I am training to participate in the Marine Corps Marathon on October 28, 2012, to benefit the American Institute for Cancer Research. TeamAICR 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.

AICR funded research has shown that 30% to 40% of all cancers are directly linked to the foods we eat, the exercise we get and how well we watch our weight. What this means is that we have the potential through our daily food and lifestyle choices to make a major impact on the cancer risk we each face in our lives.

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.

As some of you may know, my uncle, 46, passed away from lymphoma earlier this year. He was an amazing person and will be forever missed. I want to dedicate this race to him and his family. I'm doing this fund raising because there is much more that can be done to extend the lives of people battling this disease. Every dollar I raise will help push me toward the finish line. Please join the fight against cancer by making a donation to TeamAICR. No donation is too small for this great goal!