Dear Friends,

As you probably now know, I am training to run the 2008 Boston Marathon. Why am I doing such a crazy thing? Well, I have said it's because I want to get into really good shape. (You may argue that there are better ways to do this.) But more importantly, I think finishing a marathon is such a monumental personal achievement that it's a worthy goal to set. I have a feeling that by the time the race is over, I'll be a much better person, physically and mentally.

Aside from the physical preparations, I have to raise $2000 to run officially. So that I can run the marathon as an “invitational charity entrant,” I am raising my funds through the Harvard College Marathon Challenge (HCMC) for two very important organizations: the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) and Project HEALTH. I'm finding that fundraising, despite the stress of meeting deadlines, adds so much more meaning to the entire experience. I hope I can convince you why:

PBHA is a critically important student-run public service organization at Harvard. It funds 72 community service programs in the Boston area and has over 1800 student volunteers. Most of Harvard's volunteer programs would not exist without PBHA’s funds!

Project HEALTH is a national service organization that works to improve the general health of families below the poverty line through a variety of public health interventions. One example is an after school program for low-income children with chronic illness, which teaches the children the skills to manage their illness and succeed.

I strongly urge you to go to the two links above and read more. If you are touched or impressed by the honorable work done by these charities, please donate. If you are concerned about how much to donate, whether it’s 5, 25, or 100, this is what I feel: EVERY DONATION MATTERS, no matter how small!

If you're still not convinced; these two organizations both have 501(c)(3) status, so after you donate you can request a tax exemption letter. Also remember you're helping me run the marathon!

Donating online through this website is convenient and totally secure. Just click on "Sponsor me now" and follow the instructions. However, donating by check will ensure every single penny goes to these charities, because there are costs associated with online transactions. If you want to donate by check, or **your company has a matching donation program**, follow the instructions on the HCMC's Sponsor a Runner page.

In just about five months, I’m going to run the longest and hardest race of my life. But more importantly, I will have raised at least $2000 for PBHA and Project HEALTH, which I believe will have a real impact in someone’s life. Please help me achieve my goal!

Thank you,

Santosh

PS: I am soon going to start a blog detailing my experience with training for the marathon, from the runner’s high after a strong finish to the lows of injury.