To our Family and Friends,
This winter and spring we will both be training to participate in the Big Sur International Marathon, on April 27, 2008 in Monterey, CA. Brian will be competing in the 26.2-mile marathon, and Shannon will participate in the 10.6-mile run/walk, which is along the marathon route (the majestic Pacific Coast Highway). We both have different reasons for wanting to do this, but the one thing that brought us to this race, is The Wellness Community.
The Wellness Community is an international support organization, dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by all cancers by reducing isolations and restoring hope regardless of the stage of their disease. We are training with the Strides for Hope team, racing to raise money for The Wellness Community, so they may continue to offer their services and support to anyone affected by this terrible disease. We have each pledged to raise $3000 through Strides for Hope.
As many of you know, Shannon’s mom has battled (and beat) cancer twice in the last six years. If you or someone you know has ever been diagnosed with cancer, you know that it can be as devastating emotionally as it is physically. Often, medical and other practical issues push emotional and psychological issues aside. At The Wellness Community, people with cancer and their loved ones can find hope and the tools to deal with the emotional challenges of their diagnosis and gain a better quality of life. All of The Wellness Community’s services are provided free of charge so fundraising programs like Strides for Hope are vital in keeping these services available.
This will be Brian’s 4th marathon, but his first chance to, as he says, “put some real meaning behind my running”. Shannon’s first race ever was in the summer of 1991, and this will be her second try. Though she has participated in sports her entire life, this will be a big hurdle, fitting in training while home with Casey and Rider full-time. Only a worthy cause could have lit such a fire under her.
We hope that you and your family never have to face this disease, but if you have been touched by cancer, we would be proud to run in honor or in memory of the person in your life fighting this battle.
Please consider sponsoring us this year for this wonderful cause! All donations are 100% tax deductible and can be made via The Wellness Community’s secure site (Donate Online) or by mailing a check to The Wellness Community at 3 Crossroads Drive, Bedminster, NJ 07921. Please be sure to specify our names in the sponsorship box of the online donation form or the memo field on the check.
With Love,
Brian and Shannon Bumgarner |
