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UPDATE:  I finished the 10k in 1:03 on Saturday, December 11th! 

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Dear friends,

 

I always said that the only thing that could possibly make me run was a piece of cake on the other side of the room.  Turns out, I was wrong. 

 

Melissa Ball, one of my dearest friends in the world, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 at the young age of 26.  She fought the disease long and hard and received a clean bill of health in March last year.  I am in awe of her courage and perseverance in facing something that all of us hope never to affront, much less before the age of 30.  Now in remission, she is engaged to the man who stood by her through the darkest days and working full time for a financial institution in London.    In an effort to give back to the community of doctors and researchers who worked together to save her life, Melissa has created a team of ten of her closest friends with the aim of raising $10,000 by December 31, 2010.  We have already raised over £5,000 ($7,900) and are well on our way to attaining our goal.  All of the money we collect benefits Breakthrough Breast Cancer.  Melissa’s oncologist, Stephen Johnston, is actually the Head of Research for Breakthrough and so she is particularly attached to this organization. 

 

This is where running comes into the story.  I would have loved to have a wine and cheese party, but my apartment’s a bit cramped and it would have been difficult…  As such, I have decided to run a 10k (6.25 miles) next Saturday, December 11^th from Santa Monica to Venice, here in California, out of solidarity in Melissa’s lifelong fight to stay cancer-free.  For those who think this might be an easy feat for me, I must clarify that I have NEVER run a race in my 27 years on Earth.  This is a cause bigger than me and more important than my laziness.  Melissa was in perfect health – she ate right, exercised regularly, didn’t smoke…all to find out that none of that was enough to keep her from getting cancer.  It’s shocking to think that any one of us could have been in her shoes.  When I’m running, it is solely to give back to the people who saved my friend, Melissa’s life.  If it weren’t for them, she might not still be here today.  The minor suffering I endure on my training runs is nothing compared to what Melissa went through in chemotherapy, radiation and surgeries.  If you know anyone who has had cancer, you realize that our petty complaints in life are inconsequential by comparison.    

 

I have pledged to raise at least $500 in contributions for running in the 10k next week and I hope you will be able to help me hit my target.  You can pledge a flat donation of five dollars or fifty dollars – any contributions will be appreciated.  When I complete the race on Saturday, I will be sure to let you know how I did.  I really hope you will support this cause as it is particularly close to my heart. 

 

‘Tis the season for giving!  I hope you join me this year in raising money for breast cancer research.

 

~Melanie