On Novenber 12 th, 2011 I will be running in the Santa Barabara International Marathon and I will be running besides some incredible others who are joining forces to end spinal muscular atrophy or SMA, the leading killer of one of our most precious resources, our young children.

I am running for the sweetest of sweet, the bravest of the brave, Miss Gwendolyn Strong. I will be running for her and for all of her courageous little buddies, in the hope of ending this horrible disease, so that one day, they will have a chance to run as I run, to breathe as I breathe and to live, as I am so blessed to be living.

Won't you please consider donating to help Team GSF reach our fundraising goal of $26,200 for the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation.

I love to run and anybody that knows me, will tell you that. There is just this indecsribable feeling that comes from hitting the streets, music set at an almost unhealthy decibel, and just going. Losing yourself. And while I am out there losing myself, I do some of my best thinking. Lately, in light of receiving some news about my own health, I think about how lucky I am to even be out there. I think about those unable to be doing what I am doing. Such a simple, taken for granted movement, of placing one foot in front of the other and running. I think of Gwendolyn and this disease that has robbed her of everything, the least of which is running. So on the 12th of November, I will get out there and run and I will run because I can.

I am so very honored to be part of this team and so privileged to call Gwendolyn's mommy and daddy, Victoria and Bill, friends. I have been graced by the presence of this family in my life and rallied by the strength and determination of a child who has taught me, that each day, each moment is a gift.

I will leave you with the words of Gwendolyn's dad Bill, who says it all so much better than I:

"While each of us has our own personal reasons for joining Team GSF, there is at least one commonality that bonds us together. The desire to push and test ourselves -- our bodies and our willpower -- for a cause greater than ourselves. We've all somehow been touched by those impacted by SMA. And we've all born witness -- directly or indirectly -- to the cruel impact that it has on the innocent children and families that it touches.

Through our efforts at the GSF, our goal is to change the future of this brutal disease -- to see the day when SMA is no longer terminal, but treatable. We are an all-volunteer organization with no administrative expenses and 100% of donor support goes towards our mission. We're campaigning to increase awareness. We're determined to advance promising research. And we're committed to making sure those impacted have what they need to thrive. Over the past two years, we've raised nearly $1 Million and we've had a material impact on this disease. But there is more work to be done and funding is a major factor in keeping the positive momentum building at every level."

Please consider supporting me by making a tax deductible donation to Team GSF.

Thank you in advance and please know, together, we can and we will, make a difference.

Until next time,

Heather