Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to visit my fundraising page!  The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area holds a very special place in my heart.  I am eternally grateful for the programs & support they lend to my family & to all the families in the Bay Area & Central Valley touched by Down Syndrome.

On June 29, 2006 I was blessed with the most amazing little boy, Tyler Joseph O'Keefe.  When I looked into his eyes for the first time love doesn't even begin to explain what I felt for him.  Tyler was 72 hours old when I found out he had Down Syndrome.  My heart was broken into a million peices.  I was terrified of the unknown, but little did I know than, what I know now. That little boy has changed my world.  He is my inspiration & my drive. He is truly my everything!  I have seen him work so hard for the things that most of us take for granted, and continue to do it with a smile on his face.

Tyler will be 6 this year and will start Kindergarten in August! He has come so far this year!  He's 90% potty trained, can identify letters, numbers and colors, can sit in circle time with the 'typical' kids and has moved into the 'talkers' group in his speech therapy classes.  He's playing his first year of baseball & loving it! I am so proud to watch the little boy he has become!

For this reason I have decided to run my second FULL marathon!  On November 10, 2012 I will be running the Santa Barbara International Marathon.  My goal is to raise $100 for every mile I run for the Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area ($2620).  Tyler & all individuals with Down Syndrome work so hard to do the things we take for granted, the least I can do is run 26.2 miles for them.  Will you support me?  Will you help me promote the inclusion & acceptance of Tyler & all individuals with Down Syndrome?

No matter what size the donation $1-???? I am grateful.  Thank you for your time & support!! :)