Visit my training blog, http://runningforhospitality.blogspot.com/.

Hi, my name is Kristina Duke and I'm running the Boston Marathon for Hospitality Homes on April 21, 2008 (Patriots’ Day in Massachusetts). Running has always been a passion of mine and the best way I know to release stress and solve the world’s problems in 60 minutes or less!

Though I have run several marathons in the past, this one will be particularly special to me as I am reaching a milestone in my life, turning 40! They say 40 is the new 30, and inside I feel even younger.  I feel lucky that I have never had any major health problems to speak of and I am aging as gracefully as possible.

I know first hand that so many people are not this lucky. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997 and thankfully she is now considered “cured." My father has been in and out of the hospital with a variety of issues over the past 5 years; a few included lengthy stays in the ICU, where we thought we would never get the chance to say those three precious words again. I also know, as a registered nurse, that our family’s challenges pale in comparison to others and this makes you realize how precious time is with loved ones and that access to quality health care makes all the difference in this world.

With the help of Hospitality Homes, I am combining both my passions—running for my health and running for others—and setting a personal challenge to raise $10,000. My family was lucky to be able to receive medical treatment in our home town. Many families don’t have that luxury as they don’t live near the best medical facilities or the condition requires special attention that may only be found out of state. These families need our help to find a safe, affordable place to stay so that they can concentrate on supporting and nurturing their loved ones back to health, which often is an enduring process.

I have never been afraid of challenges and even put my fundraising capabilities to the test walking 60 miles for the AVON Breast Cancer Society and raising almost $5,000. I walked for three days with those who had beaten the odds, those who had been the support system through the fight, and those who walked for hope.

As I turn 40 and run the Boston Marathon, my legacy will be something far more precious than a shiny medal. It will be knowing that in running, I helped make life a bit easier for patients and their families at a time when they need it the most. I hope you will join me in making a difference for these families.

Thank you for all of your support. 

Visit the Hospitality Homes website http://www.hosp.org to learn more about their important work.  If you would prefer to make a donation by check, it can be made payable to Hospitality Homes and sent to:

                                      Hospitality Homes
                                      P.O. Box 15265
                                      Boston, MA 02215

Please write "Marathon" in your check memo.