Dear friends and family,

On January 7th, I will be running in the Disney 1/2 marathon, a 13.1 mile journey. This is my first 1/2 marathon and only my third-ever running race.  A few weeks ago, I  decided to run to raise funds and awareness for diabetes research when my lovely 24 year old niece ended up in intensive care after a severe diabetic event.  A dear friend from high school is now blind from this disease.

Unfortunately, too many of us have a family member or friend who has diabetes. It now affects more than 21 million Americans. The monies I raise will go directly to the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Briefly, the DRI is the most comprehensive diabetes research facility of its kind, dedicated exclusively to curing diabetes through islet cell transplantation and other cellular therapies. That is why I feel so strongly about supporting the Institute's important work. To learn more, visit www.diabetesresearch.org.

I know it is short notice, but I've set a goal for myself to raise at least $500 in donations, and I need your help. Please consider making a donation of  whatever you can afford. The training has been a challenge, but not nearly as much as living with disease. Knowing that you are behind me will make the race much more worthwhile. Please join me in supporting the Diabetes Research Institute. I know we can make a difference in the lives of the people I love that have diabetes and the millions of others affected by this disease. I hope that you'll share this passion with me, and join me in my fundraising efforts. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely, Audrey