Why I'm Running

Ugh. I'm probably going to annoy the hell out of a lot of people because I haven't shut up about this all week, but I have to devote at least one blog post to this topic, given that it means a TON to me - and I wanted to explain why.

Those of you who are on my Facebook are already aware, but for those of you that are not - I am running my first 1/2 marathon this January. Why you ask? Well, for starters, I'm still struggling to lose the last 10 or so lbs. I have been for months now. Grr. I've also discovered that I actively enjoy running. Yes. I said that. I enjoy running. I have come to love something that I once truly despised. Funny how that can happen.

Anyway, those are the least important reasons I'm doing this. In May, I'll be running my second 1/2 marathon - and this one is crazy cool because I'm doing it for my friend Heather, and her adorable little 4 year-old girl who is battling Leukemia. Her daughter shouldn't have to go through the hell that is fighting something like cancer. No child should - so, we'll be running to raise critical funding for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation in May of 2012. I've already started hitting everyone up for donations, and if you'd like to donate, you can click here: https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=492975&supId=347488959

Now that I've discovered that I can run and simultaneously help out a great cause, I'll be repeating this again in November of next year in Santa Barbara, where I'll be running and fundraising for The Gwendolyn Strong Foundation to find a cure for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, (SMA). If you've been reading my blog, you already know this is another cause that I strongly support.

I can only sort-of begin to imagine what it must be like to be the parents of a sick child. It must take immense courage, strength, determination, patience and love. My friends Heather and Victoria are shining examples of this. They are among the strongest and most inspirational people I know - and I have them to thank for encouraging me to do this in the first place, because it feels really, really great to be doing something good for other people who need help. That part is even more addictive than the running.

If you know anyone who might be interested in donating or perhaps sponsoring me in May for the PCRF race, drop me a line!

Thanks for reading.

Why Be in the Dark?

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gwendolynstrong.com%2F2011%2F08%2Fgiveaway-two-counsyl-universal-genetic-tests-valued-700.html&h=1AQBf7HDB


My friend Victoria is hosting a giveaway on her Gwendolyn Strong Foundation site for two Counsyl Universal Genetic Tests, which screen for more than 100+ genetic inherited conditions, including SMA - Spinal Muscular Atrophy - the #1 genetic killer of young children.

Certainly, as someone contemplating kidding, I'd want to rule out as much as possible in the way of passing on any unfortunate and possibly fatal conditions to my offspring should we go the traditional route where I get knocked up. While we haven't decided definitively whether or not to kid yet, and while we're leaning towards adoption, I say, better safe than sorry. You should definitely take this test if you're planning on having children. Why be in the dark? Find out what nasty little genes you have lurking around in there, (if any), and make an educated decision about where to go from there if anything negative pops up. Makes sense to me.

If you plan on entering the contest, I would advise doing so immediately, since it ends tomorrow.

Gwendolyn Strong Foundation

So in case you missed my Facebook post, I have just added Amazon Associates to my blog. I have absolutely no idea how many people are actually reading it, but I'm hoping more than I think, because that means that more people might click on the Amazon link to the right, and buy something - which will in turn provide me with a commission - 50% of which I will be donating to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation, www.gwendolynstrongfoundation.org - to help raise critical funding for Spinal Muscular Atrophy, (SMA), the number 1 genetic killer of young children. You don't have to purchase the items pictured, you just have to get to the Amazon site through the link and buy something... anything!

Please shop on Amazon by clicking through this site. Pretty, pretty please - and please tell your friends, family and colleagues to do so as well.

Thank you all!

Love,

Leigh