CAN

WOW! Watch this, if you're not crying by the end...watch it again!

A son asked his father, 'Dad, will you take part in a marathon with me?'
The father who, despite having a heart condition, says 'Yes'. They went on to complete the marathon together. Father and son went on to join other marathons, the father always saying 'Yes' to his son's request of going through the race together. One day, the son asked his father, 'Dad, let's join the Ironman together.' To which, his father said 'Yes'. For those who don't know, Ironman is the toughest triathlon ever. The race encompasses three endurance events of a 2.4 mile (3.86 kilometer)
ocean swim, followed by a 112 mile (180 .2 kilometer) bike ride, and
ending with a 26.2 mile (42.195 kilometer) marathon along the coast of the Big Island.

Father and son went on to complete the race together.

(The son works at B.U. in the technology department.)

PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEO IT PUTS A
WHOLE NEW VIEW ON THIS STORY!!

It isn't very long!!

What's Your Passion?

Do you believe in something beautiful? Do you have so much love and passion for something that you want to shout it from the rooftops?

Well, let me tell you that this foundation, The Children’s Tumor Foundation is my passion. I wish I had a million dollars to give to this place. I wish I knew so many more people to reach out to and tell about it. I wish I had the training needed to find a cure for neurofibromatosis. I wish that I could do SO MUCH MORE than just run. When I actually think about it, I feel like it isn’t enough. My passion stems from a precious little boy named Denver. If you haven’t met him…you are really missing out. He is one awesome kid! He has no clue that he is affected with NF. No idea. His innocence is so sweet. So true. So fair. I run to find a cure so that he doesn’t have to grow up with Neurofibromatosis like I did. So that he doesn’t have to have the risk of having a malignant tumor growing on his brain stem, spinal cord or somewhere else on the inside of his body. I run so that the kids out there that are affected badly by the disorder have a chance. Read about a few of them here. Did you know that Neurofibromatosis is more common than Cystic Fibrosis, hereditary Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington's Disease and Tay Sachs combined. Amazing, isn’t it? Most people have heard of those others, but not Neurofibromatosis.

My training is going great. I feel it in me and I am ready to do this run. Ready and willing. I am not 100% there yet, but If I had to run it tomorrow…I may do it slowly, but I would definitely finish!

Think about what your passion is. If you don’t have one…find yours. If you want to be a part of this one, it is a worth while one!

Before I Go.

Denver and I will be leaving for Canada tomorrow (10/30) for Jason’s brothers wedding!! (CONGRATS GUYS!)
I just wanted to post an update for you all before I go. The training is definitely picking up. I am more motivated and as the day gets closer, I am more excited to do it! Jason and Denver are great motivators!
I think Jason Chandler, Karen’s husband might be running with me! This is very exciting news and will make it more fun, and probably make it pass by a little quicker.
The fundraising is picking up a little, but I am only 50% of the way there…so PLEEEEAAASE consider donating, even if it is just a little bit. EVER BIT COUNTS!
Also, when I return from my trip, I will be starting my Pamper Chef fundraising party. It will start on October 8th and go through the 22nd. There will not be a party, so you will either be able to place your order online or through me. Up to 15% of proceeds will go directly to The Children’s Tumor Foundation! AND you get Pampered Chef stuff!!!! What else could be better????
Check back on the 8th for the website!!
Well, I will definitely post when I return. I hope you all have a great week!!

Truth be told....

Let’s face it: What am I thinking? Right…? What rational person decides to get up off the couch and run a half-marathon—and not just any half-marathon, but the Rock ‘N Roll San Antonio Half-Marathon: 13.1 miles in the sub-tropical climate of south-central Texas. Heat…Humidity, what else could be worse? Without a doubt, running a half-marathon is one of the biggest challenges of my life. (even though it is my 2^nd) Luckily, I am not doing this on my own. Joining with The Children’s Tumor Foundation is probably one of the most amazing things I have done. They are a part of my family now. More important than my physical commitment to the program, is my personal commitment to raise funds for the CTF and Neurofibromatosis in its effort to raise funds for research, and one day a cure for NF.
I have made a personal goal to raise $2500 towards this effort. As I run 13.1 miles, your 100% tax-deductible contribution will inspire me to run stronger and faster to the finish line. With over 100% of your donation going directly to CTF, you truly can make a difference.

If you know someone who has been affected by NF – or any sort of cancer for that matter; I would be honored to train and run on their behalf. Please include their name with your donation, and I will wear their name on my shirt as I run. I am running for my son, Denver and for those who have been affected by Neurofibromatosis.

Donations can easily be made online through my race website at:

http://www.active.com/donate/nfsanantonio2008/WakinTexas