How Joggin' for Jenn was born...

On January 29, 2006, my dear friend Jennifer lost her battle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Jenn was 31 years old, a loving mother, caring wife, & loyal friend. In her memory, I dedicated a year of training, racing, and ultimately raising awareness to fight these horrific diseases.  “Joggin’ for Jenn” was born.

I ran the Chicago Marathon on October 22, 2006, and raised nearly $6,000 for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

I had aches & pains during my training, and it was a battle to cross the finish line of the 26.2-mile course, unquestionably, it could never compare to Jenn’s battle and the challenges she faced every day as a Leukemia patient. 

Two days following the Chicago Marathon, I had my 9th knee surgery.  My running days were over.  Knees don't need a "cure"...but blood cancers do.  My job is to make sure I do everything I can to see that this happens.  And such was the San Diego Rock & Roll Half Marathon last June.  I finished.  It hurt, but I did it. 

I will not cease my dedication to raising awareness for very worthy causes.  Losing Jenn has opened my eyes, and made me live my life one day at a time...and if that means being a "good-deed-doer" and raising awareness for those causes of great interest to me, then that's just what I'm going to do.  And I will do it all in her memory.

Which brings me to today, and my newest and exciting fundraising effort for The Challenged Athletes Foundation...the Tour de Cove!