Hey everybody, thanks for coming this far and taking a look at my running page.

Quick description of whats going on in this paragraph, more about my training and goals farther down. On Oct. 10th I am running in my first full marathon (26.2 miles), namely the Chicago marathon. The Chicago marathon attracts almost 50,000 runners annually of which most people raise hundreds of dollars for different causes. My cause is the Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF, more below). Their is approximately 10 of us on this team and our goal is to raise 1000 dollars each. We also have an independent patron who is matching dollar for dollar that we raise, giving us a total goal of 20,000 dollars! What's nice about this program is that 100% is used for human research (see below for more information) and not going to any individual or even helping me pay for entrance into this marathon. Donating through this website is simple, fast and completely secure.

So a little more info if you want to read on. My personal goal is to eventually qualify for Boston which requires me to finish a race in 3 hrs 10 mins. Unfortunately, due to some injuries training has been stalled at times, but I am back on track again. My new goal for this marathon is to finish in 3 hrs and 20 mins. Carcinoid cancer is a rare disease being diagnosed in the US at about 10-12,000 people a year. What is interesting about carcinoid is that most cancers effect the organ it started in or matastasize to. However, carcinoid is a neuroendocrine cancer which means the overly active cancer cells release excessive hormones into the blood and thus can have it's effects seen throughout the body. CFCF is currently undergoing a three step process in an attempt to better understand, screen and treat carcinoid patients. The three steps include 1) genetic identification of mutations leading to carcinoid, 2) understanding the pathophysiology of carcinoid and 3) clinical treatments. For more information about CFCF please see their website at http://www.caringforcarcinoid.org/.

Please send this link to anyone who you think might contribute to this cause. Also let me know if you have any questions or comments. Also once again thanks for reading this information and for your contribution. If you want you can pay me cash directly and I can send it in that way.