Dear Friends,      Mar 4 Update: Roger Soldano, his daughter Jennifer and I completed the Los Angeles Marathon on Sunday in under 7.5 hrs. For those who have already donated, thank you. For those who were waiting  to donate pending results form the run...since "mission accomplished" please donate now as website will remain open only for a few more weeks.

Last year, Ed Dempsey (Josh's friend from Kindergarten) and I, Frank Korkowski finished the LA Marathon in memory of my son Joshua who died by suicide in 2003. Prior marathons were with my daughter Tessa, Ed and Mike Matthew. This year, I am running with a friend from work and his daughter (her first marathon) on Sunday March 2, 2008.

Each step taken in this 26.2 mile event is to raise public awareness of the suicide problem we face with staggering statistics of 1 "attempt" every minute, 1 "death" every 16 minutes in the USA.  Each step taken is to raise funds to support AFSP in their work to inform and educate the public about depression & suicide, to support research projects which help further the understanding and treatment of depression and the prevention of suicide.  AFSP provides support for survivors like myself, my wife Marsha and daughter Tessa ...to help handle the loss of a loved one, a friend, or an employee through suicide. For the third consecutive year, LA Marathon has recognized AFSP as one of its official charities to support.

I keep a small booklet with the names of people I know who have died by suicide. During the marathon I pray for them and their families and for those sufferring with mental illness...that they get help or someone takes them by the hand to lead them to help.  Please email me at mokorkowski@sbcglobal.net with names of anyone you would want me to remember in prayer during this marathon.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. However, if you prefer donating by check, please make it out to AFSP / Greater LA Division and mail it to Korkowski's 1360 Beechwood Drive, Brea, Ca 92821

JOIN US  Sunday at the course 3-mile mark (corner of Hollywood Blvd & Schrader between Highland & Vine...easy access using the red line) to meet some AFSP folks who will have banners and to cheer-on the runners...8am to 10am.   Complementary LA Marathon volunteer T-shirts and goodie bags for first 16 arrivers. 

This website will remain open throughout April and in May until the 18th.

Many thanks for your support.

 Frank, Marsha, Tessa Korkowski