It’s September 8, 2014. Today my Grandma Julie would have been 95 years old. We lost her to Multiple Myeloma in 2003. I didn’t realize how lucky I was to grow up with all 4 of my grandparents around, and each of them had a profound affect on me – especially Julie, who was a huge part of my life. I still miss her every day.
Blood cancer has touched so many people in our family, and I’m running my first half marathon to honor their memories: Julie, her daughter Marge, her sister Irene, her brother Harry, and Harry’s son Adrian. The physical challenges of training for a half marathon are nothing compared with the strength it took them to fight cancer.
Why do we runners even do all these races to raise money? To get fit? I could do the treadmill by myself at the gym, then just write a check to a charity and be done with it. But, Daniel Burnham said it best: “Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men’s blood and probably will themselves not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work, remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will not die.”
I’m doing this damn race to save lives. The stakes are big. And you know what? I will do WHATEVER IT TAKES to raise as much money as possible. Even make a complete fool of myself in front of tens of thousands of people by wearing really goofy fabulous attire during the race. (I think Grandma Julie would totally approve, because after all, she and Irene were once models and appreciated looking good.)
Here’s the thing, though: I need YOUR help to do it. So let’s make a deal and call it The Purple Challenge.
- If we raise at least $1,000 by Sept. 30, I’ll wear the purple tutu again during the Nike Women’s Half Marathon.
- Getting it up to $2,000 will add a purple wig to my race outfit.
- $2,500 adds a feather boa.
- $3,000 or more? You all get to vote on an additional accessory. (A fascinator? Bowler hat? Fairy wings? Cat ears? If bobby pins will hold it in place for 13 miles, I’ll wear it.)
Every donation, no matter the size, is important. You will all get a picture of me running the streets of San Francisco during the race in this special outfit you have helped to build. (Also: I get to wear sparkly stuff, so everybody wins.)
Together, we have the ability to make life better and even save lives of blood cancer patients.
If you’ve already donated, thank you! Please tell your friends!
L to R: My twin Kate, Grandma Julie, me (flashing a baby peace sign??), and Grandma Evelyn.
Jen's Running For It! 
