Thanks to our local paper, The Hometown Weekly. for featuring me this week!
Click HERE to check out their article
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Guest Post: Two Years Forward...One Looks Back
In continuing with my goal of sharing some of the incredible people and stories that inspire and motivate me to run for the DFMC team, today I share one of the most moving guest posts yet (and if you haven't checked out my previous guest posts, be sure to read Paige's story HERE and Amanda's story HERE).
Today's post is from my good friend Mary, and I was first inspired to run for Dana-Farber two years ago in honor, and then memory, of her beautiful mother Stephanie. When Mary surprised me at the finish line of the Falmouth Road Race with a banner displaying her Mom's name as well as the other people I was running in honor of, it hit me that running for a place like Dana-Farber is so much bigger than any one race, mile, or person. Soon after when I was debating whether I should apply for my first Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, Mary didn't hesitate in encouraging me to apply. And from the moment I received that first acceptance email Mary became my unofficial "campaign manager" - always ready to tell a nearby coworker, friend, or stranger that I was running the marathon for Dana-Farber and encouraging them to support me on my journey. As I finally approached Mile 26 last year (where our office is located) I could see Mary beaming from a block away and her hug was one of the best moments of last year's race.
Today's post is from my good friend Mary, and I was first inspired to run for Dana-Farber two years ago in honor, and then memory, of her beautiful mother Stephanie. When Mary surprised me at the finish line of the Falmouth Road Race with a banner displaying her Mom's name as well as the other people I was running in honor of, it hit me that running for a place like Dana-Farber is so much bigger than any one race, mile, or person. Soon after when I was debating whether I should apply for my first Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge, Mary didn't hesitate in encouraging me to apply. And from the moment I received that first acceptance email Mary became my unofficial "campaign manager" - always ready to tell a nearby coworker, friend, or stranger that I was running the marathon for Dana-Farber and encouraging them to support me on my journey. As I finally approached Mile 26 last year (where our office is located) I could see Mary beaming from a block away and her hug was one of the best moments of last year's race.
Mary is without a doubt one of the toughest and bravest people I know, as you will see from her beautifully honest post below. When I first asked Mary if she might consider sharing her story with all of you, I purposely told her she could think it over and let me know on her terms/timetable. I didn't want to push her to share something so personal if she wasn't yet ready to do so. Yesterday, as I bounced around work as if I had consumed 100 cups of coffee and attempted to calm my one week countdown nerves, Mary wrapped up for the day and headed out the door. Moments later an email appeared bearing this post. As I read it and wiped tears from me eyes, my nerves melted away and I was so deeply reminded of why I am running for DFMC. It doesn't matter if it takes me longer to finish the marathon than last year, it doesn't matter if I am fast or slow, and it doesn't matter how I do in the race at all this Monday - because that race isn't the one we need to win.
Mary likes to tease me because she wanted to sponsor Mile 26 but my Uncle Arthur (who heads up Team Collins Texas Division) beat her to it, so she "settled" for some other miles. But Mary, what you don't know is that every single mile is yours. YOU are why I run, why our team runs. So that posts like this will never have to be shared. So that pain like yours never has to be felt. And so that one day there can be a cure.
______________________________________________________________________________
There
is truly no loss like the loss of a parent, but especially a mother. I mean, at
one point, you were actually connected to her body, so it’s only natural that
watching the woman who gave you life die feels like one of the cruelest
things out there. But what is worse is when losing your mother means that you
now have lost both your parents.
About two years ago,
my mom passed away, twenty one years after my father. Both of my parents had cancer, and it took
both of their lives. My father struggled for about four years, where my mom
only 10 months. Never at thirty two years old did I think that I would be
parentless, let alone have had to watch both of the people I love the most die
from such a horrible disease.
So here, two years
later or twenty three years later (depending how you look at it), with a
clear(er) head and a grateful heart, I would like to tell you my story. It
isn’t happy or sad, it just is. It is life, and sometimes it is hard, unfair,
and tragic… but it goes on and that is a blessing.
When I was in the
second grade my father was diagnosed with colon cancer. I didn’t really get it.
All I knew was that my dad had to have surgery, and we went to the hospital to
visit him. He had a large scar down his stomach which I remember that it looked
like it must have hurt. This process of surgeries and hospitalization went on
for the next few years. I can’t tell you how many surgeries that my dad had, I
now can say that he had chemotherapy, but at the time I didn’t know what that
was let alone that my dad was having it. He never lost his hair, his laughter,
or his spirit. He was usually happy, or was from what I could see. I can’t talk
about what kind of treatments that he had or what kind of pain he may have experienced,
hell till I was in high school I thought that he had stomach cancer, he had a
HUGE scar down his belly, why would I think anything different. What I can tell
you is that if he had gotten sick today, there is a chance he might still be
with us. Technology has grown and changed and become something that possibly
was unimaginable then. But on the other side of the coin, I could have still
lost him today. All I know is that my father died of cancer, it was awful and
sad. I was eleven when we buried him, but now at thirty three my life is just
as affected as it was then, if not even more so.
Fast forward to 2013.
I have taken a new job in a city that I love (Boston), I have just moved back
to said city, I have made new friends, my sister is just engaged, my brother is
about to enter his junior year of college, life is good. Well, then the other
shoe dropped. It is August, my mother (who taught abroad for the year) has only
been back home for about two months and has been complaining that she has pain
in her arm. Her doctor thinks that she has torn her rotator cuff. After a month
of trial and errors her doctors finally x-ray her arm, there it is a mass about
the size of a softball in her lung. A SOFTBALL! Within a month or so we find
out that my mother (who hasn’t had any major health problems till now) has
stage IV metastasized inoperable lung cancer. And here is the real kicker, she
doesn’t just have adenocarcinoma (the most common form of lung cancer) but she
also has squamous cell carcinoma (which accounts for 25 percent of all lung cancers).
And just so you all know stage IV cancer is defined as"the most advanced stage of lung cancer" and is also
described as "advanced disease." This is when the cancer has spread to both
lungs, to fluid in the area around the lungs, or to another part of the body,
such as the liver or other organs. They gave my mom six months to a year.
I won’t bore
you with all of the details, I will just say it wasn’t pretty. It was hard to
let the past go and not be angry about anything that she had done to hurt me
and just love her and take care of her the best we (my siblings, step-father,
and rest of my family) could. This included taking her to many doctors’
appointments, both in New Hampshire (where I grew up and she lived) and in
Boston, deciding that she should have a shoulder replacement to try to help
control her pain, sleeping on a hospital cot for a week while she was
recovering from surgery, sleeping on the couch for many weekends, and
eventually caring for her while she was in hospice. Just when I thought that I
could finally live my life in the city that I loved and do the things I wanted,
I was pulled back to drive to New Hampshire every weekend or every other
weekend to be with my mom, to eventually put my belongings in storage and move
back to New Hampshire for the summer to help my family, and to pick up the
pieces. I don’t regret this at all, I don’t begrudge it or anyone. Was I the
one that my mom relied on? Yes I was, and at the end of the day I am happy it
was me and not anyone else in my family. It was hard and awful and there are
many days that I barely held it together, there are still days I barely hold it
together. I am thankful for all of the support that I received from friends,
and mainly my family. I am blessed to have the BEST sister, brother, and (now)
brother-in-law a girl could ask for. Losing my mother was shocking, and
horrible but it is life.
What I fail
to mention above is that my parents were given great care. I know much more
about my mother’s cancer treatments than my fathers, go figure that I
apparently could handle it better almost twenty one years later. My mother
wanted to receive treatment at “home”, but we insisted that she at least be
seen by Dana Farber Cancer Institute. She was, and thankfully they were willing to
accommodate her to work with her oncologists at home and come up with the best
plan of attack to try to give her the best care possible. Because of her army
of doctors (both near and far) we were given a wonderful Christmas, another
birthday for both her and me, and 10 months of mostly joy. Sure there were
times we didn’t see eye to eye, sure caring for her that last month was the
hardest thing I have ever done. But in the end I know that it was the only
thing we could do.
There are
many things that I don’t know about life, about cancer, about struggling. But
here is what I do know. Life is hard, it can be unfair, and it can hit you when
you are down. It can also be amazing and joyous. Cancer is awful, and painful,
and debilitating to many (not just the people who are diagnosed with the
disease), but it is the people who are working towards solving this “problem”
that make it livable. My friend, Erin Collins, is one of those people. She runs
(like actually runs) and works hard to raise funds for the Barr Program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Because of her we are closer to a cure, to something that
could have saved my parents. But also because of her my mother was able to get
treated at a place that was comfortable for her. The Dana Farber Marathon Challenge team
is amazing in my eyes. These people not only bust their butts to raise
thousands (possibly millions) of dollars to fund cancer research, they also
then run a marathon (I can’t even talk about the miles of training that they
put in), 26.2 miles. These people are amazing!
Grief comes at you in
a million different forms. Some days you’re flying high and just like that, a
bittersweet memory comes fleeting into your mind and a sorrowful “why them? why
me?” wave crashes over you before you can yell "help!" The death of a parent is
truly a wound that will never quite heal no matter how many years go by. It’s
okay. Embrace that you still long for them so deeply. It’s a beautiful reminder
of the unconditional love we have for our parents. For me, knowing that
this program is continuing to help others, others that hopefully will never
have to experience what I have experienced till they are old and gray, gives me
hope and allows me to see the light in the darkness that cancer can cause. Thank
you all!
Monday, April 11, 2016
Monday Motivation: One Week and All The Feelings
You would think that because I ran the marathon last year I would be heading into this weekend with nerves of steel, right? Wrong. With one week to go I woke up this morning with butterflies in my tummy and ALL the feelings. There is just something about it being one week away that makes it all very, very real.
So I headed into Boston for work. And the marathon themed New Balance posters are up in Kenmore Square. The newly unveiled "Boston Strong" painting is gracing the Charlesbridge overpass spanning Commonwealth. And the scaffolding has gone up for the finish line on Boylston. Even the yogurt commercial on the radio this morning was geared towards people running the marathon!
Surprisingly, seeing all of these things did nothing to calm my nerves. Shocking, right?
Then my coworkers surprised me by matching the amount raised from today's Red Sox home opener "Jeans for Generosity" day to benefit my DFMC fundraising, and my heart and mind are exploding from love and gratitude (plus all the other aforementioned feelings). I can't even compose a logical thought right now because I am so overcome by everyone's generosity throughout this journey.
So I am taking deep breaths, working to compose my thoughts, and focusing on why and for who I will be running a week from today. And of course I am also daydreaming about the delicious BBQ I will eat tonight in support of DFMC. I'll be back with some more posts to get us geared up for the big day but in the meantime, here two of my favorite marathon motivations to get you through the rest of your Monday and kick start the week.
 |
| My prayer for the next week |
 |
| It's NOT a sprint. It's a Marathon. Overlooking Boylston Street and Mile 26. |
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| Yankees Fan + Red Sox themed "Jeans for Generosity" day at work = DFMC baseball cap and shirt!!! |
Friday, April 8, 2016
Mon. 4/11/16: Dine for DFMC at Blue Ribbon BBQ
Boston area friends, make sure to stop into Blue Ribbon BBQ in Newton or Arlington this coming Monday, April 11th between 11am and 9pm. Simply mention Dana-Farber or DFMC while placing your order to dine in or take out, and Blue Ribbon will generously donate 20% of your order towards my fundraising for vital cancer research at Dana-Farber!
Blue Ribbon has been providing real pit smoked BBQ to the greater Boston area for over 20 years and if you haven't tried their food before, you're in for a real treat. And with their generous offer to donate a portion of Monday's sales, they are making it so easy to support an amazing cause while enjoying delicious food. The hardest part will be deciding what to order (just get one of everything)!
Have an event coming up (graduation, shower, marathon party)? Mention Dana-Farber or DFMC while placing your catering order with Blue Ribbon and they will donate 10% from your order towards my fundraising - regardless of your event date! Our family have used Blue Ribbon for several events and not only will your guests rave about the food, but they make the entire process so simple from start to finish.
Celebrate the one week countdown to the 2016 Boston Marathon and Dine for DFMC this Monday!
Blue Ribbon has been providing real pit smoked BBQ to the greater Boston area for over 20 years and if you haven't tried their food before, you're in for a real treat. And with their generous offer to donate a portion of Monday's sales, they are making it so easy to support an amazing cause while enjoying delicious food. The hardest part will be deciding what to order (just get one of everything)!
Have an event coming up (graduation, shower, marathon party)? Mention Dana-Farber or DFMC while placing your catering order with Blue Ribbon and they will donate 10% from your order towards my fundraising - regardless of your event date! Our family have used Blue Ribbon for several events and not only will your guests rave about the food, but they make the entire process so simple from start to finish.
Celebrate the one week countdown to the 2016 Boston Marathon and Dine for DFMC this Monday!
 |
| Frank Underwood would definitely approve of this fundraiser! |
Monday, April 4, 2016
Monday Motivation: 2 Weeks and Counting!
Last year we trained through one of the worst winters on record, so it would not have surprised me in the least if it had snowed in early April or even on Marathon Monday itself. But this year has been a completely different story (in many ways) and in contrast to last year, we barely got any snow. Apparently Mother Nature has decided to make up for that and it has been snowing since the weekend.
Thus is the first thing you learn when training for and running a marathon: anything can and will happen. The second thing? You have very little control over it. So, when I came out to my car this morning and it was encased within 3 inches of ice with another 3 inches of snow on top of it, well, all I could do was laugh (okay fine - I may have let a few expletives slip out before I started laughing). It is what it is and, as they say, if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute. And with two weeks to go, even some unexpected snow can't dampen the marathon excitement that is continuing to build each day. I had to stop myself from dancing around with glee when I went to snap this photo to show ya'll the view of snowy Boylston street and saw that New Balance had unveiled a new "Nobody Runs Like Boston" sign at the 26 mile mark.
This past Saturday I wrapped up my major training with a rainy 11 miler in NYC. While I had planned to do an 18 miler, I had to cut my run short for good reason - my parents were making record time on their drive to NYC, and the entire point of my visit was to surprise my Dad with tickets to the Rangers game for his 60th birthday. My planned route had me starting down in Union Square and running across 14th Street, then cutting down to 10th before cutting over to pick up the East River greenway. From there I planned on wrapping around the bottom of Manhattan, past the Battery, and straight on up the Hudson greenway to the very top of Manhattan which is my old neighborhood. Riding the A train downtown bright and early, I thought back to years ago when I was new to the city and trying to find my way to the multitude of studios and theatres. I would find comfort in spotting fellow performers with a day's worth of music, dance gear, and headshots shoved into a bag with one script or another in hand, and then I would follow them as they expertly weaved their way through the stations and streets towards yet another audition line. Upon arriving you would share a quick nod of solidarity that you were both there for the same reason, with the same hopes. "These are my people" I used to think. It was a bittersweet memory as I reflected on how different my life is now - and not at all different in a bad way, just so different than what my 22 year old self used to daydream about on that very same train.
As the train finally lurched to a halt at 14th street, I shook away the nostalgia and focused on the run at hand. As the doors opened and the crowd surged onto the platform, I noticed a group of 5 runners come out of the neighboring car. With their loaded fuel belts, GPS watches, and rain layers akin to my own, I couldn't hold back my smile as I thought "THESE are my people now!" I practically skipped up the steps as we exited the station and as we spilled out onto the sidewalk we were greeted by a torrential downpour. There was just enough time for quick nod of solidarity at the dismal conditions before we each went our separate way. "Maybe things haven't changed all that much after all" I thought as I set out on my run.
Despite the rain, there were many runners out and about on the greenway. I tried not to worry about pace and just let myself get out of my head and enjoy the run. I snapped a few photos along the way (mainly for Dave who was keeping Grandpa company at breakfast and sharing my GPS link so they could track me), and then just as I rounded the Battery the rain slowly tapered off and it warmed up a bit. I continued northbound and started to get excited about my favorite stretches of the Hudson greenway past the 72nd street boat basin, etc. but that is when I learned my parents were likely going to arrive much sooner than planned and once you get onto that stretch of the greenway, it's a little bit more difficult to dash back over towards the trains/cabs. I was feeling great but definitely didn't want to risk being late so I decided to adjust my route and run back towards Columbus Circle where I knew I could use restrooms, grab a recovery drink, and hop back on the train uptown. It must have been fate because my watch clicked to 11 miles even just as I came to the entrance to the shops. Despite cutting it short, I felt good about the run and had no pain or other issues - so mentally and physically, I count it as a win!
It is really hard to believe we are at the two week mark, made even harder by looking at the snow which continues to swirl outside my office window. The focus now will continue to be on staying healthy, hydrated, rested, and focused on why and for who I am running. More to come this week as we head into the final weeks!
Thus is the first thing you learn when training for and running a marathon: anything can and will happen. The second thing? You have very little control over it. So, when I came out to my car this morning and it was encased within 3 inches of ice with another 3 inches of snow on top of it, well, all I could do was laugh (okay fine - I may have let a few expletives slip out before I started laughing). It is what it is and, as they say, if you don't like the weather in New England, wait a minute. And with two weeks to go, even some unexpected snow can't dampen the marathon excitement that is continuing to build each day. I had to stop myself from dancing around with glee when I went to snap this photo to show ya'll the view of snowy Boylston street and saw that New Balance had unveiled a new "Nobody Runs Like Boston" sign at the 26 mile mark.
This past Saturday I wrapped up my major training with a rainy 11 miler in NYC. While I had planned to do an 18 miler, I had to cut my run short for good reason - my parents were making record time on their drive to NYC, and the entire point of my visit was to surprise my Dad with tickets to the Rangers game for his 60th birthday. My planned route had me starting down in Union Square and running across 14th Street, then cutting down to 10th before cutting over to pick up the East River greenway. From there I planned on wrapping around the bottom of Manhattan, past the Battery, and straight on up the Hudson greenway to the very top of Manhattan which is my old neighborhood. Riding the A train downtown bright and early, I thought back to years ago when I was new to the city and trying to find my way to the multitude of studios and theatres. I would find comfort in spotting fellow performers with a day's worth of music, dance gear, and headshots shoved into a bag with one script or another in hand, and then I would follow them as they expertly weaved their way through the stations and streets towards yet another audition line. Upon arriving you would share a quick nod of solidarity that you were both there for the same reason, with the same hopes. "These are my people" I used to think. It was a bittersweet memory as I reflected on how different my life is now - and not at all different in a bad way, just so different than what my 22 year old self used to daydream about on that very same train.
As the train finally lurched to a halt at 14th street, I shook away the nostalgia and focused on the run at hand. As the doors opened and the crowd surged onto the platform, I noticed a group of 5 runners come out of the neighboring car. With their loaded fuel belts, GPS watches, and rain layers akin to my own, I couldn't hold back my smile as I thought "THESE are my people now!" I practically skipped up the steps as we exited the station and as we spilled out onto the sidewalk we were greeted by a torrential downpour. There was just enough time for quick nod of solidarity at the dismal conditions before we each went our separate way. "Maybe things haven't changed all that much after all" I thought as I set out on my run.
Despite the rain, there were many runners out and about on the greenway. I tried not to worry about pace and just let myself get out of my head and enjoy the run. I snapped a few photos along the way (mainly for Dave who was keeping Grandpa company at breakfast and sharing my GPS link so they could track me), and then just as I rounded the Battery the rain slowly tapered off and it warmed up a bit. I continued northbound and started to get excited about my favorite stretches of the Hudson greenway past the 72nd street boat basin, etc. but that is when I learned my parents were likely going to arrive much sooner than planned and once you get onto that stretch of the greenway, it's a little bit more difficult to dash back over towards the trains/cabs. I was feeling great but definitely didn't want to risk being late so I decided to adjust my route and run back towards Columbus Circle where I knew I could use restrooms, grab a recovery drink, and hop back on the train uptown. It must have been fate because my watch clicked to 11 miles even just as I came to the entrance to the shops. Despite cutting it short, I felt good about the run and had no pain or other issues - so mentally and physically, I count it as a win!
It is really hard to believe we are at the two week mark, made even harder by looking at the snow which continues to swirl outside my office window. The focus now will continue to be on staying healthy, hydrated, rested, and focused on why and for who I am running. More to come this week as we head into the final weeks!
Monday, March 28, 2016
Monday Motivation: 3 Weeks and $544.34 To Go!
3 weeks from today I will line up with my teammates and 29,500 of our newest friends to run the 120th Boston Marathon. This past weekend our DFMC team was among the hundreds of runners who took to the marathon course to run what is typically the longest run before we begin tapering (fancy running term for cutting back/resting) in the final weeks before the race. The energy out on the course was electric and the support from the volunteers for both our team and the many other charity teams, local spectators/fans, and the Newton PD and FD were truly outstanding. I finally clocked 18 miles for the first time this season which was as much a mental victory as a physical one, though I was running on empty for the last few miles thanks to miscalculating my refueling (a mistake I made last year at this same mileage and which is easily fixed, but alas this is why we have training runs so we can get those mistakes out of the way now versus on Marathon Monday). Luckily for me I get one more crack at 18-20 this weekend, with permission of our training advisor, given I lost just about a month of critical training time while dealing with what can only be referred to as "the plague." I am glad I will have the chance to tackle this distance one more time before giving my mind/legs the necessary time to recharge so I can rock 26.2 miles on April 18th!
On the fundraising front (drum roll please) I have surpassed my original goal of raising $13,100!!! Reaching this goal also means I have attained the 13.1K Pacesetter level, the second of four fundraising milestones set by the DFMC (8K, 13.1k, 20K, and 26.2K). In addition to my Pacesetter patch (earned for reaching the 8K milestone) which I will proudly wear on Marathon Monday, I have now earned my second set of 13.1K Pacesetter gloves (which will help to remind me of the many generous hands and hearts which have helped me to reach my goals thus far) and I will join my fellow Pacesetters in having our names listed on our official DFMC fundraising map.
But of course it wouldn't be called the marathon "challenge," if I didn't up the ante right??? Right. So I have increased my fundraising goal to $14,866. Why that number you ask? Because once I hit that goal, in just shy of two years time you will have helped me to raise $35,000 for Dana-Farber!!! And $35,000 is a lot easier to remember than $34,444.66 (the current total).
With 4 days remaining in my final March Marathon Madness drawing for two Red Sox EMC Club tickets plus parking (a $700 value), and only $555.34 to go to reach this new goal...well, wouldn't it be awesome if I could head out on my 18-20 mile solo run this Saturday knowing we had reached or surpassed this new goal?!? I could probably run off that energy alone (though don't worry, I learned my lesson this past Saturday and will still pack a few extra energy gels).
Every $10 gift = 1 entry for the best seats in Fenway, plus don't forget about my bonus secondary drawing for a mystery Red Sox item! And how much do I love you and your support, and how much do I want to see someone win these amazing seats? So much so that this Yankee fan made a special pit stop at the Cathedral of Boston this morning just to tell you more about this incredible prize:
On the fundraising front (drum roll please) I have surpassed my original goal of raising $13,100!!! Reaching this goal also means I have attained the 13.1K Pacesetter level, the second of four fundraising milestones set by the DFMC (8K, 13.1k, 20K, and 26.2K). In addition to my Pacesetter patch (earned for reaching the 8K milestone) which I will proudly wear on Marathon Monday, I have now earned my second set of 13.1K Pacesetter gloves (which will help to remind me of the many generous hands and hearts which have helped me to reach my goals thus far) and I will join my fellow Pacesetters in having our names listed on our official DFMC fundraising map.
But of course it wouldn't be called the marathon "challenge," if I didn't up the ante right??? Right. So I have increased my fundraising goal to $14,866. Why that number you ask? Because once I hit that goal, in just shy of two years time you will have helped me to raise $35,000 for Dana-Farber!!! And $35,000 is a lot easier to remember than $34,444.66 (the current total).
With 4 days remaining in my final March Marathon Madness drawing for two Red Sox EMC Club tickets plus parking (a $700 value), and only $555.34 to go to reach this new goal...well, wouldn't it be awesome if I could head out on my 18-20 mile solo run this Saturday knowing we had reached or surpassed this new goal?!? I could probably run off that energy alone (though don't worry, I learned my lesson this past Saturday and will still pack a few extra energy gels).
Every $10 gift = 1 entry for the best seats in Fenway, plus don't forget about my bonus secondary drawing for a mystery Red Sox item! And how much do I love you and your support, and how much do I want to see someone win these amazing seats? So much so that this Yankee fan made a special pit stop at the Cathedral of Boston this morning just to tell you more about this incredible prize:
Friday, March 18, 2016
Friday Motivation: One Month Countdown and Why I Run
Last night I stayed up far later than usual (thanks to an evening run and a few post-run St. Patrick's day libations with my teammates) and as I got ready for bed the clock struck midnight and the date changed on my phone. As I stared down at those glowing numbers I could not supress a surge of energy and started dancing around the room with excitement. "Are you okay?" Dave asked, while giving me a look that questioned just how many pints of Guinness I had enjoyed. "I'm more than okay - ONE MONTH FROM TODAY I'M RUNNING THE BOSTON MARATHON!!!" I cheered as I continued dancing around the room. Fully versed by this point in what it means to be married to a crazy runner prepping for a big race, Dave smiled and allowed me to continue my celebration a bit longer before reminding me that I needed to save some of that energy for the actual race and get to sleep (good point dear, good point).
So here we go, the one month countdown to the 120th Boston Marathon. Earlier this week our bib numbers were assigned (I hear 26470 is the one to watch) and this morning the traditional banners that will grace the streets of Boston leading up to the race were unveiled. All winter long there has been a quiet buzz throughout greater Boston, and beyond, as runners have trained for one of our city's most beloved traditions. In the next 31 days that buzz will grow to a palpable roar as we prepare to host the 30,000 plus runners, as well as the countless (and indispensable) volunteers and spectators who come together for our Patriots' Day celebration.
It is an exciting time for sure.
It is also bittersweet. My training season has been less than ideal and I have been repeatedly sidelined by respiratory issues, culminating in my most recent bout with what I can only dub "the plague" which cost me about a month of vital training time. While last winter's record setting weather meant we were often confined to repeatedly running the infamous Newton hills, that training made us stronger. This season, I have been battling painful calf cramps that begin late in my long runs and which only increase with hills (though I suspect this is also a hydration/sodium issue that I am now addressing). Yet life has a funny way of giving you the perspective you need at the time you need it most.
Last Saturday was the first day I had felt 100% healthy in over a month and I was laser focused on running 16 miles for the first time this season (by this point last year I had already tackled that distance several times). About 13 miles into the run, those aforementioned calf cramps ended my run early and I had to accept a ride back to our host gym from one of our DFMC rockstar volunteers (thanks again Amy Jo!!!). By the way, only in maration training will you hear runners grumling "I only did 13 miles," and to say I was frustrated is an understatement. After chugging a gatorade, stretching, and a much needed shower, I headed back into the gym to greet my patient partner Darla who had just arrived for our DFMC poster party. Looking around the room at my fellow teammates and their patient partners, I felt like a fraud and a failure. I found myself questioning whether I will be able to run this year's race and worried I would be letting Darla down if I could not. But as we started working on Darla's poster - which will be displayed along with all the other patient parnter posters to honor these incredible children and inspire DFMC runners on marathon weekend - I was vividly reminded why I am on this team. And running? Well, that is just one very small piece of what we do.
Together with her family, Darla and I set about crafting her new poster. I smiled as Darla supervised the design, choosing the exact shades of purple and pink to use for her name and informing us of precisely the right spot where each butterfly, heart, and smiley sticker should go. As I looked at the slew of photos from the past year, I realized just how much Darla had grown. How much taller, stronger, and spirited she had become. And when I gave her the custom DFMC keepsake pillow my incredible teammate Heather made for her, Darla's face broke into a smile and she gave me a hug that I thought would break her tiny arms. Suddenly I realized, I was worrying about the wrong race. Because while the marathon is an incredible experience, it is just one day. The real race - the one that really counts- ends with the namesake for my blog: the ultimate finish line. A world where no child will ever have to make a poster celebrating that they went through hell and back to beat cancer (or are still going through it). A world where the word "cancer" is no longer feared because it is followed by the word "cure." A world that will be forever changed by the research happening right this very second, made possible by all those who have supported me and so many others in this journey.
So as I mentally prepare for tomorrow's group run, I thought I would share this - my Friday motivation. She is also my Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday motivation. And that race we are running one month from today? It will be a celebration. It will be a declaration. And (no matter how long it takes me), it will be a victory.
So here we go, the one month countdown to the 120th Boston Marathon. Earlier this week our bib numbers were assigned (I hear 26470 is the one to watch) and this morning the traditional banners that will grace the streets of Boston leading up to the race were unveiled. All winter long there has been a quiet buzz throughout greater Boston, and beyond, as runners have trained for one of our city's most beloved traditions. In the next 31 days that buzz will grow to a palpable roar as we prepare to host the 30,000 plus runners, as well as the countless (and indispensable) volunteers and spectators who come together for our Patriots' Day celebration.
It is an exciting time for sure.
It is also bittersweet. My training season has been less than ideal and I have been repeatedly sidelined by respiratory issues, culminating in my most recent bout with what I can only dub "the plague" which cost me about a month of vital training time. While last winter's record setting weather meant we were often confined to repeatedly running the infamous Newton hills, that training made us stronger. This season, I have been battling painful calf cramps that begin late in my long runs and which only increase with hills (though I suspect this is also a hydration/sodium issue that I am now addressing). Yet life has a funny way of giving you the perspective you need at the time you need it most.
Last Saturday was the first day I had felt 100% healthy in over a month and I was laser focused on running 16 miles for the first time this season (by this point last year I had already tackled that distance several times). About 13 miles into the run, those aforementioned calf cramps ended my run early and I had to accept a ride back to our host gym from one of our DFMC rockstar volunteers (thanks again Amy Jo!!!). By the way, only in maration training will you hear runners grumling "I only did 13 miles," and to say I was frustrated is an understatement. After chugging a gatorade, stretching, and a much needed shower, I headed back into the gym to greet my patient partner Darla who had just arrived for our DFMC poster party. Looking around the room at my fellow teammates and their patient partners, I felt like a fraud and a failure. I found myself questioning whether I will be able to run this year's race and worried I would be letting Darla down if I could not. But as we started working on Darla's poster - which will be displayed along with all the other patient parnter posters to honor these incredible children and inspire DFMC runners on marathon weekend - I was vividly reminded why I am on this team. And running? Well, that is just one very small piece of what we do.
Together with her family, Darla and I set about crafting her new poster. I smiled as Darla supervised the design, choosing the exact shades of purple and pink to use for her name and informing us of precisely the right spot where each butterfly, heart, and smiley sticker should go. As I looked at the slew of photos from the past year, I realized just how much Darla had grown. How much taller, stronger, and spirited she had become. And when I gave her the custom DFMC keepsake pillow my incredible teammate Heather made for her, Darla's face broke into a smile and she gave me a hug that I thought would break her tiny arms. Suddenly I realized, I was worrying about the wrong race. Because while the marathon is an incredible experience, it is just one day. The real race - the one that really counts- ends with the namesake for my blog: the ultimate finish line. A world where no child will ever have to make a poster celebrating that they went through hell and back to beat cancer (or are still going through it). A world where the word "cancer" is no longer feared because it is followed by the word "cure." A world that will be forever changed by the research happening right this very second, made possible by all those who have supported me and so many others in this journey.
So as I mentally prepare for tomorrow's group run, I thought I would share this - my Friday motivation. She is also my Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday motivation. And that race we are running one month from today? It will be a celebration. It will be a declaration. And (no matter how long it takes me), it will be a victory.
Darla showing off her cheerleading moves and cheering me on!
Darla insisted we race - if I keep up this speed work,
maybe I will win the marathon!
I am only $611.74 away from my goal of raising $13,100!!!
Don't forget that every gift of $10 or more made in March gives you a chance to win a $450 Coach handbag OR $700 Red Sox tickets!!!
maybe I will win the marathon!
I am only $611.74 away from my goal of raising $13,100!!!
Don't forget that every gift of $10 or more made in March gives you a chance to win a $450 Coach handbag OR $700 Red Sox tickets!!!
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
March Marathon Madness Continues - Week 3!
Congratulations to March Marathon Madness Week 2 winner and former DFMC rockstar runner Amy Bucher! Amy won the fantastic Thirty-One gifts bundle donated by authorized Thirty-One seller Bailey Glass of Bailey's Baggage - thank you both for your support! Week 2 also saw our first "second chance" drawing offering a special bonus prize for all those entered. Mary Ellen Naughton won an Oh Snap bin from Thirty-One - enjoy!
Also, can we talk for second? In just the past 15 days alone you have helped me to raise $5455.60 for cancer research!!! I had to recheck the math a few times to make sure I wasn't seeing things - that is an incredible number and my heart is bursting with thanks and love for each and every person who has supported me and this goal. THANK YOU!!! Apparently I am also trying to set a record for the most excessive use of exclamation points (!!!!) but I can't help it - I truly can't contain my excitement and gratitude! This means I am only $2469.74 away from reaching my goal of raising $13,100 before I cross the starting line on April 18th, and with two more rounds of March Madness opportunity drawings featuring the biggest and best prizes yet? Something tells me we're going to fly right past that goal!
The madness continues with Week 3 and your chance to win a gorgeous Coach handbag valued at $450! Read on for full details on this week's prize as well as our final/grand prize being offered next week, with full details/FAQ at the bottom of this post. And since 100% of each and every dollar from your gift directly supports cancer research, you are a winner just by entering!
Week 4 GRAND PRIZE (March 21st - March 31st): Red Sox EMC Club Tickets w/Parking
THE NITTY GRITTY (aka Frequently Asked Questions)
HOW DOES IT WORK?
ARE YOU GOING TO OFFER SURPRISE SECOND CHANCE DRAWINGS BECAUSE YOU LOVE YOUR DONORS OH SO MUCH?
You bet I am! Starting with Week 2 I will be offering a SURPRISE second chance drawing to everyone entered for that week's prize(s)!!!
I HATE WINNING AWESOME PRIZES BUT STILL WANT TO DONATE - IS THAT OKAY?
Also, can we talk for second? In just the past 15 days alone you have helped me to raise $5455.60 for cancer research!!! I had to recheck the math a few times to make sure I wasn't seeing things - that is an incredible number and my heart is bursting with thanks and love for each and every person who has supported me and this goal. THANK YOU!!! Apparently I am also trying to set a record for the most excessive use of exclamation points (!!!!) but I can't help it - I truly can't contain my excitement and gratitude! This means I am only $2469.74 away from reaching my goal of raising $13,100 before I cross the starting line on April 18th, and with two more rounds of March Madness opportunity drawings featuring the biggest and best prizes yet? Something tells me we're going to fly right past that goal!
The madness continues with Week 3 and your chance to win a gorgeous Coach handbag valued at $450! Read on for full details on this week's prize as well as our final/grand prize being offered next week, with full details/FAQ at the bottom of this post. And since 100% of each and every dollar from your gift directly supports cancer research, you are a winner just by entering!
Week 3 (March 14th - March 20th): Coach Handbag
Coach Mickie Handbag in Chalk (off-white) grain leather!
With a retail value of $450 this beauty is made of soft grain leather in Chalk, which is an all season appropriate off-white. Antique hardware completes the look, and a removable strap plus ample storage makes this the perfect bag for going from gym to office to cocktails in style!
Every $10 donation = 1 entry
Two EMC Club Tickets to a Red Sox game selected from available 2016 dates plus parking!
With a $700 value, this grand prize is courtesy of the Kessler Group.The winner will choose from selected 2016 dates and start their visit to Fenway with reserved parking in a lot directly across from Fenway. Then you and your guest will proceed to the VIP entrance for the luxurious EMC Club which is situated one level up directly above home plate. These tickets also include access to the exclusive EMC Club restaurant which opens 2 hours prior to all Red Sox games and provides a unique gourmet dining experience (dining not included), as well as a full bar and lounge area. You can come early and enjoy the ambience before proceeding to your seats on the EMC Club balcony. Open to the action but protected by an overhang with heaters in case of inclement weather, these are some of the best seats in Fenway! Full seat service for drinks and snacks, and dedicated EMC restrooms with no lines complete the luxurious amenities offered in the EMC Club. Trust me, once you sit here you will never want to sit anywhere else!
 |
| Actual view from EMC Club Seats! |
THE NITTY GRITTY (aka Frequently Asked Questions)
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each week in March there is a different prize up for grabs. During each week, every $10 donation increment gets you one entry for that week's prize. So $10 = 1 entry, $20 = 1 entry, $30 = 3 entries and so on. At the end of the week, all entries are entered into a random drawing and a winner is chosen. It's that simple!
HOW DO I DONATE TO GET MY ENTRIES???
You can donate directly via my DFMC fundraising link (click here)
CAN I JUST MAKE ONE DONATION AND THEN SPLIT MY ENTRIES BETWEEN THE VARIOUS PRIZES?
You sure can! Just make one lump donation and then email me to let me know how you would like to allocate your entries. For example, you can donate $50 and then tell me you would like one entry for two entries for Week 3, and three entries for Week 4. Or you could donate $100 and ask for two entries to Week 2 and Week 3, and six entries for Week 4. However you want to split your $10 increments is fine by me, and with no limit on how many times you can enter you can give yourself unlimited chances to win while supporting a great cause!
CAN I ENTER THESE DRAWINGS AND STILL SPONSOR-A-MILE???
Absolutely! If you have been waiting to sponsor-a-mile with a gift of $126.20, now is the time do so because you will also gain entries to any of my March Madness opportunity drawings! And because I just love seeing ya'll claim those miles and give me a reason to make each one special, I will round your entries up to a lucky 13, giving you even more chances to win! Simply make your gift of $126.20 or more via my DFMC donation site and then email me to let me know (a) which mile you would like from the available miles, and (b) which week's drawings you would like your thirteen entries allocated to!
CAN I ENTER THESE DRAWINGS AND STILL SPONSOR-A-MILE???
Absolutely! If you have been waiting to sponsor-a-mile with a gift of $126.20, now is the time do so because you will also gain entries to any of my March Madness opportunity drawings! And because I just love seeing ya'll claim those miles and give me a reason to make each one special, I will round your entries up to a lucky 13, giving you even more chances to win! Simply make your gift of $126.20 or more via my DFMC donation site and then email me to let me know (a) which mile you would like from the available miles, and (b) which week's drawings you would like your thirteen entries allocated to!
ARE YOU GOING TO OFFER SURPRISE SECOND CHANCE DRAWINGS BECAUSE YOU LOVE YOUR DONORS OH SO MUCH?
You bet I am! Starting with Week 2 I will be offering a SURPRISE second chance drawing to everyone entered for that week's prize(s)!!!
I HATE WINNING AWESOME PRIZES BUT STILL WANT TO DONATE - IS THAT OKAY?
Sure is, but I might still send you a cookie!
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
March Marathon Madness Continues - Week 2!
Congratulations to March Marathon Madness Week 1 winner Angela Doughty! Angela won the fantastic (and delicious) Cozy Cookie bundle courtesy of Fancypants Baking Company!
The madness continues with Week 2 and your chance to win a Thirty-One gifts bundle valued at $157! Read on for full details on this week's awesome prize bundle as well as the other prizes up for grabs all month long! And don't forget since 100% of each and every dollar directly supports cancer research, you are a winner just by entering!!!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
ARE YOU GOING TO OFFER SURPRISE SECOND CHANCE DRAWINGS BECAUSE YOU LOVE YOUR DONORS OH SO MUCH?
You bet I am! Starting with Week 2 I will be offering a SURPRISE second chance drawing to everyone entered for that week's prize(s)!!!
I HATE WINNING AWESOME PRIZES BUT STILL WANT TO DONATE - IS THAT OKAY?
Week 4 GRAND PRIZE (March 21st - March 31st): Red Sox EMC Club Tickets w/Parking
The madness continues with Week 2 and your chance to win a Thirty-One gifts bundle valued at $157! Read on for full details on this week's awesome prize bundle as well as the other prizes up for grabs all month long! And don't forget since 100% of each and every dollar directly supports cancer research, you are a winner just by entering!!!
Each week in March there is a different prize up for grabs. During each week, every $10 donation increment gets you one entry for that week's prize. So $10 = 1 entry, $20 = 1 entry, $30 = 3 entries and so on. At the end of the week, all entries are entered into a random drawing and a winner is chosen. It's that simple!
HOW DO I DONATE TO GET MY ENTRIES???
You can donate directly via my DFMC fundraising link (click here)
CAN I JUST MAKE ONE DONATION AND THEN SPLIT MY ENTRIES BETWEEN THE VARIOUS PRIZES?
You sure can! Just make one lump donation and then email me to let me know how you would like to allocate your entries. For example, you can donate $50 and then tell me you would like one entry for two entries for Week 3, and three entries for Week 4. Or you could donate $100 and ask for two entries to Week 2 and Week 3, and six entries for Week 4. However you want to split your $10 increments is fine by me, and with no limit on how many times you can enter you can give yourself unlimited chances to win while supporting a great cause!
CAN I ENTER THESE DRAWINGS AND STILL SPONSOR-A-MILE???
Absolutely! If you have been waiting to sponsor-a-mile with a gift of $126.20, now is the time do so because you will also gain entries to any of my March Madness opportunity drawings! And because I just love seeing ya'll claim those miles and give me a reason to make each one special, I will round your entries up to a lucky 13, giving you even more chances to win! Simply make your gift of $126.20 or more via my DFMC donation site and then email me to let me know (a) which mile you would like from the available miles, and (b) which week's drawings you would like your thirteen entries allocated to!
CAN I ENTER THESE DRAWINGS AND STILL SPONSOR-A-MILE???
Absolutely! If you have been waiting to sponsor-a-mile with a gift of $126.20, now is the time do so because you will also gain entries to any of my March Madness opportunity drawings! And because I just love seeing ya'll claim those miles and give me a reason to make each one special, I will round your entries up to a lucky 13, giving you even more chances to win! Simply make your gift of $126.20 or more via my DFMC donation site and then email me to let me know (a) which mile you would like from the available miles, and (b) which week's drawings you would like your thirteen entries allocated to!
ARE YOU GOING TO OFFER SURPRISE SECOND CHANCE DRAWINGS BECAUSE YOU LOVE YOUR DONORS OH SO MUCH?
You bet I am! Starting with Week 2 I will be offering a SURPRISE second chance drawing to everyone entered for that week's prize(s)!!!
I HATE WINNING AWESOME PRIZES BUT STILL WANT TO DONATE - IS THAT OKAY?
Sure is, but I might still send you a cookie!
OKAY, OKAY WE GET IT - NOW WHAT CAN WE WIN???
I know why you're all here - let's get to the good stuff!
Week 2 (March 1st - March 6th): Thirty-One Gift Bundle
Creative Caddy organizer, Everything Crossbody bag, All About the Benjamins Wallet with wristlet strap, and Letters from London ID Case!
This package with a retail value of $157 includes some of Thirty-One's best selling items and is courtesy of authorized seller Bailey Glass of Bailey's Baggage! First is the Creative Caddy in Dotty Chevron, which is the perfect thing for organizing odds/ends in a kids room, craft area, bathroom, or office. Next up is the Everything Crossbody bag in Black Tweed Dot which is large enough to carry all your essentials and can be carried as a tote OR worn crossbody with the removable/adjustable long strap. The All About the Benjamins wallet with wristlet strap in City Charcoal Pebble doubles as both a wallet and a chic wristlet and keeps you organized in style. Rounding out this bundle is the Letters from London ID case in Teal Affair Pebble, which is the perfect way to tote your ID when traveling light or to stow business cards!
Week 3 (March 14th - March 20th): Coach Handbag
Coach Mickie Handbag in Chalk (off-white) grain leather!
With a retail value of $450 this beauty is made of soft grain leather in Chalk, which is an all season appropriate off-white. Antique hardware completes the look, and a removable strap plus ample storage makes this the perfect bag for going from gym to office to cocktails in style!
Every $10 donation = 1 entry
Two EMC Club Tickets to a Red Sox game selected from available 2016 dates plus parking!
With a $700 value, this grand prize is courtesy of the Kessler Group.The winner will choose from selected 2016 dates and start their visit to Fenway with reserved parking in a lot directly across from Fenway. Then you and your guest will proceed to the VIP entrance for the luxurious EMC Club which is situated one level up directly above home plate. These tickets also include access to the exclusive EMC Club restaurant which opens 2 hours prior to all Red Sox games and provides a unique gourmet dining experience (dining not included), as well as a full bar and lounge area. You can come early and enjoy the ambience before proceeding to your seats on the EMC Club balcony. Open to the action but protected by an overhang with heaters in case of inclement weather, these are some of the best seats in Fenway! Full seat service for drinks and snacks, and dedicated EMC restrooms with no lines complete the luxurious amenities offered in the EMC Club. Trust me, once you sit here you will never want to sit anywhere else!
|
| Actual view from EMC Club Seats! |
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Guest Post- Amanda's Story and Weinstock Labs
In my first guest post you heard from Heather as she
discussed her daughter Paige's battle with Neuroblastoma, as well as the life saving treatment she received at Dana-Farber (and if you
missed it, it's definitely worth the read). In today's guest post, I am taking
you directly into the research labs at Dana-Farber so you can learn about the
vital research that leads to these cutting edge treatments. Research being
funded by your generous gifts to DFMC which support the Barr Program research projects
at Dana-Farber.
As such, meet Amanda Christie. My husband Dave met Amanda
while they both studied at Roger Williams University. While Dave and most of
his RWU friends spent their hours in the theatre, Amanda spent most of hers in
the science labs (with a little bit of time in the theatre for good measure).
Flash forward several years later, and I now count Amanda among my good friends
as well. I knew Amanda was wicked smaht (that's New England for extremely
smart) and worked for Dana-Farber, but it wasn't until I started running for
DFMC that I learned more about the Weinstock lab where Amanda works and the
incredible work they are doing, some of which has been funded by the Barr Program. You may recognize Dr. Weinstock's name from this week's Monday Motivation post
and Dr. Weinstock is also running his third Boston marathon this year as part
of the DFMC team! Well of course I knew you needed to hear from Amanda
directly, so I asked her to craft a guest post sharing her experiences from working at Dana-Farber, and I was so moved
when I read the beautiful post Amanda created for all of you. It really speaks to the heart of not only the
tremendous work being done in these labs, but also showcases the truly
dedicated and passionate investigators Dana-Farber is lucky to have working
tirelessly to get us closer to a cure. Thank you Amanda - not only for your
words, but for the wonderful work you do each and every day!
_________________________________________________________________________________
I work in the lab of David Weinstock which is a translational leukemia/lymphoma research lab.
Translational research means that we directly focus on researching new drug targets
and therapeutics for immediate transition into clinical trials in patients (as
opposed to a basic biology lab). In the past year we have published half a
dozen papers, including one that made the cover of Cell (one of the most
respected scientific journals in the world), and have opened 3 clinical trials
based on preliminary results produced in our lab. Our group includes PhDs, MDs,
graduate students and technicians who focus on a wide variety of topics. One
team is investigating the role of a particular gene mutation in the formation
of angioimmunoblastic T cell lymphoma. Another is attempting to target BCL6
overexpression in peripheral T cell lymphomas. Our leukemia group focuses on
the BCR-ABL fusion oncogene in B-cell leukemia and JAK2 signaling in mutant
pediatric ALL. A few of us are fervently trying to find new therapies for
so-called “double-hit lymphoma”; this is a universally deadly subset of an otherwise
fairly curable disease, and new therapeutics are desperately needed. We even
have a few people in our lab studying the mechanisms on DNA repair and its role
in cancer. This work is difficult, expensive and frustrating, but so rewarding.
The dedication I see on a daily basis makes me smile…if you stop by our lab at
any minute of the day you will probably see someone hunched over their bench.
When my husband and I started dating it was hard to explain why I needed to go
into work twice on Christmas (not
kidding), on my birthday, and in the middle of the night…now he just accepts
this as normal!
I hope the above paragraph didn’t
bore you to death. Honestly, I could talk all day and night about my lab
because they are an amazingly intelligent, passionate and dedicated group of
people. I could go on and on about my love of Dana-Farber, because it truly is
an inspiring place to work. And I could definitely have a never-ending
conversation about cancer research, because it is a fascinating, exhilarating
and devastating world, and one I am so grateful to contribute to. None of these
things would be possible without people like Erin. People who give up their
leisure time, their comfort and sometimes their sanity (?!) to brave Boston
winters training for the marathon, who advocate for this much needed research,
and who raise funds that have directly contributed to saving so many lives. The Barr Program is such an important enabler of research here, and our lab feels
lucky to be a recipient of these hard-earned funds. Even a dollar can help change
the world, and I promise that we are working our hardest to make sure the money
raised goes to finding cures.
Also, as a public service
announcement, science is really fun. Don’t let your kids tell you “I’m just not
good at science” or “I’m not smart enough.” I hear this all the time and it
breaks my heart. You are smart
enough and science is awesome. If anyone has questions or wants
to know more, please don’t hesitate to ask or go to our lab website at http://weinstock.dfci.harvard.edu/.
And most importantly, go Erin!
Run run run!
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
March Marathon Madness!
It's March 1st which means two things.
First, next month I am running the Boston Marathon - ahhhhh!!!
Second, all month long you have the chance to win some AMAZING prizes during my March Marathon Madness Opportunity Drawings!!!
Read on for details on each week's prizes, how to enter, and more. And since 100% of every $10 entry goes directly to funding research projects via the Barr Program, you are already a winner just be entering! Last year these drawings helped raise over $5,000 for vital cancer research so that is the goal to beat this year, and you all know I like setting goals and surpassing them so...let the madness begin!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
ARE YOU GOING TO OFFER SURPRISE SECOND CHANCE DRAWINGS BECAUSE YOU LOVE YOUR DONORS OH SO MUCH?
You bet I am! Each week I will be offering a SURPRISE second chance drawing to everyone entered for that week's prize(s)!!!
I HATE WINNING AWESOME PRIZES BUT STILL WANT TO DONATE - IS THAT OKAY?
Week 1 (March 1st - March 6th): Cozy Cookie Bundle
First, next month I am running the Boston Marathon - ahhhhh!!!
Second, all month long you have the chance to win some AMAZING prizes during my March Marathon Madness Opportunity Drawings!!!
Read on for details on each week's prizes, how to enter, and more. And since 100% of every $10 entry goes directly to funding research projects via the Barr Program, you are already a winner just be entering! Last year these drawings helped raise over $5,000 for vital cancer research so that is the goal to beat this year, and you all know I like setting goals and surpassing them so...let the madness begin!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Each week in March there is a different prize up for grabs.
During each week, every $10 donation increment made gets you one entry for that
week's prize. So $10 = 1 entry, $20 = 1 entry, $30 = 3 entries and so on. At
the end of the week, all entries are entered into a random drawing and a winner
is chosen. It's that simple!
HOW DO I DONATE TO GET MY ENTRIES???
You can donate directly via my DFMC fundraising link (click here)
CAN I JUST MAKE ONE DONATION AND THEN SPLIT MY ENTRIES BETWEEN THE VARIOUS PRIZES?
You sure can! Just make one lump donation and then email me to let me know how you would like to allocate your entries. For example, you can donate $50 and then tell me you would like one entry for Week 1, two entries for Week 3, and two entries for Week 4. Or you could donate $100 and ask for two entries to Week 1, 2, and 3, and four entries for Week 4.However you want to split your $10 increments is fine by me, and with no limit on how many times you can enter you can give yourself unlimited chances to win while supporting a great cause!
CAN I ENTER THESE DRAWINGS AND STILL SPONSOR-A-MILE???
Absolutely! If you have been waiting to sponsor-a-mile with a gift of $126.20, now is the time do so because you will also gain entries to any of my March Madness opportunity drawings! And because I just love seeing ya'll claim those miles and give me a reason to make each one special, I will round your entries up to a lucky 13 giving you even more chances to win! Simply make your gift of $126.20 or more via my DFMC donation site and then email me to let me know (a) which mile you would like from the available miles, and (b) which week's drawings you would like your thirteen entries allocated to!
CAN I ENTER THESE DRAWINGS AND STILL SPONSOR-A-MILE???
Absolutely! If you have been waiting to sponsor-a-mile with a gift of $126.20, now is the time do so because you will also gain entries to any of my March Madness opportunity drawings! And because I just love seeing ya'll claim those miles and give me a reason to make each one special, I will round your entries up to a lucky 13 giving you even more chances to win! Simply make your gift of $126.20 or more via my DFMC donation site and then email me to let me know (a) which mile you would like from the available miles, and (b) which week's drawings you would like your thirteen entries allocated to!
ARE YOU GOING TO OFFER SURPRISE SECOND CHANCE DRAWINGS BECAUSE YOU LOVE YOUR DONORS OH SO MUCH?
You bet I am! Each week I will be offering a SURPRISE second chance drawing to everyone entered for that week's prize(s)!!!
I HATE WINNING AWESOME PRIZES BUT STILL WANT TO DONATE - IS THAT OKAY?
Sure is, but I might still send you a cookie!
OKAY, OKAY WE GET IT - NOW WHAT CAN WE WIN???
I know why you're all here - let's get to the good stuff!
Week 1 (March 1st - March 6th): Cozy Cookie Bundle
DFMC Mugs and Fancypants Baking Company Cookies!
This package with a retail value of $50 includes two
official DFMC mugs, one bag each of Fancypants Baking Company's addictive mini
crunch cookies in Double Chocolate, Vanilla Sugar, and Brown Sugar Oatmeal, and
some of Fancypants custom DFMC sugar cookies made just for me! Fancypants is
based right in my town of Walpole, MA and not only are their cookies delicious
(as in, we had to hide them away so we don't devour them before we choose a
winner), but they are also all natural and both GMO and nut free! These are
treats you can feel good about sharing with the whole family - but they are so
good you may not want to!
Week 2 (March 1st - March 6th): Thirty-One Gift Bundle
Creative Caddy organizer, Everything Crossbody bag, All About the Benjamins Wallet with wristlet strap, and Letters from London ID Case!
This package with a retail value of $157 includes some of
Thirty-One's best selling items and is courtesy of authorized seller Bailey
Glass of Bailey's Baggage! First is the Creative Caddy in Dotty Chevron, which
is the perfect thing for organizing odds/ends in a kids room, craft area,
bathroom, or office. Next up is the Everything Crossbody bag in Black Tweed Dot
which is large enough to carry all your essentials and can be carried as a tote
OR worn crossbody with the removable/adjustable long strap. The All About the
Benjamins wallet with wristlet strap in City Charcoal Pebble doubles as both a
wallet and a chic wristlet and keeps you organized in style. Rounding out this
bundle is the Letters from London ID case in Teal Affair Pebble and is perfect
way to tote your ID when traveling light or business cards!
Week 3 (March 14th - March 20th): Coach Handbag
Coach Mickie Handbag in Chalk (off-white) grain leather!
With a retail value of $450 this beauty is made of soft
grain leather in Chalk, which is an all season appropriate off-white. Antique
hardware completes the look, and a removable strap plus ample storage makes
this the perfect bag for going from gym to office to cocktails in style!
Every $10 donation = 1 entry
Week 4 GRAND PRIZE (March 21st - March 31st): Red Sox EMC Club Tickets w/Parking
Two EMC Club Tickets to a Red Sox game selected from available 2016 dates plus parking!
With a $700 value, this grand prize is courtesy of the
Kessler Group.The winner will choose from selected 2016 dates and start their
visit to Fenway with reserved parking in a lot directly across from Fenway.
Then you and your guest will proceed to the VIP entrance for the luxurious EMC
Club which is situated one level up directly above home plate. These tickets
also include access to the exclusive EMC Club restaurant which opens 2 hours
prior to all Red Sox games and provides a unique gourmet dining experience
(dining not included), as well as a full bar and lounge area. You can come
early and enjoy the ambience before proceeding to your seats on the EMC Club
balcony. Open to the action but protected by an overhang with heaters in case
of inclement weather, these are some of the best seats in Fenway! Full seat
service for drinks and snacks, and dedicated EMC restrooms with no lines
complete the luxurious amenities offered in the EMC Club. Trust me, once you
sit here you will never want to sit anywhere else!
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| Actual view from EMC Club Seats! |
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