Meg Grugan Marathon mom: 2009

Friday, May 29, 2009

FALL 2009-39.3???

Dear Friends and Family,

It is hard to top a full marathon, but I think I can do it! This season I will be running a ½ marathon a month, September (PDR 13.1 miles), October the NIKE Womens ½ marathon (13.1 miles), and November Philadelphia ½ marathon (13.1 miles) as part of the Team in Training program. YEP, that is 39.3 miles of racing this fall-you know I always shoot for the moon!

Team in Training benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society by raising funds to find new treatments and cures for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, and Myeloma. In fact, 75% of funds raised by Team in Training will go directly towards the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission to cure these life-threatening cancers.

I am running the races in honor of four courageous people. Whenever I am training and feel like I can’t muster the strength to go another mile, I think of their strength and feel a renewed sense of commitment to the reason why I am doing this in the first place.

Lori Ann Schneider, a Bala Cynwyd mom who was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the age of 44. She spent many months completing aggressive chemotherapy and is currently in remission! YEAH LORI

Christian, the 14 year old son of my high school friend Greg. Christian started treatment for lymphoma the day before Easter this year. He faces every challenge head on with courage and grace that puts life into perspective for all.

Avi, the son of one of my favorite people at work, Sharon. Avi is 31 and has been battling leukemia over the last year and now is hoping his bone marrow transplant is successful! Avi always deals with the bad and celebrates the good in everything!

Last but definitely not least, for Ed Dougherty. I ran last season for Ed as he fought lymphoma. The day after my last race last fall, Ed died suddenly, leaving behind his wonderful wife Carol and their two fabulous 11 year old girls. Ed prayed “everyday for me and the team to run strong and be healthy and for LLS to help find a cure.”

Their positive attitudes and determination, serves as a symbol of hope and inspiration for all of us.

I hope you will consider a 100% tax deductible donation to support me and this worthy cause. Please complete the attached sponsorship form and enclose a check, made payable to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, to me at the address above. You can also visit my website at
http://pages.teamintraining.org/epa/nikesf09/mgrugan

to make a secure online donation by credit card. Donations must be received no later than September 15th in order to be counted towards my fundraising goal.

Check out my blog for marathon updates and for links to more information:
http://meggruganmarathonmom.blogspot.com

Thank you for helping to support both my personal mission and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s mission. Together, we are helping to find a cure.

If you have any questions, please contact me at megan.grugan@comcast.net.

Love,

Meg Grugan

P.S. If your company or organization has a matching gift program, please send the paperwork to me at the address above.

10 Reasons for the self-inflicted punishment for a noble cause

1. FOR LORI: Lori is such an inspiration! She endured 8 rounds of very powerful chemo with grace and maintained her wonderful sense of humor. I would hope that if I were in that situation, I would be half as strong and positive. Think running a marathon is tough? Seems easy compared to chemotherapy! WAY TO GO LORI! This is the real reason! I am running with Team in Training in honor of Lori. Check out the links at the top of this blog to read Lori's story and to see how you can help!
1a. FOR CHRISTIAN who's courage and grace exceeds that of people 4 times his age! Keep up the fight! One love!
1b. FOR AVI because I see your strength through your mother's eyes! Keep celebrating the positives!
1c. FOR ED, because you were a strong and powerful force in my community and you inspired greatness in us all! Thanks and we miss you!
2. FOR JOHN: Several years ago while training for the Philadelphia marathon, I stepped in a pothole, turned my ankle and tore one of the tendons in my right ankle (OUCH!). Of course, being the smart person/health care provider that I am, I ran on it for another month. It has taken me a year to rehab, but now I am able to run pain free again. So why not train for another endurance event... John could not be happier! He says I am a completely different person when I am running. I wonder what he means by that??? He does say it with a smile...

3.4.5.6. FOR ETHAN EMMA LIAM AND MAGGIE: OK. Cheap way to rack up the reasons. I wanted to come up with 10...Honestly, they are the best thing that ever happened in my life! I am thankful every second that I am with them! They are truly wonderful people! They are also a full cheering section for the last few miles!

7. FOR AMY: Because Amy and I promised we would run one-and I know she will soon! A few years ago my running partner and friend Amy Freeze left Philadelphia to take the job of a lifetime and be near her family (You go AMY!). Since then, I have struggled to find someone that is fool hearted enough to meet me in the mornings to run.

8. For MADDY: she has a never ending pool of patience and love for all. Maddy is the best dog in the whole world-it is undisputed! We miss you everyday.

9. For my friends: you have all turned out with love, energy and cash to help us work for a cure! Your generosity is amazing-and unending. I feel honored to know you all!

10. for ME: I turned 41 this year and have always wanted to run more than just a full marathon. I know you are shocked because I really look (act) much younger than 40 but it is true. Do you think John looks younger than I do?