Back in the saddle for a cure!

I've made a tremendous decision in my life. Last year I wrote about my intent to run the Twin Cities Marathon to benefit people who battle blood cancers and their families. With your help, I did it – I finished in 5:22:22 (eleven minutes faster than my first marathon!), and together we raised $1,797.60 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I've again committed to run a marathon, a full 26.2 miles, at the Twin Cities Marathon on Oct. 2, with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training.

Why, you might ask, am I subjecting myself to four months of grueling training in the summer heat – again?!!?

I'm running for my dad, Ned Jimmerson, and our honored teammate,Alie. 

My dad, Ned Jimmerson

I lost my dad too young two and a half years ago, when he succumbed to stroke complications and diabetes. The best way I could think of to honor the memory of my dad is by surmounting an incredible physical challenge (I never thought of myself as a runner of any stripe - and I’m sure you didn’t either!), and to support a worthy charity in doing so.

Alie, our honored teammate

LLS supports patients with blood cancers and their families. Alie is one of those patients. She’s eight years old and was first diagnosed with leukemia at age 3. Today, Alie is recovering in the hospital from her second bone marrow transplant. In addition to running in memory of my dad and Alie, I'm also running in honor of others who have survived, lost or are battling with all cancers.

I have a coach, a team, a training program, and a noble cause on my side. I’m committed to a daily personal training routine and weekend training with my team. I’ll write fundraising letters (like this one), plan fundraising events and participate with my team at the Twin Cities Marathon.

But I need YOU to help me with the most significant part of this endeavor.

I have set a personal goal of raising $1,750 in donations by July 15 for LLS’s continued support of those who battle blood cancers and their families. If you need extra time, your contributions will gladly be accepted after that date.

•  $25 provides patients and their loved ones with free booklets with up-to-date information on their disease and help them make informed decisions about their treatment options.
• $50 makes a Family Support group possible, complete with a trained facilitator, where comfort can be found and experiences can be shared among patients and family members.
•  $100 helps supply laboratory researchers with supplies and materials critical to carrying out their search for cures.
• $1,000 makes one- on-one conversations with health care specialists possible, providing patients with information about their disease, treatment options, and preparing patients with questions for their health care team.

No donation is too big or too small. About 72% of all funds go directly to research and patient aid, and your contribution is tax deductible. I'm really looking forward to keeping you updated on my progress as we get closer to October.

Your strong financial support, and the strength and tenacity that my honorees have used in battling disease in their lives, will carry me across the finish line. I hope I can count on your support, and look forward to hearing from you!