I am training to participate in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on October 9, 2011, to benefit the American Institute for Cancer Research. Team AICR is working toward two important goals: to complete the 26.2-mile endurance event, and to raise money in support of vital research and education.

You may be asking yourself, why would I do this at my age.  The answer is simple.  I'm doing it to honor Danny.  Danny Kellogg died Friday, May 13, 2011 after a two year battle with choriocarcinoma testicular cancer.  Danny was the son of my dear friends James and Beatriz Kellogg and went to school with my son.  When I last saw Danny before he left for treatment, we talked about running a marathon together when he came back.  So, this is our marathon.  I will be running it with Danny.  During his two year struggle with the disease, Danny inspired us with his optimism, fighting spirit, dignity and grace.  Even in a coma, he kept fighting for four months.

Danny was fascinated with the world and life.  He loved to travel and spend time with friends.  He was an outstanding soccer player and co-captain of the cross country and swim teams, as well as serving on the math team, Key Club, National Honor Society, and Spanish, drama and frisbee clubs.  Danny was a National Merit Scholar and won numerous scholarships.  In 2008 he began studies in the Honors College at Virginia Tech.  He completed three semesters in the Civil and Environmental Engineering program before being diagnosed with cancer and having to take a leave of absence.  So, I am running to honor this beautiful person who loved life and lived a life of helping and caring for others.  I am hoping that any money raised in his honor will make it possible to save a life.

With more than 1.2 million new cancer cases in the U.S. each year, and more than 500,000 cancer deaths annually, programs that can produce even a small reduction in cancer rates offer enormous savings in lives, suffering and medical expense. AICR has been at the forefront of providing education programs and materials to help people learn how to make changes for lower cancer risk.

Please join the fight against cancer by making a donation to Team AICR. No donation is too small for this great goal!