Join me in helping Chai Lifeline's kids!

I'm trying to do something really great. It's a little bit for me, but mostly it's for some kids who really deserve it. And I need your help.

It's for me because a few weeks ago I discovered I love running marathons. After just starting to run in 2007, I finished the 2008 Twin Cities Marathon in 5 hours, 6 minutes.

Around the same time, I learned about an organization, Chai Lifeline, that provides crucial emotional, social, and financial assistance to seriously ill children, their families, and their communities. Chai Lifeline's most famous program is Camp Simcha, an incredible overnight summer experience designed to meet the medical and social needs of children with life-threatening and lifelong illnesses.

From my volunteer work at Ronald McDonald House, I know how important it is for sick kids and their families to experience some of the joys of normal life while enduring the trials of illness. Having finished a marathon before, I know I can go the distance for such a good cause.

Now I'm planning to run in the Las Vegas Marathon on December 7, 2008, for Chai Lifeline. I'm willing to put in the miles (all 26.2 of them), but I need your help to get to the starting line.

What can you do to help? If you believe what I'm doing is important, please consider the following:

1. Sponsor my run. I've made a commitment to Chai Lifeline to raise $3,600 by November 30, 2008, for the honor of running with their team in Las Vegas on December 7. Thirty-nine sponsors and their families have already donated more than $2,400 toward my goal, but to raise the remaining $1,200 over the next two weeks, I need you.
2. Spread the word. I'm telling everyone I know about this, but I can't tell everyone you know. Please copy the address of this page and forward it to anyone you believe might be interested -- fitness fanatics, people who do fun runs and cure walks, or just people you know who like to help others in need.

Even for such a good cause, you might be wondering whether this is this a good investment of your charitable dollars. All contributions are 100% tax deductible. Out of every dollar you donate, 83 cents goes directly to support Chai Lifeline's programs like Camp Simcha. The other 17 cents goes toward race registration and other race-related expenses for Team Lifeline members, which allows the runners to raise awareness of Chai Lifeline in their own communities and in Las Vegas on race day.

Thank you for taking the time to read this, for considering sponsorship of my run, and for forwarding this important message to your friends. Chai Lifeline and the kids they support deserve our support, and I look forward to carrying your encouragement with me across the finish line for their sake.