Hey There,
Quick Update: Tomorrow, I’m heading to Columbus to run the Columbus Marathon on Sunday to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and cancer research to save lives! I’m running until we reach our fundraising minimum of $5,000! Woohoo!!
After running the Oil Creek 100 last week, I’m feeling pretty good. I’ve been taking it easy all week and my feet are pretty well healed. Sunday morning, I should be ready for another 26.2 miles! Piece of cake!! By Sunday afternoon, I will have run the equivalent of more than 4 marathons in eight days. Woohoo!!
(Yep, my feet are sore, but I’m taking good care of myself. Thank you for all the well wishes, emails, texts, and the love. I feel like the luckiest guy in the world!)
Our fundraising is now up to $4,305 and we are just $695 away from our $5,000 minimum!! Woohoo!! Thanks to all of our donors that have come through this past week to support LLS and the cause. You guys are tremendous! Huge thanks to loved ones Leah Beck and Jimmy Gnass for helping put the word out to their networks of friends and family to bring in even more donations! Awesome! We are almost there!!
Honoree 139!
Our goal is to support the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and raise funds for cancer research to save lives and it’s in honor of our list of Honorees that are now up to 139! And that’s why I run these “crazy ” races! I do it for Becky and her cousin Kathy
Here are Becky’s words:
“Hello Ernie, Hope you are well. Here is some info on my dear cousin, Kathy:
Kathy was born on July 17th, 1964, to Carol and Michael Andriaccio Sr. Kathy grew up surrounded by friends and family who always appreciated her welcoming personality and enjoyed being in her calming presence. Kathy had two sons, Justin and Matthew Andriaccio. Kathy married Michael Krug and helped him raise his daughter Ashley. Unfortunately, Kathy fell ill in the Fall of 2008 and was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS and commonly referred to as preleukemia.) In the Winter of 2008/2009, Kathy underwent one bone marrow transplant, thanks to her brother Fred, who was a perfect match. Kathy made it through that surgery and began recovering, but later on had complications and became ill again. Kathy went back that Spring to have another bone marrow
transplant. Kathy made it through that surgery, began the recovery process, and seemed to be doing well. Unfortunately, Kathy stopped progressing and fell ill again. Apparently a virus that had been dormant in her body, attacked her while her immune system was down. Kathy passed away on July 17th, 2009, surrounded by friends and family in Roswell’s Cancer Institute in Buffalo, NY. It was her 45th birthday.
Kathy is truly missed by her family and friends, but never forgotten. Her son Justin just recently brought his first child ( a daughter named Leena) into this world, saddened by the fact that grandma will have to look down on them from Heaven, instead of being there in person to love and spoil Leena from right down the street. It’s hard to remember Kathy without picturing her with a smile on her face. Our family’s hope is that more families will get to keep their “Kathys.” On behalf of everyone who ever had Leukemia steal their great mother, great wife, great sister, great aunt, great cousin and great friend,( which are all terms that can be used to define our Kathy), thank you Ernie for fighting the great fight against Leukemia. Thank you Ernie for running in honor of our Kathy!!! We love her dearly and she deserves it!!”
That’s why I run. I run because cancer sucks!
Thank you! to everyone that has come through for the cause this week and weeks past. Thanks for all the words of encouragement. I know we couldn’t do it without everyone’s help. I appreciate it more than I can say.
And to support the Mission, if you haven’t yet, please consider a donation for LLS and for cancer research to save lives. Every little bit makes a HUGE difference! Don’t wait because the more we can raise now, the sooner we can reach the ultimate goal of finding a cure! You can donate easily at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/noh/columbus11/elewisgbvt
If you prefer to donate off-line, please make your check payable to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and mail it to me at: 3936 Elmhurst Road, Toledo, OH 43613.
“Run with your heart, not your feet,” because cancer sucks and it’s not just a race, it’s someone’s life!
Thanks for helping fight the good fight!
Ernie