2006 Marathon for Marsha
When I started training for my first marathon in April 2004, I knew little about what I was getting myself into. My motivation was to continue what my brother, Craig, had started as a fund-raising event for the American Brain Tumor Association in memory of my mom. What started as an 18 week commitment has turned into a passion to see how far I can push myself physically and mentally.
My goal for this year's "Marathon for Marsha" will be to break the 4 hour barrier. I know with dedication and training I can achieve this new milestone and I am asking for your support. What started as "Marathon for Marsha" has grown into "Runners Sharing Hope" and last year had 58 runners and raised almost $50,000. This year we already have over 100 runners and our goal is to raise $100,000 for brain tumor research.
The strength and courage my mom showed during her battle with the brain tumor that claimed her life in August of 2000 is alive in all whose life she touched. Reaching this new milestone, both personally and as a team, shows that we can live what she taught us; that we can always do more than we think ourselves capable, that God never allows us a cross we can't bear, and we can achieve whatever we set in our hearts and minds.
Now, Marsha’s battle becomes our race... Not our race to the finish line at 26.2 miles. Rather, the battle becomes a race to find more effective treatments for brain tumors... to provide better and more accessible information about living with and fighting them... to help more people who have so much more to achieve in their own lives... to give hope where people desperately need and deserve it.
We'd love the company along the way, but you don't have to wear out your shoes (or your knees!) to show support. Instead, you can be a virtual runner in the “Marathon for Marsha” by sponsoring the miles we run. Contributions will go directly to the ABTA and the continuing sponsorship of http://www.abta.org in her name.
You can make your contribution online by visiting:
http://www.active.com/donate/ABTA2006/2006MarathonForMarsha
Or mail a check payable to “ABTA” to:
Kevin Dooley
316 Pioneer Ridge Drive
Wentzville, MO 63385
Be sure to visit http://www.MarathonForMarsha.org and http://www.RunnersSharingHope.org for training and race day updates.
Marathon for Marsha is a race that begins with you and me, but it ends with all of the people whose lives depend on winning it.
Thank you!