I recently told a childhood friend (yes, you, Jodi!) that I’d be coming home to Boston in April… to run the Boston Marathon, to which she replied, “Those people are crazy!”
So, yes, I think I’m surely a bit crazy! I’ll be running, not just because it happens to be the 113th running and my lucky number is 13. Not, just because Mark and I need an excuse to head back home and get out of the Caribbean heat for a bit (really not this reason!), but I’ll be running on Monday, April 20, 2009 for a charity.
I was accepted to the 2009 Boston Marathon Team Eye and Ear! I’ll be running on behalf of the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston.
As part of my commitment to be on the Team Eye and Ear, I have promised to raise at least $3,000. The funds raised by the Mass Eye and Ear team will enable them to continue the great work that they do. In fact, a research milestone for Mass Eye and Ear was the development of a surgical method to restore speech, swallowing, and normal breathing in patients with paralyzed vocal cords. This stood out for me as important as I recalled my father’s (thankfully) temporary paralysis following heart surgery. They also are instrumental in hearing loss restoration discoveries, which again struck a chord with me as a close family member has been greatly assisted by the aid of a hearing device. Finally, as a teaching hospital, with my background in Education, I am happy to be a part of an organization, which passes on skills and fosters learning for next generations.
As a member of Team Eye and Ear I will be one of 55 runners this year and I really need help in raising the $3,000.
Some levels of giving that may be of interest to you include the following:
· $3.00 -the number of miles I was running daily before starting this venture
· $17.00- the number of Mass Eye and Ear operating rooms
· $26.20 -one dollar for every mile on April 20th
· $113.00- the 113th running of the Boston Marathon (and Terrie’s lucky # 13)
· $500.00 - the time in hours I hope to finish the Marathon in
Once again thank you for your support, no donation is too small. I may not beat any of the Kenyans this year, but either way I believe I am in a winning situation running for Team Eye and Ear.
It's super easy to sponsor me online - just click the "Sponsor Me Now" purple box! However, if you would prefer to send a check, please make it payable to the Foundation of MEEI, Inc. and mail to my attention at:
P.O. Box 420
Culebra, PR 00775
I’d also love to have any supporters out there on the big day, so please don’t hesitate to position yourselves anyplace along the route between Hopkinton and Boston miles 1-26!!
Thanks!
Terrie