In November 2011, I accepted a challenge to run the Boston Marathon. It had been a life long dream to achieve such a goal. I began training through the cold winter months. However, life had another plan in mind. I received a phone call on February 6, 2012 from the University of Minnesota Research Study office. They offered me the opportunity to participate in a study drug trial for the latest research available to help diminish the effects of Cystic Fibrosis . Only 100 patients in the world were participating in this phase. I gladly accepted this amazing opportunity! However, the one drawback was that I could no longer train or participate in the marathon as it would skew the study results too drastically. The Boston Marathon will happen again. An opportunity at breakthrough medicine might only happen once in a lifetime. I will fulfill my pledge of raising $5000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Boston Chapter not only in spirit of those who are running those 26.2 miles, but for further life changing medical advancements in the future.

My original fundraising page: For any 31 year old, this would be a challenge. But for a Cystic Fibrosis patient, this an enormous hurdle that I must, and will, overcome in my lifetime.
 

I will be granted a 2012 Boston Marathon bib number by raising $5000.00 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where over 90 cents of every dollar go towards research to find a cure for my disease.
 

On Monday, April 16, 2012, I plan to accomplish this for not only my own aspirations to improve myself, but also for my family, who has pushed me to be all I can be since I was 2 months old and diagnosed with this disease. For my friends, who are collectively the most unwavering supportive group of people in the world and challenge me to be a better person every day. For those Cystic Fibrosis patients and friends of mine who are unable to dream of such a task or who are already no longer with us. And lastly, for my Aunt Susan, who I was unable to ever meet in person, but who also had Cystic Fibrosis and who upon being born in 1940, defied all the odds and was able to live until she was 31 years old.
 

I still intend to one day run this for "all of us" to remember to challenge ourselves to stay healthy, to live life to the fullest each day and enjoy every single mile (all 26.2 of them) along the way.

Your support, whether it is in dollars or simply encouragement, is most appreciated.

Much love,

Missy