get @baffled

I'm going to run a marathon this May. And I want you to help me raise money to fight cancer while I do it.

I don’t have any particularly heart-breaking stories to tell you about cancer.

I mean, I do, but I’m not going to tell them. I have friends who have cancer. Relatives who have cancer. I’ve lost people I know to cancer. I could tell you about them, but I’m willing to bet you already know someone who has cancer. Or survived cancer. Or died from it.

It’s becoming difficult to find someone who doesn’t know a person affected by cancer.

So instead of telling you my stories, I’m going to ask you to think of your own stories. And keep those stories in mind when I ask you to support the American Cancer Society.

On May 20, I’m going to run the Cleveland Marathon. It will be my first marathon and I’m excited beyond words about it. And to make it that much more special, I’ve committed to raise $1,000 to the ACS, to aid in their mission of finding an end to cancer, helping those already afflicted with it, and educating people on how to minimize their personal risk of developing cancer.

I’m not asking you personally for $1,000. I mean, hell, I’ll take it, but that’s not what I’m asking for.

I’m asking for a buck. Or two. Or five. Or ten. Whatever you can spare to help me in this cause is appreciated.

And when I ask you for a few dollars, please … think of your own stories. The people you know who are affected by cancer in some way. Donating five bucks to this drive is not going to change those stories. But it could help other families from having their own stories. And that, I think, is a worthwhile thing.

Thanks for your help.

P.S. Because I know there people who are justifiably skeptical of fundraising links, please note that the above link goes directly to the American Cancer Society’s Determination fundraising page. Every dime you donate goes straight to them.

(Oh, and for the record, I will be offering incentive prizes as we go along. If you donate now, you’ll have your pick as I figure out what all I’ll be offering. I can promise baked goods will be among the selections And there are a few people here who will tell you that I make a damn good brownie.)