Two and a half years ago, my dear friend Anna was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. It was at that moment that I decided to start running so I could raise money and awareness for blood cancer research and patient support. It also signalled my move to make an enormous and positive change in my own unhealthy life. In October of 2010, ran my first half marathon in San Francisco with Team in Training. Along the way, I had raised over $6500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada and made many new friends of whom I still count amongst the closest I've ever had in my life!

At that time, Anna expressed an interest in running a Team in Training event once she was finally done all of her maintenance chemo treatments. I told her that she just needed to pick the event and I would be there. In April, Anna finished her treatments and made her choice - she wanted to run the Goofy Challenge at Walt Disney World in January 2013! For those of you who have never heard of it - the Goofy Challenge consists of a half marathon (13.1 miles or 21.1km) on the Saturday, followed by a full marathon (26.2 miles or 42.2kms) on the Sunday. It is a true challenge and a mighty test of endurance. I admit, I balked for a moment when she asked me to join her in it. But why not? I don't have to win it and all I need to do is finish upright and smiling.

Plus - if the 50 year old cancer survivor can do it, certainly I can make my 35 year old body do it too!

And so embarks my latest journey. The training will be gruelling, but I can handle that. What I need your help and support with is the fundraising. My personal goal is to raise $4500 by the middle of October. Any way that you can help me out would be very appreciated.

I would also like to encourage those of you on facebook to pop by our team page and give us a "Like" so you can stay up to date on our inspiration, training and fundraisers. http://www.rungoofy.com

Every donation - every single dollar - counts! Do you have a dollar to give?

Thank you so much for your support!

Cori

Running the Goofy Challenge in January 2013 to honour: Anna (Lymphoma), Mary (a TNT Teammate from 2010 - Lymphoma), Sheila (my Runner Girl, Jenny's, mom - passed away from Leukemia in 2010), Arnie (My Runner Girl, Jillian's, father - passed away from Lymphoma in 2008), Joe (My uncle's father - Leukemia) and Diana (Cam's Aunt - Lymphoma)