As part of ongoing efforts to raise funds for Merlin, a dynamic organization that provides valuable medical relief and accessible healh care for vulnerable individuals and communities in developing countries throughout the world, I, along with 4 of my colleagues will take part in the annual Big Sur Mud Run - a 5 mile treacherous trek taking place on March 28, 2009.

If you're out of breath from reading that ridiculously long sentence, think about how I will feel after this race!

I realize we're going through a recession, but it's a GLOBAL recession and though you may be feeling the effects at home, think about what this means to people in much greater risks across the world - kids and families who don't have proper access to health facilities and services in the first place.

When I say every penny counts, I really mean it.  Just to give you some perspective:

$1 can vaccinate a child agaist measles
$20 can pay for 2,000 chlorine tablets for safe drinking water
$50 can pay for treatment to prevent HIV+ pregnant mothers passing the virus onto babies
$100 could train fishermen to promote HIV awareness in Kenya
$200 can buy birthing kits for  a community midwife to deliver 10 babies
$1,000 can buy medical kits to equip 6 community midwives

Donating through this website is simple, fast and secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts and to help Merlin's mission.

The more you donate, the dirtier I will get...All in the name of this noble cause!

Many thanks for your support -- Please forward this to anyone who you think might want to help...