So the fact that I've signed up to help fundraise for an amazing hospital that enriches the lives of AMAZING children is probably not so much of a surprise to those who know me. The part that keeps my email full and my phone ringing is when I inform you all that I'll be running, yes running, a (half--very important) marathon on January 17th, 2010 as part of the PF Changs Rock 'n' Roll marathon. (I do expect to see a lot of you there fyi!) Our team is called the Miracles in Motion and every penny benefits Phoenix Childrens Hospital. SO exciting.

The most exciting part of this crazy adventure is that I am running in honor of a very special young lady. Erin Bratton is the patient that I have been incredibly lucky to be teamed with for this event. I've heard that motivation comes from within? For me, it comes from Erin...she is a gorgeous 15 year old who, at 4 years old, was diagnosed with a  Cavernous Hemangioma Brain Tumor.

She has put on probably the most courageous fight I have seen from such a young person. From multiple surgeries and the therapies that followed in the years since her diagnosis to STILL today dealing with daily pain, blurred vision, spinal pain, headaches, and surgery after surgery, this gal has every right to just sit back and say "I give up!". Not even in her vocabulary, she is a constant force of positive belief and strength. Because of her recent set backs we have not yet been able to meet but we email as often as she has an update for me and I am counting the moments to see that face. And let me share with you, that if the directors of this marathon came to  me today and said "You're gonna have to run around the globe, not just the 13 miles for this girl"? I'd bring an extra pair of shoes.

 And here's where I come to all of you for just a smidge of help! Whether you can donate one penny or a bazillion dollars, anything and everything helps and every penny I am so thankful. My goal is to reach $2000 for this heart-warming cause by race day...between my fantastic family, those who should be my family, and my wildly fun, phenomenal and loyal friends at The Breakfast Joynt and Westin Kierland, I'm confident this goal will be no sweat (except for me;))

If there was ever a time that a "thank you" takes on it's true meaning and it's own physical form it's now...from the bottom of my heart and from the hopeful little smiles at PCH....thank YOU thank YOU thank YOU and a million more

 

*(donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure, and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!)*