Marathon for Mom and Mike by fall4daisies

I ran my first marathon in Chicago, 2008, for team Multiple Myeloma Research Founcation (MMRF) in memory of my mom (on her birthday) and in honor of our friend, Mike (who had been recently diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma).  Prior to the marathon I was NOT a "runner" and had only done two 5K "fun runs" in my whole life.  In fact, I thought running 26.2 miles was just about the craziest idea I ever heard....until I learned that 1) MMRF had a new "Marathon Team" forming, and 2) the 2008 Chicago marathon fell on my mom's birthday.   Needless to say, signing up for Team MMRF in the Chicago marathon was a "no brainer."

My mom was diagnosed with MM at the age of 49 years, just a few  months after receiving a clean bill of health at an employee physical exam.  She went to the doctor with "sore ribs," and was told it was probably soreness due to coughing.  After continued rib pain, she returned to the doctor and blood tests were run.  Shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with MM, an incurable bone marrow cancer.  In spite of the odds, Mom lived 5 years after her diagnosis, passing away  just days before our youngest son was born.

This is my third year running the Chicago  Marathon, and on 10/10/10, and my friend Michelle Barbee is joining me.  Once again I have decided to bring more meaning to my run and utilize it as an opportunity to raise money and awareness for Multiple Myeloma.

Ninety-three percent of every dollar raised for the MMRF goes directly toward research. Thanks to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, which was founded in 1998, there are treatments today that were not available when Mom was diagnosed in 1998. As you evaluate whether to donate, please note that your money will go toward finding additional treatments that will prolong the lives of multiple myeloma patients.

I welcome you to join me on this journey -- whether it's donating to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, providing encouragement on race day, or simply sending a positive note once in a while.

Will you please support my participation in the Chicago Marathon and help me meet my fundraising goal?  Your donation will go to a great cause and is tax deductible. Every little bit helps! 

USE THIS LINK TO DONATE SAFELY AND SECURELY: http://www.active.com/donate/2010ChicagoMarathon/CHITLight

Thank you!
Tammy