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On January 13, 2008, I will be raising funds for
the American Diabetes Association by running the PF Chang's Rock 'N' Roll
Arizona Marathon. If you know me very well, you're probably saying to yourself,
"Big deal, you were going to do that anyway." You would probably be right. I
have run that race three times before.
But this is different, because I am running this marathon in celebration and recognition of all that
has been done to help me live well over the past 33 years. I was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a
sophomore in high school, and it has been a significant part of my life ever since. The advances that
have enabled people like me to live more productive, healthier, happier lives were only achieved as a
result of contributions by people like you and organizations like the American Diabetes Association.
Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in the U.S. That is a sobering statistic, but
it tells only a small part of the story. Adults with diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to die from
heart disease or stroke. Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure, blindness, amputations, and
other severe health problems.
While I am a diabetic myself, and that is certainly part of my concern and motivation to do something
about this disease, I am also motivated by my concern for the many others, children, adults, and
elderly, fighting this disease, more than 20 million Americans. There has been a 60% increase in the
number of people with diabetes in this country since 1990.
It's my goal through this marathon to raise $1000
for the ADA. I'm putting in the first $100 myself. I am taking care of my own
registration and expenses, so any contribution will go directly to the American
Diabetes Association. If you could help in any way, it would be greatly
appreciated.
If you could give just $25, that would only be $1 per mile of
the marathon, and I would throw in 1.2 miles for free!
But as you know if
you've run a marathon, the actual day of the race is the culmination of months
of preparation, and many more than 26.2 miles. I expect to total from 400 to 500
miles in training for the RNRAZ Marathon. Looking at it that way, a $100
contribution is just 25 cents per mile. What a bargain!
Thanks for your
consideration. If you decide to contribute, you can write a check to the
American Diabetes Association and give it to me, and I'll give you a receipt, or
you can contribute via this web page:
http://www.diabetes.org/teamdphoenix/donate
Please enter my name in the field for TEAM D
Participant.
All contributions are tax deductible. (Federal Tax ID #13-1623888)
Thanks,
Jerry
American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org
PF Chang's Rock 'N' Roll Arizona Marathon
http://www.rnraz.com
My training log
http://www.mapmyrun.com/user_training?username=jpnairn
A picture is worth a thousand words.
A Lifetime of Diabetes
http://www.alifetimeofdiabetes.com/diabetes0.htm
Diabetes 365
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bethsobel/1579721049/in/pool-521330@N23http://www.flickr.com/photos/stinky_harriet/1574079754/in/pool-mydiabetesathome/