As you may know, my father passed away in August 2009 after a very short struggle with an aggressive brain tumor. He was an incredibly loving and supportive father, and he was always encouraging me to pursue my dreams and to seek a little adventure at the same time. I know I wouldn't be where I am right now without him, and I'm not sure my life would have been as much fun either! I miss him every day, but I will always feel his encouragement. If there's something I could take from him and dedicate towards this race it would be to work hard. Work hard, and you can do it!! In the name of adventure I think he'd love to see me running this marathon!!

So, It is (obviously) a huge honor that I am able to run the NYC marathon this year (on November 4th!) – not only for the excitement and anticipation of what will surely be an amazing day – but in the name of a cause that truly holds special significance for me. The Brain Tumor Foundation is special organization, one that not only helps raise money to fund research and promote awareness, but it also provides networks and support for patients and their families. I encourage you to read their blurb which is after my blurb, because they are really working towards some remarkable goals!!

I have to say that it is an interesting experience, to have running become an emotional activity - through something like training for this marathon, and working towards this cause. And frankly, I just cannot express what a transformational experience it is - and mostly how absolutely incredible it is to do this knowing that i have such an amazing network of wonderful people behind me!! YOU all are making this possible, and YOU all deserve a great deal of gratitude!!!

THANK YOU for your support!!

I LOVE YOU!!

Shawn  

BRAIN TUMOR FOUNDATION wrote -

Team BTF is proud to be participating in the ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 4, 2012. Please help us raise awareness and funds.

The Brain Tumor Foundation (BTF) guides and supports patients and families during the turbulent times when their lives are touched by a brain tumor.  The Road to Early Detection campaign, and initiative of BTF, was launched to increase public awareness about early screening for brain tumors and the urgent need for preventative brain scans.

More than half of the people diagnosed with brain tumors could be saved if brain scans were regarded to be as essential as mammograms or routine blood tests.  We have grown accustomed to routinely checking for breast, colon, prostate and other cancers – why not brain tumors?

Every 20 minutes someone in the United States dies of a brain tumor

SUPPORT TEAM BTF

  MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST BRAIN TUMORS

  DONATE NOW!

Possibly half of all brain tumor patients could have their tumors successfully removed if they were detected early, before physical symptoms become apparent.  Early detection and complete removal is the best known method of treating deadly tumor growth.      

Funds raised will go directly to the expansion of

The Road to Early Detection campaign.

EARLY DETECTION + RESEARCH = CURE