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| Jennifer Gaster's Fundraising Page |
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| Hello everyone :)
As most of you know, a couple of years ago I decided to be part of something amazing. I joined the National AIDS Marathon training program in hopes of running the Chicago Distance Classic Half Marathon, while also raising deeply needed funding for Chicagoans suffering from HIV and AIDS.
The race went amazing, and the AIDS program taught me everything about running I ever could have wanted; at the same time, I learned things about myself and others that can only be gained when embarking on such a mental, emotional, and physical goal as running a marathon.
The experience was so great that I continued my training, improved my speed, built strong friendships with my running team, and signed up again last year to train for the Chicago Marathon.
And... you all know how that went. It was probably one of the hottest days of the year (really unlike anything I'd trained for), however with the support of our team, we finished the race (over an hour slower than we were anticipated to finish) and received official times!
After the marathon, lots of thoughts crossed my mind from, "I can't feel my hip" to "I yelled at a police officer today!" to "I'm never running again"... however, very quickly all negative thoughts went away and all I could remember was the good training experience and the journey I had just completed---
So to complicate matters more, this winter a few friends and I decided to train for what is considered to be one of the most challenging marathons in the country (maybe even the world.). Oh, and let me add, we trained all throughout Chicago's lovely winter... at 6 am on Saturday mornings...
After 18 weeks of wind, snow, ice, sleet, hail, slush, frostbite, hypothermia, etc, the warm breezes (and freezing wind gusts) of the Big Sur marathon were an amazing reward for continued hard work.
Some of you might be reading this and thinking, :where is she going with this?"... and for those of you who know me well, you know that I have a hard time shutting up, but let me get to the point:
My journey has been fun, but isn't close to being over.
This summer, along with my great friend Allison, I'm training for October's Chicago Marathon. My goal is to raise $1,000 (but honestly, I think I can get $2,000) for Breast Cancer Network Of Strength's PINK STREAK MARATHON TEAM (Formerly Y-ME).
This wonderful group ensures through infomation, enpowerment, and peer support that no one fights breast cancer alone. Y-Me does not raise money for research, rather, the funds that I raise this summer will support those who can't wait for tomorrow's cure.
And, I'm asking for your support! No amount is too small, or too large for that matter.
Please make sure to check my site periodically this summer and fall, as I'll post some updates as the training continues.
Thank you all so much for your support :)
Love,
Jennifer |
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| Breast Cancer Network of Strength Illinois
300 W. Adams Suite 430 Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: 312-364-9071 Fax: 312-364-9066 |
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Total Donations: $120.00
Goal: $1,000
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