As a childhood cancer survivor myself, I understand what it is like to need round-the-clock care from both medical professionals and loved ones. If one of those two support systems were not in place, there is no doubt in my mind that I would not be here today. For over two years I watched my parents work round the clock to not only take care of me but to try and maintain a family life at home for all five of us as well. My parents were there for me, but what would it have been like if the shoe were on the other foot? How would my life have been different if one of them ever had a terminal illness? Some children are forced to grow up all too fast when they learn that one of their parents has a life-threatening disease. The physical and emotional impact can be devastating to these young children.

Inheritance of Hope is a charity that improves well-being in the lives of children who have a parent that is diagnosed with a terminal disease. On March 21, 2010, I will be running a half marathon in NYC in honor of those children who have parents fighting for their life and the parents who have passed away and left their children behind. In order to fulfill my obligation to run, I need to raise $1,000.00. I know that with your help I can achieve this fundraising goal, and we can all make a difference in some very important lives.

I am very blessed to have had such an amazing support system around me my entire life. I have parents who fought with me each night by my bedside. I have brothers who never gave up on me. I have aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents who were always there for me no matter what. I have friends who never went to bed without praying for me. I also have a wife who makes me a better person each and every day and who loves me very much. I am one of the lucky ones, but let’s not forget the people who have not been as lucky as I have. Let’s help build better support systems for families that need it.

Jim

As a member of Team Inheritance of Hope, my participation in the NYC Half Marathon on March 21, 2010 will raise funds and awareness for Inheritance of Hope, a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving families with children who have a parent with a life-threatening illness.  Help me meet (or exceed!) my goal of $1,000.  With your contribution, we can share together in the joy of helping to build legacies for families who are facing a tremendous challenge in their lives.