This fall, I am taking on a new challenge. After completing several half-marathons, I will run the Chicago Marathon on October 12th. I ask you to join me in this effort as I am running for a very special reason. I will be a member of Team McGraw, benefiting the Tug McGraw Foundation to raise funds to advance brain cancer research and support families battling this difficult disease.

Most of you know my youngest brother Steven. Steven is one of my best friends and my special inspiration for training so many miles to complete this race. Steven has a very challenging and unique life due to the brain tumor he developed as a young child. My family experienced the horrific events that this disease causes, and while Steven endures so much, we are very blessed to have him with us today. I know many families are not as fortunate as we are, and I am reminded of this every time Steven starts up a conversation on politics or history, sends me a humorous text message, or shares one of his many jokes. Without Steven, I would never have learned about world religions, Indian artifacts or ancient Roman ruins!

In honor of Steven’s 18th birthday this past January, I ask you to join me and Team McGraw in raising funds for those families battling this devastating disease. My goal is to raise $2,500 for the Tug McGraw Foundation while also successfully completing my first full marathon. Your gifts and support mean so much. Thank you for your consideration and I hope that you will join me in spirit in Chicago on October 12, 2008.