On June 15 I made a commitment. One that has come to mock me every time I get out of bed, every time the sun starts to set, every time I walk down stairs, and every time I try to follow Cindy's Ab workout on Exercise TV. I committed to raise money for the Lupus Foundation of America- by running the Chicago Marathon.

Why would I run a marathon to raise money? Why would I put myself through 17 weeks of aching muscles I never knew I had? All this work to end it all by running 26.2 more miles, enduring what I can only imagine to be hours of pain and turmoil. Maybe because I enjoy the challenge? Or because I like to run? Not really. Simply put, because I'm hoping that my commitment will promote others to donate and raise awareness for Lupus.

I also have a personal connection to this disease. In 2007, I lost my Aunt Sue to Lupus. She was the strongest person I knew, and the greatest influence on my life. Those of you who were lucky to know her, know that she endured 7 years of this disease, and yet she managed to never feel sorry for herself and smiled as much as possible. I wouldn’t be who or where I am now if I hadn't been so lucky to have had her in my life. And taking that to heart, I'll be running in her honor and memory, trying to smile as much as I can along the way.

So in just UNDER 1 MONTH I’ll be running a marathon, in memory and in honor of Sue. I have committed myself to finish and it hasn’t been easy. But, its been a journey. I hope that you will join me on my journey and help me by donating money to this important non-profit organization. I know that the economy is bad. That times are tough and you’d probably rather save then donate. However, it’s not like throwing money away. This is a disease that can affect anyone. It has no defining cause and it has no cure. It took the life of someone I cared about very much. Someone who put others first and who wouldn’t want anyone to have to endure the same pain she did. Help me fight this disease by donating to the LFA. Let’s find a cure.

Please donate what you can, whether is $10, $100, or $26.2 dollars (one for every mile I'll run on October 11). Every dollar will go towards helping those who are affected by Lupus.  All donations are Tax deductible. And if you'd be more comfortable donating offline- please email me directly at mollie.arnolde@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and please pass this link on to any generous awesome people you may know.

Lots of love,

Mollie