3 weeks to go! Help me reach my goal!

Countdown is on! And it's time to raise some dough for breast cancer.

Longest run: 10 miles at 1:54 (and at 5000 feet!). Best mile: 9:30 min/mi for 4 miles

Hello, and apologies for the long absence. I was on vacation for a bit, but I have not forgotten my promise: I am running the Staten Island Half-Marathon to raise funds for a very worthy cause (skip to the end if you want to save a few seconds), and I need your help to make an impact. 

As you know, in May 2012, my mother, Jean, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Two weeks later she underwent a mastectomy. The scary part is the diagnosis and not knowing, but the really hard part of facing breast cancer treatment is coping with loss and the months of recovery. Through her experiences of trying to find support in her small community, Jean was referred to an organization called Hope Lives, based in Fort Collins, Colorado. This organization assists women in northern Colorado by providing care, guidance and education post-breast cancer diagnosis. It provides much-needed complementary care, lifestyle support such as housecleaning, and emotional support such as family and couples counseling - FREE OF CHARGE.

For Jean, Hope Lives was the lifeline she needed in a rural area that has few resources— a gap that often left her frustrated and feeling like the system had failed her. For me, Hope Lives was peace of mind, knowing that she could be part of a community that could understand her and bring her closer to full recovery. Today, Jean is back at work, and coming to terms with her "new normal." She fortunately was also given an excellent prognosis. 

For my mom, and for the women of northern Colorado, I am running the Staten Island Half on October 7, 2012. Will you join me in supporting them?

Go to http://www.crowdrise.com/kelleyshalf by October 7, 2012. Whatever you can donate, $5, $10, $50, will make a huge difference to the life of a woman dealing with breast cancer. Every little step we take can make a big difference in the life of a breast cancer patient recovering or undergoing treatment.

You can also check out Hope Lives at hopelives.org to see how they are changing the lives of the women of Larimer County and Windsor, CO.

If you are able to support me in my cause, I am so grateful. I understand times are tough, but any little bit helps. I better go strap on my running shoes and make you all proud!

A warm hug,

Kelley