BENEFITING: Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure, Inc.
ORGANIZER: David Cook
EVENT: Honda LA Marathon 2012
Mileage Tracker: 304
HERE'S THE STORY:

-My Marathon Story-

This will be the 3rd race I’ll be running for ABC2. I first learned of your organization through David Cook. I donated the first year he ran in the Race for Hope and then came up to DC to run and fundraise for ABC2 myself the past 2 years (and will again this year). I’m excited for LA - it will be my first marathon. I owe so much of my running success to David Cook actually.

In November 2007 my Dad passed away suddenly from complications of gastric bypass surgery. I wasn’t much of an American Idol watcher, but in Spring 2008 I heard buzz about David Cook  after his audition and watching/looking forward to American Idol that season helped me get through the early weeks of coping with the loss of my dad. I became a major fan of David, his story, and his music which became part of my regular work out soundtrack.

I donated to David’s team at Race For Hope 2009. I was stunned by the bravery and dedication to run in wake of his brother’s passing the night before. Even though I didn’t lose my father to cancer, his loss touched me and motivated me further to get fit and healthy. The following year when David announced he was going to run Race for Hope again I knew I wanted to join him and raise money myself. I was NEVER a runner. However slowly, but surely I started. I ran that my first 5K - Race for Hope 2010  in ~33min and raised some money. I started to pick up my running and by Race for Hope 2011 - I knocked my time down to ~26 minutes. I’d love to run sub ~25 minutes at Race for Hope 2012.  

I’ve run a number of half marathons, but I knew I was up for the challenge of a full marathon. I had my eye on Los Angeles due to the weather and mini-vacation, but once I heard David was going to be running it and partnering with ABC2 I knew I had to. I’m hoping to run a sub 5 hour marathon and have been asking folks to donate based on how many miles my longest training run was that week. 

I have gained so much from running - I’ve found peace, confidence, and good health. I’ve lost over 45 pounds in a little over 2 years from running. After losing my dad due to his weight I’ve given myself the gift a long healthy life due to running. My hope for everyone is to have long healthy lives and finding ABC2 has been such a blessing in my life. I hope I get the chance to tell David my story one day. He’s truly an inspiration and I’m excited to see him conquer the LA Marathon with me!

-David Cook's story-

Cancer research is a cause that is close to my heart. In May 2009, I lost my 37-year-old brother to a brain tumor that he had been fighting courageously for more than a decade.

The following day, I had planned on running and serving as the Grand Marshal for the 5K Race for Hope in Washington, D.C. to help benefit Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure (ABC2).  I knew my brother would have wanted me to continue this race so I ran that day in honor of him and all of those suffering from cancer. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.

Next year, I’ll be running the 2012 Honda LA Marathon for Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure. This will be a challenging race, but one accomplishment I will be incredibly proud of and honored to do.

Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure has awarded over $15 million to fund brain tumor and brain cancer research. They invest in high-risk, high-reward research in each stage of the therapeutic development pipeline. Their Pre-Clinical Screening Program breaks down barriers to entry, their research grants focus on novel therapies, and their investments with companies allow us to bring the most promising treatments to patients quickly.  

Please join me in the fight against cancer by supporting ABC2. You can click the DONATE button above. Any amount is appreciated and WILL make a real difference.

Even better, JOIN THE TEAM and help me fundraise. Share your team member page with all of your friends and ask for their support.  Let’s make this cause viral. It starts with YOU.

Thank you,

David

Rules - Win a Signed Photo of David Cook