Peter's fundraising page
It was last Oct. 4 that I plunged a syringe needle into my right thigh and injected myself with interferon for the last time. I’ve since recovered completely from the side-effects of treatment for advanced-stage melanoma, and resumed most of the activities that I love.
To celebrate, I intend to run the Portland Marathon this Oct. 4—exactly one year later. I hope to once again experience the unique but entirely natural pain of completing a race of 26.2 miles. In addition to making this a celebration of life, I’m asking friends and family to support me financially in this challenge. Your gifts will be directed to Acorn Outreach, the community development nonprofit that Ellen and I established in Corvallis almost 10 years ago. We are deeply committed to this grassroots ministry and believe it makes the world a better place. (We are totally unrelated to ACORN, which you've no doubt heard about in the news. We're not into voter fraud and prostitution.)
I invite you to learn more about our outreach to the needy at our web site: www.acornoutreach.com. We run Acorn on a modest budget and need financial partners to fulfill our mission. By supporting me you will be supporting Acorn’s programs and services, which include English and computer classes for Hispanics, Spanish classes for people who work with Hispanic immigrants, a community garden for our neighbors, advocacy work (legal, housing, healthcare, taxes, etc.) and providing an activity center for the community. All of our services are free.
You may also be interested to read posts on my personal blog (www.theogler.blogspot.com), which records my thoughts and reflections through cancer treatment and beyond. A recent post was titled, "Why run another marathon?"
My fundraising goal is $10,000. Donating through this website is simple, fast and secure. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts. Alternatively, you can mail a check made out to Acorn Foundation (our legal name) to our home address: 3733 NW Jackson Ave., Corvallis, OR 97330.
Thanks for your support, and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too.
Blessings, Peter
P.S. My finishing-time goal for the marathon is under four and a half hours. I've run five marathons, with times ranging from 3:35 to 3:57. Let me know if you care to join me on a training run!