I'm signed up for two charity 5K walks the first two weekends in November, so I figured I would tell you why I was drawn to the charities in question and see if I can rustle up a few donations and/or fellow walkers.
The first is the Jeff Taylor Run for SAFE, named for a Riverside, Missouri police officer who was struck by lightning and killed while conducting search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri earlier this year. Funds raised go to support an organization that aids the surviving spouses and families of law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty.
I'm doing this one partly because Cagey invited me, but mainly because I grew up around police officers (not to mention that my brother-in-law is one) and I understand how dangerous their jobs can be and how important this charity is for families left behind.
This one doesn't involve fundraising, but I'd love to have other KC folks join us. I think Cagey is planning on doing some running, so I could use someone to walk with me!
My second event is the Lung Hill Run, which I'll be walking with @bonnieglick. (Notice how they're all called runs and yet I'm walking. I'm just not a runner.) This is one where donations are important. It benefits LUNGevity Foundation, the leading private provider of research funding for lung cancer.
I lost my mother to lung cancer in 1998 and my stepmother died from it at the beginning of this year. It's a horrible, horrible disease that is much more prevalent than people realize. I feel very strongly about improving early detection and treatment protocols to save others from the same fate.
On a lighter note, I'm looking forward to enjoying the brisk fall mornings with motivated people. If you'd like to join me or throw some money into the pot, I'd very much appreciate either one.
Thanks for reading!
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