Not long after that I discovered Team World Vision, a group of runners who use events like marathons to raise awareness and funds for relief work in Africa. Although I had never run a marathon and was quite out of shape at the time, I decided to join the team. I worked hard, training and fundraising, and it was an unbelievable experience. Since then I have continued to run and encourage others to run for Team World Vision.

After the marathon last year, my wife Sally and I were invited to go to Africa and visit the part of Zambia benefiting from our efforts. I cannot put into words how powerful that was. I walked through a clinic being built that will prevent the spread of AIDS from a mother to a child. With my own hands, I pumped a well that is now providing clean water to an entire community. I played, I prayed, and I spent time with the very people who's lives have been changed by our team.

The experience was so moving that this year Sally has decided to join me on the team. (Yes, you read that right!) My wife, who could not run a mile straight a few months ago, is in the process of becoming a marathoner! She's doing it for the same reason I am. We believe that by running this 26.2-mile race, we can make a difference.