FUNdraising...

One would assume that since this is my second half marathon that the thought of fundraising wouldn't scare me so much. Well, THAT'S A LIE. I have a strong dislike of asking people for money. I'm so bad at it, that luckily there is this impersonal way of doing so I like to call email. But seriously, I must have spent a solid hour trying to piece together my words correctly. Trying to show the importance of donating and raising funds, establishing a goal for myself, yet not be too graphic as there is still a stigma about about talking about bodily functions.

We all have fundraising pages through active.com which makes donating super easy. Of course there are people like my Nana Helen who will send me a check still, but seriously online make all of our lives that much easier. Here's a glimpse at my not-quite-finished page.

Which of course can be seen by your own eyes at http://www.active.com/donate/virginia11newengland/VirginiaKMacNei. Like I said it's not quite finished because I want to put up some pictures, link this blog to it, and maybe a few other things so stay tuned but by all means stop on by and donate!

I love these pages, but since last year there is now a comments section for those who donate. I nearly tear up everytime I read some of these comments from family and friends. Here's a little preview of some of the comments.

Seriously I have the greatest group of family and friends! There are also a few people on there that I don't even know! That they could find it in their hearts to support me on this journey simply amazes me.  This morning I even got a completely anonymous donation from Maryland. That's all I know about it.

So here's the email I send out to EVERYONE in my address book. I even had it sent out in an email blast to the Alumni of my college.

Dear Family and Friends,

As many of you already know I have signed up to complete my 2^nd half marathon with Team Challenge, to raise money for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America. I couldn’t believe the experience of my first half - that I had to try again. This time I’m setting higher goals for myself. I’m hoping to raise $3500 as well as finish in 2 hours 15 min (that would mean pacing at 10:18/mile – up from the 11:20 min/mile I ran last time). Instead of trucking through Blue Hills, I’ll be heading to Loudoun County, VA to compete in the inaugural Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon there – and I promise no wine until AFTER the race.  I know this is the worse time to ask for donations after the holidays and all, but when really is a good time? Crohn’s doesn’t leave me alone because it was Christmas (which I spent on a ship, in pain, with no doctor!) – so I won’t stop either. Also, I’m looking to plan a fundraiser or two (possibly at Jake n Joes and/or Chateau in Norwood, MA) sometime early spring and I hope many of you can attend.

Now let me remind you of a few things about Crohn’s and Colitis. First, There. Is. No. Cure. Yet (that’s what this is all about). Secondly, 1.5 million American suffer from these debilitating and often embarrassing illnesses. I'm lucky enough to have both! And last year after the first half I had a minor flare up due to quitting smoking (who knew smoking was actually good for Colitis?!) but it hasn't stopped me yet. I'll keep running until there is a cure!

You can’t tell someone has either of these diseases by looking at them, you won’t know the pain they are feeling, or the suffering it can cause. I have been very lucky, others not so much. This is why I run. For all those who can't. For those who spend weeks at a time in the hospital. For the children on feeding tubes to get enough nutrition to grow. For the parents pacing the corridors of the hospital hoping for an answer to their child's suffering.

And finally, every little bit counts. Any amount given is greatly appreciated and one dollar closer to finding a cure. If you cannot donate, please take the time to forward this email to everyone in your address book. Let’s get the word out there and help raise these desperately needed funds!

Please follow the link to donate at anytime online: http://www.active.com/donate/virginia11newengland/VirginiaKMacNei

Or Cash/Checks (made out to the CCFA) can be sent to me at: 

Thank you all!

Since I have sent out this email and email blasted all MMA Alumni I have raised $530! Again, I'm astonished by everyone's support ans generosity. Next step is planning a FUNdraiser. I'm toying with a few ideas. Maybe a resturant 20% sorta deal. Maybe a day drinking for a cause. Maybe a jewelry party or something, who knows... another post for another day.