Running for Cancer Research at Hinson Lake 24 hour
Many of you may know that I used several of my Spring Ultra's to raise contributions for the American Cancer Society and the Susan G Komen Foundation for Breast Cancer. As I was making plans to run the Hinson Lake 24hr run this coming Sept 30th, Mike suggested that I solicit pledges for each mile that I run. Sounds like a good idea to me. Read on for the details.
My inspiration for fundraising for cancer research and awareness was started when my close friend and training partner , Karla Werner was diagnosed with breast cancer back in February as we were training for my Boston qualifier. For those of you unfamiliar with the story you can get all the background by reading my story posted here at Ultra Adventures entitled "Dreams Can Come True" Since then, while I have been blessed with having one of the best running years of my life, Karla has continued to battle with the cancer. At this time she has 5 more weeks of chemotherapy and then 6 weeks of radiation. She is hoping to get a break in between and run/walk the Outer Banks Marathon on Nov. 12th. If she is able to do it I plan to run by her side just as I did at Boston. Karla continues to have a positive attitude and despite the rigors of the treatments she is determined to do as much as she can to maintain some normalcy in her life. Just this past Saturday I ran the Stanley Cup 5K with her and her husband Frank and I was so proud to run with her.
I know everyone reading this has known a friend or family member to have cancer and many of you have been through it yourself. So I ask you to please make a contribution or pledge to honor them as I honor Karla at Hinson Lake at the end of this month. The beneficiary for this will be the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center's Patient and Family Resource Center. This is where Karla has been receiving her treatments and it is my way of thanking them. They of course treat thousands of patients for all types of cancers. I hope that many of you will chose to contribute. Any checks should be made out to UNC-LCCC. Earmark the funds to the Patient and Family Resource Center. You can pledge per mile or just make any contribution. Any amount , even $5.00 would be greatly appreciated. Pledge .10 cent a mile or &1.00 per mile or more. Just keep in mind I intend to run over 100 miles in the 24 hours. You can contact me at runjoeyultra@yahoo.com and I will give you my address to mail your contributions. Please do NOT make out any checks to me.
I would also like to invite anyone living close enough to come down and witness the event. I'm sure Race Director Tom Gabell can always use some more volunteers and you are welcome to run some with me. I will be wearing Pink for this one as a show of support for all Breast Cancer Survivors and Victims.
Thank You
You can check out my blog at runjoey.blogspot.com for more info and stories.