Critters of All Sorts

I'm back from a quick visit to Chicago for Baby Button's shower and to hang out with my BFF/watch my sleep-deprived BFF pick fights with her equally sleep-deprived husband. I had a great time, but the trip left me very much aware of how ill-prepared I am for motherhood at the moment.

BB chilling on his Mia Grace blanket.

At present, I'm better off getting my mothering fix via taking care of animals.

SPEAKING OF WHICH! (*dramatic lead-in*)

BHE and I are teaming up with the good folks over at ex-boyfriend collection to help out the homeless (animals, that is) by taking part in the MDSPCA's March for the Animals!

The March is the MDSPCA's biggest fundraiser and a rather large event in the city. People come together with their adorable dogs/cats/iguanas/turtles/what have you and take part in various contests, agility courses, and general fun and entertainment.

Our "pack" is trying to raise some funds for the event and - seriously - every little penny helps! So if you like animals and have even $5 to spare, won't you give us a hand (or paw)? If you're really game, feel free to join our pack or simply stop by the event to see the cuteness and support a damn fine cause!

You can support your fellow animal lovers here.

Neco and Lina will be waiting to thank you in person...

Fundraising Conundrum

I'm preparing to send out fliers to encourage people to contribute to my run. TnT will pay the postage for the first 100 mailings.

Here's my conundrum: Do I include an SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) with my flier or save myself the $0.47 per mailing?

Hmm...

Those for whom I run

While I'm running in memory of my godfather, Jim Meehan, and my cousin, Dr. Joseph Wiley, I'm also running for two young boys who are still alive and fighting their own battles with cancer here in Maryland.

Matthew Valenti was 2 years old when doctors determined that his severe anemia was a symptom of B-Cell Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL). Here's what Matt's dad has to say about his little guy:

Matthew spent almost a month at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The first week they gave him transfusions to get his blood count up and then he began the chemo treatments for the next couple of weeks. The chemo medicines hurt Matthew’s legs and joints and he couldn’t walk for a few weeks, but he hardly complained…he said, “Can you help me up this step? My legs feel a little wobbly”.

Oh, Matthew turned three years old on February 9^th, 2007.

Matthew started the second phase of his treatment on April 23, 2007, which is called delayed induction (DI) and we hope he will be in long term maintenance by July of 2007. The DI is pretty difficult on everyone as Matthew won’t be able to leave the house except to go to the hospital until it is over.

When Matthew is stuck in the house, he loves to play with his older brothers, Jack and Zackary. They are a lot of fun and they really are a blessing with helping out, keeping Matthew in good spirits and occupied His brothers are very good lacrosse players and are teaching Matthew to play; he can cradle and shoot the ball already (he loves to score goals). Matthew’s most favorite things are his matchbox cars and playing with his Granddads.

I'm also running in honor of 19-year-old Justin Knight, who was also diagnosed with ALL at a young age. From age 6 to 9, Justin endured intense chemotherapy. Thankfully, Justin responded well to treatment, and recently celebrated 8 years of remission without chemotherapy in March.

New Incentives & Garment Shopping

I'm slooowly working my way back to being regularly active. Mostly, this entails taking my butt out of my car and walking to and from work. It's about a mile each way, which is no small feat early in the morning. For me, at least - I'm not a morning person.

I'm also becoming accustomed to the fact that I need to invest in some quality gear. The shoes I've got - thanks to the kind folks at the Running Store in Georgetown, I found out that I over-pronate (i.e., I roll my feet when I walk). Thus, I ended up with a nice new pair of Asics. Now I just need to pick up the proper undergarments - the regular sports bras I've had since undergrad just aren't going to cut it - and I am set!

The Kick Off Breakfast where I get to meet the other runners and tri-athletes is a mere 2 weeks away. I cannot wait! I'm really looking forward to seeing who else is willing to sacrifice their weekends, shins and knees for a great cause.

Speaking of which, I've decided to up the ante for my donors!

Silver level donors ($100)
will receive an LLS Canvas Tote Bag!

Gold level donors ($250)
will receive a TnT Duffle Bag!

Remember to spread the word!

Orlando Run: 150 days and counting...