Team LIVESTRONG 2010

When I saw that LIVESTRONG was going to have a team at the 2010 Country Music Marathon, I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of it. My sister Megan has been a huge Lance Armstrong fan for years, and I remember watching the Tour de France with her in 2003 and being absolutely amazed by Lance's story. I knew he was an incredible cyclist, but I didn't know about his passion for fighting cancer. After reading two of his books, It's Not About the Bike and Every Second Counts, I able to wrap my mind around the steeps odds that Lance overcame with his diagnosis, and why he has made LIVESTRONG his life's work.

You may be asking "well, what exactly is LIVESTRONG?"

"LIVESTRONG unites people through programs and experiences to empower cancer survivors to live life on their own terms and to raise awareness and funds for the fight against cancer. LIVESTRONG focuses on cancer prevention, access to screening and care, research and quality of life for cancer survivors. Founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong, our organization has raised more than $285 million for the fight against cancer." -taken from www.livestrong.org

I was lucky enough to be selected as a member of Team LIVESTRONG for the 2010 Country Music Marathon. I have committed to raising $500 for this great organization, and I hope that you will help me. I am asking for 26 donations of $20, which will equal a donation for each mile of the marathon.

As I am running the marathon on April 24th, I know that my training should be enough to carry me physically through each mile. But, I want this marathon to be about more than just finishing a 26.2 mile run. I want to run 26.2 miles to honor and support those who have recently been diagnosed with cancer, those who are currently fighting cancer, those who have survived cancer and those who have succumbed to cancer.

My family and I are incredibly fortunate in that we have only had two family members who have fought with cancer. My father-in-law is a skin cancer survivor, and my Grandma Jo was a breast cancer survivor. But, I know that cancer is a far-reaching disease that strikes at will, not caring who it ensnares next. Since 2006, LIVESTRONG has raised more than 10 million dollars through their marathon fund raising program.

If you would like to make a donation (any amount is greatly appreciated), please click here:
www.livestrong.org/teamls2010/meredithbrooks.

Let's help LIVESTRONG raise $500 more as they work to empower survivors further cancer research!