Hello Everyone:

Thank you all so very much for supporting me  and helping me reach my goal of raising money for Massachusetts General Children's Cancer Research.  Anything you can give is very much appreciated! Having the opportunity to run the Boston Marathon is an ABSOLUTE DREAM, and to run for a cause that I care so much about, makes it that much better!

I started my running career 5 years ago. When I first began, I could only run 30 seconds at a time before having to stop due to problems with my breathing. As a teenager, I was diagnosed with sports induced asthma; however, I was not going to let that stop me. I was determined to keep at it and not let my asthma get in the way. I started competing in local 5K road races, and as the years went by, my time and mileage increased and my passion for running grew stronger.

My longterm goal was to run a half marathon, and in May 2008 I did just that. I completed the Boston Run to Remember Half Marathon with my favorite running buddy and great friend, Daniela. After crossing the finish line, winded and looking for a snack, Daniela and I decided that we were going to reach for the stars. If we were lucky enough to get a number, we were going to run Boston '09. We heard of the Mass General team and the cause they were running for, Children's Cancer Research.  We got our applications in right away and  were PUMPED when we got word that we both had received numbers to run! I have started my training, and the weekend long runs in the BITTER cold have begun.  I am very excited and very determined to be "the first Phalan to cross that finish line!" (Quoted by my Uncle Paul)

If you want to donate, but would rather send a check, make it payable to Mass General Hospital and you can send it to :

Heather Phalan

88 Maplewood St.

Boston, Ma 02132

I will keep everyone updated on my training, and with your help, I  will do my BREAST to raise money to support this very worthwhile cause.

Thanks again-   

Love,

Heather  :)