Welcome to my Boston Marathon Fundraising Page! This page serves as the first stop on my way to the 2012 Boston Marathon finish line in historic Copley Square. After completing half marathons in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., San Francisco and Virgina Beach--I'm ready to run 26.2 for the best city and the best race in the world: Boston. Even better, I'll be running for ReadBoston a Mayor Menino founded initiative with a mission to have children in Boston reading on grade level by the time they complete third grade. As a writer and teacher, this organization represents everything I believe in: using writing and reading as a way of building knowledge, confidence and community. Your donation will help ReadBoston's summer Storymobile program. The Storymobile offers professional storytelling and a free new book to children at 78 sites each week. Last year, ReadBoston gave away over 50,000 books to support reading and Boston kids.

Please consider being one of the 160 people to donate just $25, so that I can meet my $4000 goal by April 16th, 2012!

My Running AND Reading Profile:

Favorite Run: The Esplanade loop from the Hatch Shell to Harvard and back again--across at least two bridges.

Favorite Childhood Book: The Little House by Virgina Lee Burton

A Couple Favorite Boston Authors: John P. Marquand, Tom Perrotta, Alice Hoffman and Joe Hurka. Plus all the amazing authors I work with in the Writing, Literature and Publishing Department at Emerson College.

Best Running Buddies: High school friends--Beth and Mike--who join me at destination races all over the country, my little brother PJ--who keeps me training year-round, Justin--who makes me run fast, and Scruffy--my 11lb. terrier mix who is always up for a run through the city.

First Library Experience: Schlow Library in State College, PA. The summer reading program was the highlight of my year as a kid.

Best Reading Spot in Boston: The Public Garden in fall and summer OR with a cup of hot coffee at Cafe L'Aroma on Newbury Street in the winter and spring.

Why ReadBoston: I'm thrilled to be running for an organization that gives back to the Boston community. From early childhood through elementary school, ReadBoston's community iniatives work to build literacy throughout Boston's unique and diverse neighborhoods. As a writing teacher, I know firsthand how powerful reading can be, and, as a writer, I'm excited to run Boston knowing that my fundraising will provide young readers with the books and literacy tools necessary for becoming strong readers.

Running Mantra: "Just One More Mile"

Reading Mantra: "Every book deserves a chance."

I hope you'll join me by donating to ReadBoston as I begin my own story en route to the 2012 Boston Marathon. Please donate as much or as little as you'd like--and as you leave a donation, feel free to also post a note with your favorite childhood book so that you can give a shout out to those authors who inspired your own love for reading!

 

A Note From First Giving: Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!