I am SO excited to be representing the Achilles Track Club in the NYC Marathon on November 2, 2008. As some of you know, my younger sister Tessa volunteers for their New York city group and has so many great things to say about this inspiring organization.

The Achilles Track Club sponsors and supports people with all kinds of disabilities, such as visual impairment, stroke, cerebral palsy, parapalegia, arthritis, amputation, multiple sclerosis, cystic fybrosis, cancer, and many others. This includes everyone from children with disabilities to wounded war veterans. In addition, to fundraising efforts to support these inspiring athletes, they also pair runners in their chapters with disabilities to assist their training — my sister runs almost once a week with Achilles Track Club members.

Sadly, there is no local Boston chapter so I am thrilled to finally be involved in the Achilles Track club albeit from a distance and even more thrilled that I am moving to NYC on October 29 and can volunteer weekly with this great group.

Thank you for visiting my page. Donating through this site is simple and totally secure and all donations are tax-deductible. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution although I can also arrange to accept donations in person or through the mail — just contact me.

Many thanks for your support — and don't forget to please forward this to family, friends, or coworkers you you think may want to help me support such a worthy charity. I need to raise this money in order to enter the race!

Thanks so much!
Melissa

UPDATE: Just finished the NYC Nike Half Marathon on 7/27/08... despite 90% humidity, I did pretty well in 2:11:05.

UPDATE 2: Just finished the Douglas, MA 5 Star Triathlon on 9/13/08 and finished in a pretty decent 1:30:49. Running part was easy . . . biking and swimming not so much.

UPDATE 3: My older sister Jessica has also succumbed to the running bug. She is currently kicking butt as she trains for the Turkey Trot 5-miler which Tessa and I plan to join her on. Go Jess!

UPDATE 4: My sister Tessa was selected as a guide for an epileptic woman for the last 13 miles of the NYC Marathon. Let's cheer her on as well and donate on her behalf! I'm so proud of her and she's my inspiration for doing this!