on behalf of peter...

Dear Friends:
Running has taught me a lot. I have run a half marathon in the pouring rain. I have run a five mile race on New Year’s Day, during which the actual temperature was 7°F. I have run a seven mile trail race, wrought with rocks, roots, and muddy ascents, in 90° heat.

Despite the respective challenges posed in each of the scenarios referenced above, I, somehow, crossed the finish line in each instance. Running has taught me that, despite all the physical and mental challenges surrounding all of us, we CAN persevere in any situation. As long as your feet keep moving, you get there, somehow. This lesson should be paramount to all of us as we traverse the sometimes rocky path known as life.

I have never attempted a marathon, because I did not know where I would find the time to train properly. However, I now feel that I have been “called to arms,” by Julie’s Hodgkin's Lymphoma diagnosis. I feel helpless, because all I can offer is “support,” this supple, slippery concept that is required in many different instances, but cannot be truly defined. I feel like I too, should have to do something that will require focus and mental and physical toughness. I feel like Julie’s positive attitude and focus on the finish line embodies the true spirit of the marathon. I feel compelled to embody that spirit, because her disease will not allow such a physical embodiment.

It is with this beautiful girl in mind that I present to you Team Julie. Julie is like no other woman I have ever met. If you are receiving this letter, you, more than likely, can appreciate that sentiment. Her spirit, even in these toughest of times, is unmatched. She exudes positivity and poise in all situations. Julie is confident that we can complete the marathon known as cancer treatment, so I, too, am confident that I can complete a marathon of my own.

I ask for your support in my quest to run the 2010 New York City Marathon in an effort to raise funds for the American Cancer Society to find a cure for this disease that will, no doubt, leave an indelible mark on our life together and the lives of millions of other American families. We are fortunate to have the means and family support to handle this situation effectively. However, there are many who are not as fortunate, and, for those folks, we run. We run to show them that anything is possible. We run to show them that there is always a finish line. We run to embody Julie’s “we can” attitude.

Peter
http://main.acsevents.org/goto/marathonteamjulie