"Keep Going!" That's what all those great fans were saying. Thanks to you for sponsoring my marathon run to kelp kids like Tommy we have reached the first goal, meeting the fund-raising target to which I had initially committed. I feel my sore legs are worth it! Of course the bigger goal is the mission of the Massachusetts General Hospital Children's Cancer and Leukemia Research Fund, to find cures for our kids. So there is no penalty for over-shooting the target listed above. Please tell your generous-spirited friends that their donations are also tax deductible, whether given online right here, or by check to the "MGH Marathon Team" mailed to my secretary, Donna Silva , Cox 6, Mass General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114 (617 726 8748).

Both Massachusetts General Hospital and I appreciate your donation. Any amount will make a difference but please try to give generously! Over 95% of donations will go directly to research to fight cancers and leukemias that affect children. This research can help adults too. To find out more about this vital cause, click on the dancing kids logo in the upper left.
Many thanks,
Dave Harmon, M.D.
(4/20/04 It was HOT!!! But I was runnin' the WHOLE way, no walkin', no crawlin', just slo-runnin'. I decided to take the slow and easy pace when I noticed the sweat dripping off my arms while we were just standing at the starting line. Then at the last mile, when the clock still showed I might have a chance to break 5 hours, I gave it all I had. It was the toughest mile I ever ran. I was very wobbly after that effort until I got a few Gatorades down. Too bad, it took 48 seconds too long. Still it felt great to charge across the line with so many people cheering. Guess I have to try again some year when the Kenyans leave their heat at home. Of course today it is back to being nice and cool. (The Kenyans have left.) I went to the medical tent afterwards, not because I was sick, but because I had volunteered to be part of an echocardiogram study of heart function after extreme exertion. The tent looked like a MASH scene, minus the blood. 1400 runners needed iv's. 120 went to the hospital.

Having a child with cancer or leukemia would be infinitely harder, and there were some such parents out there among the runners. Step by step and donation by donation let's do what we can to help these great kids and courageous parents. )
Thanks for your support!! (Heaven has a special place for people who send donations and for all little kids who hand out ice to runners.)