A birthday wish

I’m too old to get real gifts for my birthday. After a certain age, you start getting “gag” gifts in basic black with an “over the hill” theme, along with Geritol, Depends and AARP subscriptions… and I still have my sense of humor about it. But this year I am going to ask for something – a donation in my brother’s name.

Jeff’s story is no longer a cancer story, it is a cancer survivor story. He has been fighting Multiple Myeloma for two years now, and is experiencing the ups and downs of ongoing treatment.  We committed to running together with our brother Brad in the Chicago marathon October 7^th, and set up this website to raise money for a cure.

Jeff has had some recent strength loss that makes it hard to run much more than 4 to 5 miles. I tried to give him an “out” by offering that he could quit after 13 miles and Brad and I would run the rest of the marathon in his honor. He said, “No way!” and then went out and ran 8 miles that night.

This is what touches my heart most about Jeff. He does not quit. I continue to be inspired by the way he tackles this challenge in his life. And he tells me he is inspired by those who give to the cause and send positive messages of support to him… people like you.

If you can spare $10, $26 or $50, please give at http://www.active.com/donate/2012mmrfChiMar/CMJGoad. It’s the greatest gift I can think of for my birthday this year. If you’ve already given to this or any other cancer charity, I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. Every gift counts. And every gift makes a difference to Jeff. Thank you!