I met Anne Cinelli when I was a kid showing horses with my Aunt Charlene. Years had passed since I last reconnected with her, and when I found her on Facebook (yes, Facebook – it reconnects us with so many), I find that she has a family now.

 

Unfortunately like most families, they too, were affected by cancer. Her son Jon (or many refer to him as Jon Jon) was diagnosed with brain cancer and lost his battle at the age of 7 on November 16, 2008.

 

The Cinelli family continues their support to help find a cure for cancer, especially for the families that refuse to believe that there is no cure for their child. No family should be sent home with the words ‘there is nothing more medicine can do’.  When I asked Anne if I could run in memory of Jon Jon, she referred me to The Cure Starts Now. This non-profit organization was started by a family who had a child with the same brain tumor, and dedicates their donations to research and treatments for children with brain cancer.

 

On Sunday, October 25th, I will be running in my first marathon and would love your support in helping to raise money for families who have children with cancer.

 

The Niagara Falls International Marathon starts near the Albright-Knox Gallery in Buffalo, NY. The course crosses the Peace Bridge and follows the Niagara River Parkway to the finish line near the Fallsview Casino/Skyline Tower area. Now that all my US and Canadian friends know where to cheer me on, you also know where you can give! Thanks for your support.

 - Jen