Run with Melanie
as she races to save lives
On October 22nd 2006 I will run the NIKE Women's 1/2 marathon in San
Francisco in memory of my Dad, Tom McRae.
My Dad was an amazing man whose love for God and his family was evident to all
who knew him. He loved being outdoors, and began running in his late 40's,
ultimately running a marathon in 1992.
Dad was diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia in May 1999, one month
before retirement. A 5 year emotional roller-coaster followed. After 5 days in
ICU battling pneumonia, due to a severely compromised immune system, Dad died at
63 on June 1, 2004.
I have never been an athlete. I have asthma & struggled with all things physical
as a child. For my 30th birthday in 2000, I committed to becoming a runner &
completed a 10k race! Though I didn't start running until Dad could no longer
run, he was my biggest supporter. How I wish that we could have run together.
If Dad was still alive, I never would have dreamed of running a 1/2 marathon. It
is only now, when I need to make something meaningful of his death, that I can
embark on such a challenge. I run in memory of my Dad, and in support of all
those who daily live with the effects of blood cancers. I run for those who
fight for just one more day. I run for those pouring over scientific details I
could never begin to understand, as they search for a cure for blood cancers. I
urge you to support me as I join with Team in Training to raise money for the
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
With your help, we will find a cure.
Email Melanie
