I am proud to be running the Bank of America Chicago Marathon 2008 as a member of Team McGraw for the Tug McGraw Foundation.

The Foundation seeks to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for those patients and caregivers confronted with brain tumors. As a part of Team McGraw, I am raising funds to support research in this effort.

I will also be running on behalf of someone that has been personally touched by this disease, such that I can share in a better understanding of the impact of this disease.

Thank you so much for your support as I tie on my running shoes and take to the streets on behalf of the Tug McGraw Foundation, and I appreciate your donation.

Just slap on the shoes and run, mile after mile…for them.

Through my travels as keyboardist with country superstar Tim McGraw, as well as my work with the Foundation, I’ve met some truly stellar individuals who I have the honor of representing in this effort.

I first met brain tumor survivor Jeannie Kauffman last summer out on the concert trail. Jeannie, her partner Jen Ringler, and I got acquainted over burgers at a diner in Los Angeles. Afterwards, she shared her spirit with me singing “All In For a Cure,” an original composition inspired by her own personal journey.

She sang her heart out, right there in the restaurant, free and vibrant…a shining example of hope and perseverance.

Hannah Uhrmacher and I met at a concert last summer as well. She and her family had been invited to our “show before the show” – a brief intimate performance by Tim, Faith, and a few of our band members backstage – and there it began.

Hannah and I hit it off immediately. She was loveable, considerate, insightful, funny, caring, and magnetic – a charming young lady dressed all in pink that was unfairly taken too soon by a brain tumor.

I have no doubt that both Jeannie and Jen will be cheering me on from the sidelines of this event. And Hannah will be running with me…in pink shoes, no doubt.

Thank you for your donation, and for more on my road to the marathon, visit my blog at JeffMcMahonOnline.com.