On October 11, I will be running my first Chicago Marathon. I will be 
running for my cousin Brian and the American Foundation for Suicide 
Prevention (AFSP).  AFSP is a not-for-profit organization which helps 
prevent and understand suicide. They also provide education and 
advocacy to people with mental disorders and those impacted by suicide.
Did you know that a person dies by suicide about every 16 minutes in 
the United States and an attempt is estimated to be made once every 
minute? AFSP is dedicated to funding the research, education and 
treatment programs necessary to prevent suicide.
     Brian and I lived next to each other and grew up together. He was full 
of laughter and made sure everybody was laughing with him. Our family 
was crushed on March 2, 2007 when we found out Brian passed.  If I can 
run 26.2 miles to make a difference in one person's life then I've 
done right by Brian. I will continue to run for him.