Help me help my friends...

Well, I got the worst kick in the butt to start my fundraising today... I have prayed and wondered how I should raise funds to support a cause that hits close to home. I have thought about everything and prayed about which cause and which avenue serves both my purposes and those around me the best. So this is what I have decided...

I just received a very sad email from one of my dear friends from high school, Lee. She just got news that her mom was diagnosed with Stage II Breast Cancer. I have signed up to do the Ride to Conquer Cancer in September. This ride is a 150 mile bike ride through Kentucky, spread along 2 days, much like the MS 150 ride I did a Along with this ride, I have promised to raise at least $2,500... I am going to do this in honor of Barbie Thomas (Lee's mom)...

Another of my very good high school friends has dealt with breast cancer with her mom too (Emily). Consequently me, Lee, Emily and many others were all best friends in high school. Emily has lived and traveled all over the world helping others and has recently landed in Africa. She and her group have started The Foundation For Tomorrow. This is a school for those children in need in Africa. Emily has dedicated her life to doing this, lives in Africa full time and she needs our help!

My idea is that every person who knows me, Lee or Emily will want to help in some way, but may feel more of a need to contribute to a cause set up for cancer because of dealing with it in their family, themselves or another loved one. Or, someone else may feel that helping the children in Africa that Emily works with every day may hit home for them. Knowing you are providing shoes to a child who cant afford it, or books to someone who may not know they exist. It may sound cliche, but together we can help a LOT of people.

Take a look at Emily's blog to read more about what she is doing and how we can help, then visit my firstgiving website that we have created and donate!! Every dollar counts!

http://www.firstgiving.com/amymiranda

Below is the link to my Ride to Conquer Cancer website. In Barbie Thomas's honor (and everyone else you know who has had or who is dealing with cancer), let's raise as much money as we can.

http://www.ridetovictory.org/site/TR/Events/2009Kentucky?px=1015721&pg=personal&fr_id=1030

To honor both causes, I am going to compete in the following events (if you want to donate a dollar or penny for every mile, it will quickly add up!):

July 18th- Cardinal Harbour Half Ironman- 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13,1 mile run
August 30th- FORD IRONMAN LOUISVILLE- 2.4 miles swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run
September 26-27- Norton Ride to Conquer Cancer- 150 miles bike over 2 days

The goal is to still be standing when I am finished, but I know my motivation will be knowing that the pain I experience over the next few months will be NOTHING compared to what Barbie Thomas and the children in Africa go through every day.

ALSO- want to get some extra BANG for your buck?? Put your company logo on my jersey!! I have some coveted spots that will be up for grabs on my cycling jersey, as well as my marathon jersey. This will get FULL exposure time, as I promise to be on the course for many, many hours... (this race is expected to take 15 hours or so). Pricing for jersey advertising is as follows:
**I need to know by June 20th if you want to be a corporate sponsor as I have to order the jerseys...

Bike Shirt: (click here to see an example)
Large logo $1000
Small logo $500

Bike short: (click here to see an example)
$500

Marathon Jersey:
Large $1000
Small $500