Hello!

Thank you so much for visiting my website! In case you haven't heard, I am currently training to run a 1/2 marathon to raise money for Phoenix Children's Hospital and I need your help! I am running on behalf of two very special people who know Phoenix Children's Hospital all too well. Their names are Max Marangella and Matthew Sabetta.

First, I'll tell you about Max. He is a vivacious six year old who like all little boys his age is always on the go and looking for trouble! Max was born with two major congenital defects, one of the heart and the other intestinal.He spent the majority of his first year of life as an inpatient at Phoenix Children's Hospital and has undergone 30+ surgeries and procedures to date. The first at just 7 days old and open-heart surgery at only six weeks old. Today Max is a happy, active, 6 year old boy that loves his swim lessons, playing with his toys and handing out hugs and kisses!

This summer, Max's life was turned upside down when he underwent his fourth heart procedure--another open-heart procedure to repair his aorta. His family knew that this surgery was important to save his quality of life and deter further damage to his heart valves.  This may not be Max's last open-heart surgery, but we can all hope and pray that he will continue to be strong in living a happy healthy life!

I met Max for the first time on September 15th at the Miracles in Motion kick off party! The party was held at Fiddlesticks and Max was a pro at mini golf...hitting a hole-in-one! He is recovering well from his surgery and is one of the smartest little boys I've met! Can you believe he is bilingual in English and Italian? I look forward to hanging out with Max again soon!

To learn about Mathew Sabetta (Matty), check out our group website at www.firstgiving.com/mattysteam . I truly appreciate you sharing this entire experience with me! Please visit both sites often for the latest and greatest on these two boys and even see how we're doing with the run (I'm up to about 7 miles without walking!)

Please know that donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my personal fundraising efforts. I have also already donated $100 of my own money as well as helped coordinate additional group fundraising efforts such as bake sales, garage sales, and raffles. We will be accepting donations all the way through the day of the race (Jan 13th), but I hope to reach my goal before the end of December! 

Many many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too! Every little bit helps! :)