Running for a Cause

June 11: Today I decided to actually commit to this goal of completing the 2006 MCM. So I got all pumped up, logged onto the internet only to find that registration had closed and that the race had over 34,000 runners. To say it was a let down would be an understatement. However, in a very positive turn of events I found that various charitable organizations sponsor runners and that I could still put to run on behalf of one of them. I found an organization, Friends 4 Michael, that is dedicated to brain cancer research. Since brain cancer has a direct impact on my life through Jen's family I thought this would be the perfect choice. I submitted an application and was accepted! Now I will get to run the marathon and hopefully raise a sizeable amount of funds for this worthy organization.

From the Friends 4 Michael website (see link on right):

The mission of The Friends4Michael Foundation is to support children like Michael and their families, to keep alive the memory of Michael and his spirit, to increase awareness of the devastating effects of brain tumors on afflicted children and their families and to continue to fight for a cure for this horrible disease.

The foundation gives assistance, including financial, to children afflicted with brain tumors and their families, or to funds which support their fights. The foundation provides support for directed charities which assist seriously ill children afflicted with brain tumors. We provide grants to organizations conducting promising research on cures for brain tumors. We also provide scholarships to deserving high school students who demonstrate the qualities and abilities which Michael possessed.

Keeping alive Michael's memory and spirit.