Friends

It's been a while since I fundraised but the backdrop of the London 2012 Olympics seemed the perfect time to start again. So between January and December, I will run at 12 races in 12 months. I start on 28 January with the Miami Tropical 5K run and finish in December with the Dodge Latin America Miami Beach half marathon. In between I will particpate in 5K, 10K and longer races races across Florida and the rest of the US.

Why am I doing this? As many of you know, my son, Michael - pictured right - was diagnosed as Type 1 diabetic at the age of two. Now aged 7, his adaption to this condition has been inspiring for me as a father, aided by the significant advances made in diabetes research. Diabetes now affects more than 21 million Americans.

The monies I raise will go directly to the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI), a center of excellence at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.  I visited the school earlier this year. 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 $3,000 in donations and I need your help. I know times are tough but please make any donation you can afford. The training will be a challenge but knowing that you are behind me will make my efforts worthwhile. 

Thank you in advance for your generosity! If anyone wants to join me, just let me know!

Kevin