Hey friends and family!

Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. I'm excited to tell you about my latest adventure. After much contemplation I have decided to participate in my very first marathon. And no, I am not talking about an "I Love Lucy" marathon. On April 19th I will lace up my shoes to run the 114th Boston Marathon! Yep, it's true. Okay, stop laughing and pick yourself up off the floor. Those of you who know me very well know that I have never been or have aspired to be a runner. No joke. Until very recently I never could understand why anyone would run even one mile, never mind twenty-six in a row! "Why would anyone do that to themselves?", I would think. I thought that they had to be superhuman or at the very least, heavily medicated. Well, I am neither. I am running Boston not only as a personal challenge but also to raise money for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.  

Any cause that has the hope to improve the quality of life for people is a deserving cause. I will run the 2010 Boston Marathon as a member of Team Eye & Ear in memory of two special people. My nana, Helen McGrath, who suffered from macular degeneration as well as my grandfather, Alton McGrath, who experienced significant hearing loss throughout his life.

Helen always put family first even when she was challenged by this debilitating eye disease. The fact that family history is a risk factor with macular degeneration gives me more reason to want advancements made in this area.

My grandfather, despite significant hearing loss, was always able to maintain his wonderful sense of humor and rarely let the fact that he was hard of hearing get him down. It was often frustrating for him when, even with a hearing aid, he could not participate in conversations. Now, years later, I have several family member who require hearing aids. I wish for the day that these devices can be perfected through advanced technology.

If there had been a cure or improved technology for my Nana and Grandfather's conditions during their lifetimes I truly believe that their quality of life would have been tremendously improved in their later years. My hope is that my family and others may be able to enjoy healthy eyesight and hearing throughout their lifetimes.

Also in my thoughts on Marathon Day will be my grandfather, Aubert Giles, who passed away this past November. He would have turned ninety-three on April 17th. My grandfather remained active during his later years and I can imagine that he would be proud of my latest endeavor. It will be my honor to run in his memory.

The coming months will be both exhausting and empowering. With your support I know I will cross that finish line strong and still smiling!

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Tammy