As most of you know, I have been on this amazing journey towards fitness and health over the past four years. My life turned around when I quit smoking and started running. As some of my friends have said, I became obsessive about my running and thus it turned into a goal of running a race of significance in all 50 states.

So far, my training/racing has taken me from Bismarck, North Dakota to Miami, Florida and from Wilmington, North Carolina to Las Vegas, Nevada; all in all, 9 states are completed with 41 to go.

Along my journey, I have met some amazing people and read about some amazing folks who have endured and overcome many opportunities in their lives. Running has given them life and encouragement and, for those who couldn't run, runners have given them the support through racing.

Through my journey, I have realized how blessed I am to have strong legs to run, a heart that pumps and a brain that is free from disease. There are many who are unable to run a race and some that have been dealt a hand that makes them question whether they can fight their own fight. However, there are many great organizations that will help families and this year I have decided to give back to an organization that helps children and their families as they go through treatment for brain cancer.

Cancer is something that affects many families and I believe with the help of many, we can find support, treatment and cures. Please take a moment to read about what the Tug McGraw Foundation is doing at www.tugmcgraw.org and, if you decide you would like to help with this cause, you can sponsor my run in Chicago this year and we will team up to help a family in need.

If you are unable to financially support this cause, please keep the Tug McGraw Foundation in your thoughts and prayers as they continue to fight the fight against brain tumors and help support families through the treatment.