The Marathon is just 5 weeks away and it is time to begin the fundraising part of the adventure! I have been asked why are you running a Marathon? - I started this adventure believing I was running a Marathon for My Life, to ensure I remain strong, healthy and driven. I am running for those reasons, but while I've been training - I found a whole new purpose, a purpose that will make running 26.2 miles easy compared to what this little boy you are about to meet is facing - So now - I am running for Leaf.
Just to give a quick rundown on me and why this is so important....just a little over two years ago I was a smoker, a heavy, pack and half a day smoker, I was 43 lbs heavier, extremely unhealthy and extremely unhappy with myself and my direction in life. I am now a Non Smoker of two years and counting, I am stronger and healthier than I have ever been. I have a clear sense of direction, I know exactly what I want in my life and I know I have the ability to give great love and dedication to achieve it. But right now my focus is on giving all my blood, sweat and tears to help ease just a little bit of little boys challenges.
This is how my "Run for Leaf" works - I am running in the Logan Marathon on Saturday, September 19th (26.2 miles) and I will finish all 26.2 miles. I am asking you to donate any denomination of money for each mile I finish - A dime a mile, a dollar a mile, ten dollars a mile...every bit will add up and help get Leaf back to China for another treatment. Please keep reading to learn more about Leaf - click on any picture to go to his personal blog, and if you decide to donate- simply click "comments at the bottom of this post with your name and what you are willing to donate per mile. Or a "username" if you would like to remain anonymous, and once the Marathon is over I will post my results and the address to where the donations should be sent.If you prefer to mail a check rather than an online pledge, please use the following address:1099 Main Ave., Suite 500, Durango, Colorado 81301 please make checks payable to "Sight for Leaf".
Now let me tell you about Leaf and his Mom, Stephanie: I am pleased to introduce you to my little cousin Leaf Gibran Baxter, an angel sent down from God for me to fall in love with. Anyone who has met this little man knows exactly what I am talking about. He is truly an Angel, it is no wonder he was brought to one of Gods other Angels - My beautiful cousin and one of my very best friends- Stephanie. Stephanie is one of those people that is truly beautiful inside and out - it is very rare to meet someone and know someone as wonderful as she is. She has the most calming nature about her you can't help but smile when you are around her. To learn more about Leaf and his wonderful family click on the following link: http://www.sightforleaf.blogspot.com/.Leaf was born on November 3, 2007. Within hours his little system stopped working and doctors
struggled to keep him alive. After weeks of tests Leaf was finally diagnosed with Optic Nerve Hypoplasia (ONH) and Hypopituitarism. This means that he has significant visual impairment and he doesn’t make his necessary hormones. Most of the hormones can be replaced through fabulous medical progress in the area of synthetic hormone replacement therapies. Leaf’s parents are researching and providing all necessary therapies and medical interventions possible. He receives acupressure, physical therapy, hyperbaric chamber therapy, and vision therapy. But, there is nothing they or the doctors can do about helping him see. However, The Beike Institute in Shenzhen, is conducting a study which has, so far, produced notable results in young children. CLICK ON THE PICTURE OF LEAF TO READ A POSTING BY HIS MOM AND DAD DURING HIS FIRST TREATMENT IN CHINAThank you for your time, your consideration and your donation. Please note that any donations are not tax deductible since the moneys will be used for taking Leaf to China for his second treatment. Please post this link http://chantillys.blogspot.com/2009/08/run-for-leaf.html" on your webpage, blog, facebook or myspace page. Thank you again and happy running!
Hey Chantel!
ReplyDeleteI think that's great, what you're doing. Your little cousin is adorable!
I would like to pledge $5.00 per mile to your cause.
Glad to see you're doing so well and are so happy... you deserve it. Good luck with everything, keep in touch.
Tom (Bigchief)
Chantel,
ReplyDeleteI found out about your cause from Tom Mecham.
What you are doing is so amazing and unselfish. You are a truly remarkable person.
I know it is not much, but I am pledging $1.00 per mile to your cause.
Best of luck with your marathon. Please give Leaf a kiss for me.
Tabatha Mair
Heber City, Ut
Chantel,
ReplyDeleteI pledge $5.75 per mile to you. You're an inspiration in so many ways!
All of my love to you and Stephanie.
Brenda Julander
C
ReplyDeleteGreat Cause I'm in for $5.00 mile. I am proud of you for all you are trying to accomplish.
you will do great and Leaf will benefit greatly!
Coke and a Smile!
Matt
Bob and Paula Hylen - $1 per mile.
ReplyDeleteThank you to
ReplyDeleteChuck and Kooky Lucas for your donation
Bob & Paula Hylen for your $1 Pledge
Linda and Art Thomas for your donation
Ann McKersie for your $1 mile Pledge
Jay Joines for your $5 mile Pledge
Thank you:
ReplyDeleteJoe and Vona Gregory for pledging $5 per mile
Skip and Echo Wilson for pledging $1 per mile
Chantel,
ReplyDeleteI thnink it's awesome that you are running for Leaf, and his family, to help him get treatment, no matter how far they have to go.
I too, had a child with physical problems from birth. Her name was Maranda Kate and she was born with a rare type of dwarfism and spina-bifida in January 1991. When she was born, I was told she would only live 3 days, "if she's lucky". I never even got to hold her before they whisked her away to fly her to Primary Childrens Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. She spent two weeks on a respirator, having hundreds of tests done on her, unsuccessfully. On Valetines day, she was well enough to be flown back home to Dixie Medical Center where I was reunited with her. It was the happiest day of my life.
Maranda past away peacfully while asleep in my arms in Febuary 1991, one month and one day after she was born.
What you are doing for Leaf is a great reminder of all the people who took a special interest in My Maranda during her short life and I am AWE STRUCK! I really feel that words cannot describe all the good that you, and others like you, are doing for those of us in need.
That said, I would like to pleadge $10 per mile that you run. My memories will be with her, and my heart will be with you and Leaf. I hope you make it all the way!
With Love,
Brandi Baker-Brinkerhoff
Jim Bobay - Pledges $1.00 per mile
ReplyDeleteAnn McKersie - raises her pledge to $2.00 per mile
ReplyDeleteCharles Lord pledges $5 per mile
ReplyDeleteLynn and Norma Janson pledge $2 per mile
Chantel,
ReplyDeleteHave a great run! I pledge $1 per mile. Dave E.