Hi Friends -

I am lucky enough to have been granted the opportunity to reach one of my dreams while helping others reach theirs. A Boston-based charity, Reach Out and Read, has granted me a spot on their Boston Marathon team for this year’s marathon on Monday, April 21, 2008.

Reach Out and Read promotes early literacy by making books a routine part of pediatric care. As part of my commitment to be on Reach Out and Read’s team, I have promised to raise at least $2,500, but have made it a personal goal to raise $3,000 and I need YOU to help! 

Reach Out and Read trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children at pediatric check-ups from six months to five years of age. A special focus is placed on children growing up in poverty. By building on the unique relationship between parents and medical providers, Reach Out and Read helps families and communities cultivate early literacy skills so that children enter school prepared to succeed at reading.

Some levels of giving that may be of interest to you include:

$26.20 – One dollar for every mile of the marathon and enough to provide 10 new books - one for each check-up visit from 6 months to 5 years

$52.40 – Two dollars for every mile of the marathon and enough to provide the first board book for 20 babies at the 6 month check-up

$112.00 – The number of this year’s Boston Marathon and enough to provide books for a young family with 4 children

$400.00 - The time in hours I hope to finish the Marathon in.

I know what it is like to cross the finish line of a marathon and I can’t wait to see how it feels to do it for someone other than myself!

It is easy to sponsor me online. Just click the "Sponsor Me Now" box at the top or bottom of the page.  If you would prefer to send a check, make it payable to Reach Out and Read and mail to my attention at:

357 Commercial St.
Apt. 403
Boston, MA 02109

Thank you so much for your support!  You just click the button – I’ll handle the running!

Kerry