Some of you haven't seen my letter on why I want to do this event. Therefore, I am posting it below. :)

Hello, Friends and Fam!

I bet by now you have heard of the Breast Cancer 3-Day, a huge event in the summer of 2002. The event is raising both money and awareness for breast cancer research. And, hey- yours truly is participating in this fabulous weekend.

Many of you have been affected by this disease– some losing loved ones, some people inspired by lives of triumphant survivors. Many of us get tested every year in fear that we too may become (or have already become) a statistic. This past year, I learned that my Aunt Lois had gotten the disease, and it became a much more personal issue for my family. If we had more ability for research, more tools to aid progress, and more funding for both, we may be able to speed detection and even cure cancerous cells. I think after the events this year, we have all become a little more socially conscious, and I decided to do my part and expend some energy towards something good.

Now, goshdarnit, why don’t you do something good by sponsoring me? I would absolutely love if you would contribute to this cause. Heck, I’ve got enough issues knowing I have to train for this thing! The walk itself is 60 miles over 3 days, progressing all the way from Kenosha, Wisconsin into Chicago. Yes, it is walking, which is not quite as taxing (initially) as running, but that is equivalent to almost a marathon a day, consecutively. All participants start an eight-month training plan, and so far, things are going well – I’m walking about 6 miles several times a week. Although training is pretty much a solo effort, I can’t raise the funds by myself – so I am looking to you for help.

If you have any questions about the cause or the event, give me a call! I’ll try to gather my facts and let you know as much as I can. So far, I have learned that out of all the organized events in the US, this one gives the most raised money to the charity itself – that means that almost 70% of all funds raised goes to breast cancer research and developments for cures, not paychecks and perks for people on the organization team.

Can I count on you for a donation? I know that many of us aren’t made of money, so give what you can! Those of you that ARE made of money, however, cough it up. Seriously though, folks, everything counts in a big way. Make sure to fill out the accompanying form completely - it is tax deductible.

Thank you so much. Much love to you all.

Sincerely,
Tara D.

So, I took a big step- I just called and asked if I could become a coach. They thought I sounded good, so I probably am going to do it! I think it will be cool. It will have to warm up a little, but then I think I'll be totally up for it. Right now, I am at 4 miles a day (usually within and hour and a handful of minutes).

What up, you guys? Hey, some of you are da' biz-omb. (That was embarrassingly '95!) Anyway, thanks to Ms. K. Howard, who donated to the cause, and one Ms. Maureen Meyer - who I hadn't talked to in a long while and ran across my site and gave! How generous!

Been a while!

Hope all of you had a very nice holiday break - got a little time off, etc. I got back from my vacation to see that two of my dear pals, Adam and Colleen, had donated online to the cause! They were my first friends to give.

On another note, here's a great thing: I wrote a mass mailing right before I left for Columbus for the break to all these Chicago businesses, telling them how I would put their name on my shirt if they would contribute to the cause. And, hey! I got a $100 from Hilary's Urban Eatery, a cute restaurant here in Wicker Park. Thank you guys!

So, fundraising is going slowly, but at least it has started. About the same with the training- man, after all that Christmas eating and New Year's partying, it is time to get back on the wagon, youknowwhatimean? Today I walked to and from Bally's, and walked 2 miles while I was there. It is a start (or, a rebeginning, I suppose).

Hey, everyone!

Well, I am definitely registered now- it took a while to get my packet of info, but it finally arrived. I am cross-training like mad, which has been kind of fun minus the blisters. Having no job has given me tons of time to hit the gym, so for that (pretty much ONLY that!) I'm thankful.

I finally found out how you can sponsor me directly over the internet - just follow this link and put in how much you'd like to donate. My entry number is 3322 - you can enter that for a quick jump to skip some steps. I'd love to hear from you if you have any questions!

Yo!

So, some of you may have read in my last post that I went to an orientation - thought I'd talk a little on that. It was last Tuesday, at a hospital near by. There were probably about 50 women there, just looking into the process. Pallotta Team Works did quite a job of convincing us to do the event. Our instructor showed us a fifteen minute movie on what the event day was like, where we'd be staying, unlikely fundraisers and walkers, stories from survivors. It was very inspirational, so I signed up the very next day.

I am supposed to be receiving a binder in the mail soon that gives me an outline of what to expect and how (exactly) to get started. I am really excited, and I hope I can hang with the rest of da' ladies!

Hi, everyone!

Well, thanks for checking out the addendum to my other weblog. This one will focus primarily on training, fundraising, and general experiences getting ready for the big event. On the side panel of this weblog, I will explain what the the Avon Breast Cancer Three Day is, how to learn more about it, how to sponsor me, and all kinds of other junk. If you have any questions, please let me know, and I'll do my best to answer them! Thanks for looking!