Dear friends,

On April 28, 2012, I will be running in a half marathon in Champaign, Illinois, the Christie Clinic Half Marathon, a 13.1-mile journey. I have decided to run to raise funds and awareness for diabetes research.

My family, friends and reservation I have lived on has been affected by diabetes, and it is not a pleasant disease to live with. Unfortunately, too many of us have a family member or friend who has diabetes. It now affects more than 21 million Americans.

On behalf of my running team, Team Heart Milita, I stand for those who need help and will do my absolute best for the people I run for. Even though this is 1 of 7 charities I am running for, I am passionate about every single one.

The money that I help raise will go directly to the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Briefly, the DRI is the most comprehensive diabetes research facility of its kind, dedicated exclusively to curing diabetes through islet cell transplantation and other cellular therapies. That is why I feel so strongly about supporting the Institute's important work.

To learn more, visit www.diabetesresearch.org. I've set a goal for myself to raise at least $2,000 in donations, and I need your help. Please consider making a donation of $50, $100, $200 or whatever you can afford. The training and the half marathon will definitely be a challenge, but knowing that you are behind me will make my efforts worthwhile. Please join me in supporting the Diabetes Research Institute. I know we can make a difference in the lives of the people I love that have diabetes and the millions of others affected by this disease. I hope that you'll share this passion with me, and join me in my fundraising efforts.

 

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,

Jeff Turning Heart Jr.