"To run a marathon is an accomplishment, to run for someone who cannot is a gift" Unknown

   Heartfelt thanks to everyone who have continued to support and believe in my crazy challenges and accomplishments with Team in Training. From all of your generous support I have fundraised over eight thousand dollars for blood cancer patiences. I didn’t think it would be possible to raise that much money, but doing so has helped me realize that hard work does pay off. I write to you today to share my story on how I am running the Chicago Marathon in order to raise money for Camp Sunshine.

   This camp is unique in so many ways. Camp Sunshine provides a free year-round retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses. It combines recreational programs, support programs and promoting joy to these children and their immediate family. Camp Sunshine also offers the families to receive 24 hour on site medical and psychosocial support. The camp provides all these programs because as Nancy Cincotta, the psychosocial director at the camp, said "camp can’t influence the outcome of the disease, but we can influence the journey.”

   When I heard about Camp Sunshine for the first time this year and was asked from a couple of my fellow teammates from Katie’s Crew if I wanted to do the Polar Plunge to raise funds and awareness for the camp, I said why not? I did not really know what Camp Sunshine was or what I was getting myself into. All I knew was that the Polar Plunge would require me to go into ice cold water during the winter. After doing my research about Camp Sunshine and learning what a wonderful place the camp is and how positively they impacted my teammate Katie, a 16 year old blood cancer survivor, and her family, I was thrilled to fundraise for this camp.

   When we did the Polar Plunge we all went in the ocean screaming “It is so cold!” Yet we did it with great joy and were smiling the entire time! It took significant amount of motivation for all of us to do it, but we all knew it was for a great cause. After this crazy and exciting Polar Plunge I decided to take on a bigger challenge, running the Chicago Marathon while fundraising for Camp Sunshine. By combining my love for running, traveling and helping others I hope to surpass my fundraising commitment of five thousand dollars. During my training I hope to inspire those around me and know anything and everything is possible as long as you believe in yourself.

   My goal is to make a difference in the lives of children and their families. I have submitted my application to volunteer at Camp Sunshine and I am happy to say I have been accepted and I am more than excited to be working with these children. I can’t wait to experience camp in a whole new way!

  I thank all of those who have continued to support me. Because of you I have the courage to keep striving to be the best I can be. I appreciate your unconditional love and I am more than excited to continue this journey.

Sept 9th: 

  This Labor Day Weekend, I volunteered at Camp Sunshine for the first time. I was blown away with all of the staff and volunteers who received these families with open arms making them feel at home. Spending time with all these wonderful people brought huge enlightenment, joy and a lot of hope to these families. It was truly an amazing experience to spend time with all the children. We learned, laughed, loved them for their unique ways.. I will be back to the camp soon enough to volunteer once again. Thank you Camp Sunshine for a wonderful and loving experience!! 

With Love and Hope,

Lizdely

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has" Margaret Mead