This is the 13th year of the CHaD half marathon and the 13th year that I will be participating! This year, for the first time since Cal was born I'm planning on running the 5k instead of walking it (still hoping that at some point I'll be able to find the time to do the half marathon again!). I know that 5k isn't much compared to a half marathon, but it is still a tough challenge for me at this point. Starting back into running from zero was not an easy task, but I'm committed to it in the hopes that I can continue to give back to CHaD in some small way. Nora and Calvin will also be participating by running the 1 mile Cam's Course run! Nora completed her first CHaD race when she was just 5.5 weeks old, so this will be her eighth time riding, walking, or running along with me, and Cal did his first CHaD event in 2014 at just six weeks old, so he's ready for his fifth time this year.

I am very proud of the fact that I am the only participant who has raised over $1,000 (and most years over $2,000) in each of the CHaD half marathon events. Over the years I have raised close to $40,000 for CHaD, and most of my donations are of the small variety -- showing that every little bit really does add up! I have to say I'm pretty darn proud of the amount I've raised...in the sea of corporate donations it might not be that big of a deal, but when you consider that all my donations come from family and friends I think it's pretty awesome (and I think I've got some pretty awesome family and friends who donate year after year...without you that big number wouldn't be possible).

It has now been over 21 years (if my CIDP were a baby it would be able to have a beer with me!) since I had occasion to be admitted to CHaD for a rare and potential debilitating neurological condition. I still feel so thankful for the care that I received there from doctors, nurses, phlebotomists, radiologists, and so many more. Your generosity allows CHaD to care for the bodies of the children there, but also to care for them as little kids, providing activities to distract them from the reason they are there.

I do hope you'll be able to help me to support CHaD with the wonderful work that they do for the children of the upper valley. They provide care for any child who needs it, regardless of their family's ability to pay, and that is indeed something worth supporting. A donation of any amount helps them to do the work that is so appreciated by the patients and their families who have to spend time there. Please join me in my fundraising mission by clicking the "Donate Now" button on the right.

100% of the CHaD HERO proceeds fund critical child and family support services at CHaD, including the Child Life Program, Molly's Place, and the Child Advocacy & Protection Program and more. 

Your Donation Matters:

Regardless of size, every donation matters, and I sincerely appreciate your support on behalf of CHaD. Here are some reasons I'm asking for your donation:

•CHaD serves 85,000 unique pediatric patients annually from across Northern New England

•No child is ever turned away due to financial or insurance circumstances

•The Child Life Program alone is able to serve 12,000 kids each year thanks, in part, to fundraising from the CHaD HERO.

It goes without saying that you probably know a child who has benefited from the fantastic care provided at CHaD.

Thank you!

P.S. Please come to Hanover on October 14 and cheer me on!