Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.  I'm flattered that you are thinking about supporting me and Japan!

As you know, I've been living in beautiful Toyama, Japan for almost exactly one year.  Toyama has so far been spared from the serious destruction of a 9.0 earthquake, tsunami, and partial nuclear melt-down.  However, even living in a safer area, I am overwhelmed with images and news of the east-coast victims.  It's been nothing short of a terrifying few weeks.  

I'm sure many of you can remember Maryland's Hurricane Isabel, whether personally affected, or just through supporting me and my family.  I'm asking you now to remember that event, or any loss you have had, and to imagine it on an exponentially larger scale.

Japan has been a wonderful home for me.  I can't express how much growth I have experienced, and how much happiness I have found.  I'm asking you now, please, to consider donating money and supporting me in expressing gratitude for this place, and empathy for its people.  

There honestly is no amount too small - I would be touched if everyone I contacted chipped in a dollar.  I'm sincerely asking for your support.

Oh!  And let's not forget that I am RUNNING!  Yes, Katryn Bangert is running.  Though I never even ran a full mile in high school, I have been training for my first 5km run for the last 2 months.  My goal is to run 5km under 30 minutes.  I am currently running 5km at about 40 minutes.  Me and my black glitter running shoe laces will be participating in the Uozu 5km race.  My very first race will be even more meaningful with your donation. 

Feel free to email me with any questions.

Here's the official bit:

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

So please dig deep and donate now.