Me & The Race:
About a month ago, my partner, Victoria, and I were approached by a family in California to exchange our homes, so that they could bring a family of eight to the Virgin Islands to celebrate a 25th wedding anniversary. For me, the exchange week includes the 13.1-mile run at the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon on July 20, 2008. As you might know, I’ve been training really hard over the past two years and recently finished in the top 30 out of 800 in the 8 Tough Miles Race on St. John. So the opportunity to combine racing & wine tasting sounded terrific!
We moved forward with the home exchange, but unbelievably, the marathon was already booked! After much research, I was offered a position with Team Challenge to assist the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA). So on July 20, 2008, I’ll be racing to raise funds and awareness for research leading to improved treatment options and a cure for Crohn’s Disease. And what a terrific cause!!
The Cause:
Who hasn’t had the horrible, frustrating experience of needing to find a restroom NOW ?!? You might simply know Crohn’s Disease as Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), or the less serious Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It is estimated that as many as 1.4 million Americans have IBD; however, many more suffer in silence due to potential embarrassment and alienation. Crohn's disease is primarily a youthful disease, affecting mainly those between 15 and 35, but it can afflict people of all ages. No matter the age, I think we can all understand the painful isolation this disease can inflict, and unfortunately, there currently is no cure. Sadly, over the counter Imodium seems to be the best remedy for many.
How You Can Help:
Please help support me by giving generously, but any amount will help! As a member of Team Challenge, I have a coach, a training program, and teammates via the web to support me. I’ve promised to raise $2,500 in donations, and a minimum of 82 cents per dollar raised by CCFA goes directly to research and patient support. Your contribution is tax deductible.
I AM MOTIVATED! I AM COMMITTED!! AND I WILL FINISH MY FIRST HALF MARATHON!!!
Of course, your good wishes and positive vibes to sustain me in my training and your praise as I cross the finish line will also be graciously accepted. And I thank you again for taking the time to consider assisting me in reaching my goals and supporting this terrific cause.
email: spencer@sailhappyhour.com
My Blog: www.spencerusvi.blogspot.com |
