 people that have been given sponsor's exemptions to run the marathon in support of The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF) and cancer survivorship. I'm honored to represent the LAF and will proudly wear our famous yellow LIVESTRONG gear as I train for the next three months here in SC and on race day running through the streets of Boston.
In exchange for the exemption and the opportunity to run in a field of elite professional and amateur marathoners, I've personally committed to raise $2,500. for the LAF. This is not a trivial task but it needs to be done, can be done and will be done.
I realize that many of you have already generously supported my fund-raising efforts for LAF last year and I appreciate it more than you know. I also fully realize that these are challenging times for all of us economically and charitable contributions are harder than ever to come by.
But I also know that most all of you share a connection to cancer in some way and have a desire to make a difference in the lives of those that are living with it today or may face it in the future. There is no better organization than the LAF for making real differences in peoples lives while fighting cancer. I know this to be true first hand.
I don't plan any additional fund-raising in 2009 (heck, I didn't plan on this one!) so this will be the last time I appeal to you for help. For those of you that heard my eulogy at my Mom's recent funeral or perhaps read it here on CaringBridge, I encouraged people to act now to make a difference when it comes to cancer. This is just one way for you make a difference right now.
No amount is too small and every dollar counts toward meeting our goal making a difference. My Mom was only one of 1,500 Americans that died of cancer on January 5th, 2009...and 1,500 people die every single day. Think about that for a second, do the math...that is insane! 1 in 2 American men and 1 in 3 American women will be told they have cancer. This just needs to change and in the meantime, those that are fighting every day to survive need our help.
So, in addition to donating my legs to running the 26.2 miles in Boston in April for the cause, I'm also kicking off this fund-raising campaign by going to my wallet. Since the LAF was generous enough to pay for my entry fee for the marathon, I have donated the first $200. to the campaign to get things started. I hope that you consider giving whatever you can spare to support me and The Lance Armstrong Foundation. By doing so, you really are making a difference!
Donating on-line is quick, easy and secure via this link. Instructions for mailing checks is also provided.
http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2009/johnzboston09
Thankfully and respectfully...JZ
LIVESTRONG!
