HEY!

My name is Tessa Corthell, and I'm an Animal Care Specialist with the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter. I'm running my first marathon this year--the Inaugural Rock n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon (whew, how's that for a mouthful...), taking place in New Orleans, Louisiana on February 28, 2010.

I figured that a great way to keep myself motivated for the race would be to raise a few dollars for an organization that I believe capable of great, important things.

The Friends of Jefferson Animal Shelter is a non-profit, volunteer run group. Its members have organized an enormously successful foster and off-site adoption program, as well as low-cost spay/neuter assistance. I cannot say enough about the value of these programs, and the impact that they have had on our shelter's euthaniasia rates. 

Additionally, the Friends visit, socialize, and exercise our animals, as well as fund specialized medical teatment for injured animals who arrive at the shelter in messy shape.

Please consider donating to this wonderful organization! If you're a New Orlean-ian, please feel free-er than free to join me on race day (my Pops will be in town running also!). Post-race beers are on me.