I'm helping to raise money for Operation Access.  A terrific organization that is the OFFICIAL CHARITY OF THE 2012 SAN FRANCISCO MARATHON.  What's so great about Operation Access?  Read on!  

Operation Access (OA) makes it possible for uninsured and underserved people in the Bay Area to receive surgical and specialty care when they need it, free of charge, through a medical volunteer network in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Sonoma counties.  

Now, how awesome is that?!  

I hope you will help me raise money for the important work OA does.  It's good to give!  

But wait, there's more, if you want to join the OA team and run with us, there are incentives! 

Your registration fees will be reimbursed at the following donation levels, and each level will include an OA T-Shirt and Chico Bag. Thank you for your interest in fundraising on behalf of OA. 

• 5K Run/Walk or Progressive Marathon: $150 
• Half-Marathon: $350 
• Full Marathon: $400
• Training and Registration for any event: $900 (Train For Free Program)

But, if you just want to help out and raise funds, please join the team!  (And, Thank You!).

There will be a Happy Hour on Thursday May 10th 6-9PM at Vinyl Wine Bar, 359 Divisidero (at Oak St.) in San Francisco, where you will have the opportunity to learn more OA and meet some of your teammates as well as OA Staff. 

Please feel free to contact Operation Access with questions by emailing info(at)operationaccess.org or calling (415) 733-0052.

Operation Access was inspired to be a part of the SF Marathon by an OA patient, Jose, a landscaper and veteran marathon runner who had two surgical procedures (Hernia and Achilles Tendon Repairs) performed by OA Volunteers. For close to a year, he was unable to work, making it hard to support his two young children. Jose is now back to work and is training for the 2012 SF Marathon. He is dedicating the race to the OA Volunteers who helped him get back on his feet. Jose's story was recently featured in the Sonoma Index-Tribune.