Why respond to my begging for money?

1) I worked in research on Parkinson's at Edinburgh.  I can not tell you how amazing the people I worked with were, but what I can tell you is that research into any disease associated with being elderly, deteriorating nerve conditions and dementia is woefully underfunded.

2) My Grandpa has Parkinson's and I can not cure him, but I can raise money for research that might be able to lead to a cure.

3) I WILL NOT ENJOY THIS!!! My left knee is held together by stubbornness.  The photo of me finishing the marathon shows a completely broken woman.  I hate running it gives me no pleasure, and this may be the last time I can force myself to get to a start line before I need new knees.

4) I think the peer pressure of having made friends and family donate might be enough to get me across the finish line.