Dear Friends and Family,

Without a doubt, I am getting ready for the biggest challenge of my life.  On Sunday, March 21, 2010, I will be running in the Shamrock Marathon here in beautiful Virginia Beach, Virginia.  Yes, that’s 26.2 miles.  I am excited to meet the challenge of competing in the event, but I need your help.  Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to run!

More importantly even than my physical commitment to train for this race is my commitment to raise funds for the Melanoma Research Foundation.  “Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.  While it is not the most common of the skin cancers, it causes the most deaths.”   The American Cancer Society estimates that about 68,720 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States during 2009.

I am not only running this marathon for the foundation, but also in honor of Donald “Pat” Patterson, Jr. who lost his battle with melanoma the summer of 2008.  Katie, Pat’s daughter, was my roommate in college and is a dear friend of mine.  I can remember when I was going through a very difficult personal situation and Pat called me to make sure I was okay.  He was fighting his own battle and was more concerned about my well being. What an amazing person he was!!!!  He was also extremely supportive of everyone in his life and that made a huge impact in my life. The entire Patterson family is very important to me, and I love them all dearly!

Research is the key to finding a cure, and fundraising for this research is essential.  I have set a personal goal to raise $10,000 toward this effort.

As I run this marathon, you will be with me in spirit, and your sponsorship will inspire me to run stronger and faster to the finish line.  Whatever you can contribute matters…it all adds up!!  With approximately 87% of your donation going directly to research, you truly can make a difference.  REMEMBER, WE COULD BE FIGHTING FOR YOU ONE DAY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!

Sincerely,

Jenny McGregor