Two years ago, my four boys ages 8-15 knew nothing about cancer.  The oldest 3 had been to Haiti numerous times and had begun at young ages to grasp poverty, political corruption, and the need to work for change, but they were unfamiliar with cancer.  Little did I know that our family was going to be blessed by cancer.

Shari Elliot and her husband Rob are self-described Google researchers. The couple living in Bradenton, Fla. browses message boards and networks with cancer patients. Both veterans of the medical industry, they are not afraid to look up scientific journals and read detailed reports about developments in cancer treatment.

This information is important for Shari to accomplish her personal goal: to live for 10 years after her diagnosis.

I am so excited to bring to you another post written by one of our own Team IOH Marine Corps Marathon team mates!  Read on to meet Joe Volpe ... and consider supporting our Team!

Joe - one of our awesome Team IOH runners!

I will be introducing you to Team Inheritance of Hope Athletes - today and in future posts - through the athlete's own words.  Grace Gerdin is running with the Team IOH 2011 Marine Corps Marathon team.  Read what Grace says inspires her running...

Grace in the 2011 NYC Half Marathon

A 95 year old man gave his son some advice:

"Do you want to know the secret of a long life?"

"I guess so," the son answered.

Team Inheritance of Hope has many planned endurance events throughout the year.  You may be asking how you can get involved.  We are always looking for athletes to join our team!

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?"

"I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied.

"Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered.

The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

Today, you can read a brief explanation of what athletes learn when seeking to join Team Inheritance of Hope.  Team Inheritance of Hope (a.k.a. Team IOH) exists to raise funds and awareness for Inheritance of Hope.

One day she is a normal citizen and the next day.....

SHE IS A FOURTH-GRADE SAFETY PATROL!!!

My 9 year old daughter is so pleased with her new status in the elementary school.  This special title (AND BADGE) is exclusively for "upper class men." It comes with a clipboard.  Yes. A clipboard!

What is this clipboard for?

To take names of children who are talking too loudly, or running, or misbehaving in the hallways.

I always thought that was tattling and now my daughter was being told that this act was a great privilege.

As the 2011 Marine Corps Marathon approaches, I am seeking volunteers to help with the Team Inheritance of Hope festivities over the weekend in Washington, DC.  I was trying to put into words the rewarding experience of volunteering.  I have resorted to pictures ... and quotes from others - to try to motivate you to join us for a fun, exciting weekend - October 28 - 30!  ...