In December of 2002, I got a flier in the mail from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society inviting me to participate in Team in Training, a program they sponsor in which folks compete in an athletic event to raise funds for the cause. I guess I got it because I had signed up at a few cancer sites in the last couple of years. See, my cousin Rink was diagnosed with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer in the spring of 2001. I'd been doing some research to understand his condition. It's been a tough couple of years for him, and for those of us who love him. The diagnosis was long in coming; the prognosis, poor. It's been especially difficult to stand by and do nothing. What an incredibly helpless feeling.

So when I got this flier for Team in Training, I thought, "why not?" Here's something I can do. I can run and raise money for cancer research in Rink's honor. So on January 18, 2003, I recruited my sister, Robin, and we headed to the Fairfield Inn in Jacksonville and learned how we would run a 26.2 mile marathon in 20 weeks and raise $5000 each for the cause. Some days I think we must've been completely crazy. Other days, I'd hear how Rink has 45 visible brain tumors, how he has blood clots in both legs, how the medication he's taking to reduce brain swelling causes anxiety so bad he has to take sedatives to sleep, and how his little boy, Blake, taught himself to use the potty. And then I remember why I do it.

I wanted to share this experience with as many people as I can. It's important. So I created this part of the site to do that. I kept track of our running. I've got some pictures to share. And I'm constantly seeking contributions for cancer research. So please, browse this site and if you're moved to do so, give us some support. Your financial support is greatly appreciated. Your words of encouragement, stories and insights are equally valuable to us.

The latest news is that Rink's still doing pretty good. He looks great and is getting to spend loads of time with his family. I think he's in a lot of pain a lot of the time, but he maintains a hope and positive outlook that I will forever admire. He's given us a lot of scares over the past few years, but we are forever thankful that advancements like the recently FDA-approved Iressa help to keep him going. I recently had the great pleasure of studying under a professor at NCSU who is suffering from the same cancer. It's devastating, this disease. We've got to find a way to cure it and keep these wonderful, amazing people in our lives. I hope you'll help any way that you can.

Thank you so much for your interest and support.