As a marathoner I have dreamed of running the Boston Marathon, but the qualifying time was over an hour and a half faster then my best time. In 2008 my girlfriend Sarah told me she wanted to run her first marathon. She and my sister urged me to make an attempt at my Boston dream. In February of 2009 I tried to qualifying for Boston. I ran the worst time of my life, 5 hours. Three months later I cheered as Sarah attempted her first marathon.
The struggles I face as a marathoner are nothing compared to what Sarah went through to run her first marathon. For Sarah, it was not just the struggle of one marathon, but obstacles she has overcome her whole life. Sarah has Neurofibromatosis, NF. NF is a disease that affects the nervous system causing tumors. These tumors can cause blindness, deafness, even death. Growing up she had to struggle to keep up with other kids in school. She has numerous stories about overcoming challenges she faced. It was no surprise when she crossed the finish line of her first marathon. Being the selfless person that she is, she trained for the marathon as part of the NF Endurance Team. The NF Endurance Team raises money for the Children's Tumor Foundation, CTF. CTF's primary goals are researching, treating, and hopefully curing NF.
Inspired by her efforts and with her support, I trained harder then ever to qualify for Boston. Due to injury and a move to New Mexico I missed my second attempt. I signed up for a third attempt at qualifying. This time I made it to the start line healthy. During the marathon there were 23 mph headwinds, but I crossed the finish line in a time of 3:15:47. Qualifying time is 3:15:59. Sarah was at the finish line waiting for me, tears in her eyes, I had qualified.
After all the help and support she has shown to me and the dedication and inspiration she has shown to all, it seemed only fitting that I honor her by running for the NF Endurance Team. I will be running this year's Boston Marathon on April 19, 2010.
To learn more about NF at The Children's Tumor Foundation web site
CLICK HERE.
And to learn more about the Mighty NF Endurance Team and where we are funding research please read "Team Fundraising Dollars at Work"
CLICK HERE.
I have set what I believe to be a meaningful fundraising goal worthy of your donation support .... I do want to make a difference. These monies will go to NF research, and perhaps because of my effort treatments and a cure for NF will be funded sooner rather than later. "You never know which dollar will help find a cure for NF." A contribution in any amount is appreciated and think here: respect the distance.
Thank-you.
Chris | 
