I am part of a team of 12 ladies training to run for 36 hours over the mountain and through the woods to the Oregon coast! We are raising money for Girls on the Run, an organization that promotes friendship, self-esteem, and communication for girls - and makes them run a bit too!

I have been waiting my whole life to find a HTC team that would take my slow ass and am beyond thrilled to be joining one that raises money for this worthy and wonderful organization. I had the honor (and sometimes challenge) of being a Girls On the Run coach this last spring to 14 girls between the ages of 9 and 11. We talked about and practiced comfortable and uncomfortable feelings, communication, how to recognize and be a good friend, how we help in our communities; I've personally loved the most, our discussions on how we have choices in how we react to, communicate with, and show care for ourselves and others.

I have a personal side to this, as well. I recently tested positive for a genetic mutation on my BRCA1 gene. This genetic mutation has been linked to a dramatic increase in breast and ovarian cancer. I plan on being around for a long time but this 'Mother Of All Relays' comes shortly before I start a series of prophylactic surgeries to reduce these risks (to nearly ZERO - yay science!) and feels like a sort of last hurrah for a phase of my life and a start to another. I would be honored if you partnered with me on this journey by giving to the efforts of Girls On The Run.

Please consider donating to my fundraising page so They can continue to offer their program to all girls who wish to participate.