Thank you for visiting my fundraising page!

I love to hike with my friend Debbie Arnowitz. Two years ago she was diagnosed with Sjogrens Syndrome. Sjogrens is a chronic autoimmune disease in which a person's white blood cells attack their moisture-producing glands. As we were hiking one day, Debbie mentioned that she would like to join Team Sjogrens and raise money and awareness of this little known disease. I happily told her I would love to join her. Debbie is a great friend and a wonderful person. She is a giver. She is a neo-natal nurse at University of California San Francisco Hospital. I hope that our efforts help in finding a cure for this disease.

Debbie was going to walk the 26.2 mile Country Music  Marathon in Nashville, TN with me on Saturday, April 28th as part of Team Sjogrens. Unfortunately, she will not be able to do so. Debbie is having excurciating pain in her left knee. She is very sad to have to stop her training. 

I have found a wonderful new partner, my husband Dean has volunteered to run in Debbie's place. I am excited and nervous about this. Dean is in great shape and will no doubt encourage me to push myself.

My training is going well. I have been steadily increasing my walking distance each week. For my long walk last Friday I walked 20 miles. This Friday my long walk is 12 miles. Next week I will do another 20 miles. I am also walking 3-6 miles 3 or 4 days each week. I would like to increase my speed and will be working on that by doing a lot of stair work and intervals. Dean is trying to balance training (with a small tear in his meniscus) and a heavy travel and work schedule. He is very athletic and has great strength and endurance.

My goal was to raise $2,300.00 on behalf of Team Sjogrens and I am so grateful to all who have helped me attain this goal. Dean and I will continue to try to raise money in order to help fulfill Debbie's commitment of $2300. I would be grateful for your continued support whether it is through your thoughts, prayers or your pocketbook. 

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate to this cause.

Love,

Donna (Dean & Debbie too!)