Last year we raised more than $2,000 for Comfort Zone Camp and we are back at it again in 2012!

My goal this year is to raise $2,500 (or more) for Comfort Zone Camp and send five kids to a place where they can feel the love and support they desperately need during a time of loss and grief. 

Why I run + raise money for CZC

On August 3, 1998 I saw my father's obituary, something a child should never see in their young life.

My father, Donald Knapp, died on August 2, 1998 due to complications from End Renal Failure (Kidney Failure) and inoperable brain cancer. He was 42 years old, just one week shy of his 43rd birthday. I was 14 years old, heading into my Sophomore year of high school and it was the worst day of my life.

In six months, the kidney failure and brain cancer ravaged his body. He simply had no chance to fight it.

I wish I was the only child to have ever went through this, but sadly I’m part of an estimated 1 out of every 9 children who will lose a parent before turning 20.

While we as a society are working to cure cancer, prevent violent crime and stop senseless acts of violence, little is done to help the children whom are affected daily by these tragic events.

Those of us who have been affected know all too well the feelings that accompany the loss of a parent. Grief, anger, loneliness overwhelm while 75% think their life would have been much better if their parent hadn’t died when they were young. (I’m part of this 75%)

Please support me as I raise money for CZC this year and inspire those who have lost a parent or love one to cherish their memories and help make their life as normal as possible.