26.2 Miles!

is a little bit nuts, frankly.

But, I'm running my first marathon this November on the Outerbanks. 

 

I've run countless races for fun, with friends, to stay in shape, to make vacation more interesting.  I've rarely taken time to notice what charity they support or see much beyond myself.

But this time is different.

 

If you know me, than you likely know my Tricia's story.  You probably also know that after an amazing four years of good health, she is again fighting for a 3rd chance at life.  Tricia is among the most humble, beautiful, faithful and amazing people I know.  It just so happens that she is also my sister.  And a wife.  And a mother.

For me, this race is different.  Because while I can go out and run 20 miles with little effort and have it be the highlight of my day, my strong, beautiful sister can't walk across the room without extreme effort, oxygen and pain.

This time, I'm running it for PattySue.
And I'm asking for your help.

I can't breath for my sister.  I can't make the pain less.  I can't give her my lungs.
But I can do something.

Even with insurance, the cost of a Double Lung Transplant,  medication and therapies are overwhelming.

I want my first marathon to be about more than me, a medal or new shirt.  I want every mile to mean something.

I'm hoping that 65 of my friends will be willing to be part of my race team and donate $26 to the "65 Roses 4 PattySue Trust Fund" that helps Tricia and her family with their mounting healthcare costs.  This trust fund was a lifeline the first time Tricia faced transplant and while she enjoyed 4 years of great health, it was rarely needed.  However, as things have changed quickly and bills are adding up, the fund is being restarted and the needs are immense.

If you would like to support this beautiful family and give me a real reason to run you can donate directly through paypal.  The paypal link can be found on Pastor Rick's blog, as a button, on the right sidebar.  Click HERE and look on the right for the direct link to Paypal or you can mail a check here:

65 Roses 4 Patty Sue

137 Sir Chandler Drive

Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948

Thank you!

Thank you for taking time to reading this post.

Thank you for your prayers and good thoughts for my sweet sister.

And if you feel led, thank you for being part of something small that I can do to help my sister breath a little easier!  I appreciate anyone who is able to give, even a small amount and I look forward to running 26.2 awesome miles on November 11th in honor of my sister and with thankfulness to everyone who is able to give to her trust.

For clarity, this is not a fund that Nate and Tricia access for anything other than medical related expenses, it is monitored and administered by an accountant and the trustees, both sets of parents.
(For details about her trustfund, go HERE.)