Running for Jack (‘s Fund) and Bob

One of the things I love about fellow runners is that they always like to do things to those around them.  Running groups for support or to give kids something to do and off the streets, volunteering at events and raising money to support various charities.  Last October, I ran the Chicago Marathon for the Hall Steps Foundation.  Early this year (read February), I emailed Jack’s Fund about securing a spot for the ING NYC Marathon on November 6, 2011.  The organizers were beyond thrilled and my Fundraising Page has been up and running ever since.   The NYC is probably one of the most popular marathons to run in the US, which would explain the lottery system to get in AND the $2,500 fundraising minimum if you run for charity.  Jack’s Fund was established in memory of Jack Marston, a family man who ran 4 marathons in his life and battled melanoma (skin cancer).  Jack lost his cancer battle and his family established the foundation in order to raise research and educational funds for melanoma research.  I spent a good 9 yrs outside in the sun as a lifeguard and another 6ish years on swim team.  Summers=loads of sun.  Because of that sun, I know a few people who’ve ended up with skin cancers because of the amount of time they spent outside.

Coming into this training season, I came in running to honor and remember those who’ve had to deal with melanoma.  This morning, I received an email from the team coordinator about one of the Jack’s Fund runners for the Chicago Marathon Team.  Bob Marsh was set to run the Chicago 1/2 Marathon in a few weeks and the Chicago Marathon October 9th for Jack’s Fund.  Over the past few years, he’s been battle melanoma and this past weekend, he lost his battle.  From those who knew Bob, he was never one to give up and joined Jack’s Fund so “no one would ever have to suffer like [he] did.”  Though another runner will step in an ‘fill his shoes’ so to speak, I’m asking you to help me reach my goal so people no longer have to suffer with  a disease that is so preventable.  So take out your sunscreen and run on over to see how I’m doing with my training and fundraising.  Any support will be greatly appreciated!