A couple of weeks ago, as I was lamenting the extra poundage I was putting on and my lack of motivation for getting in shape, I decided I need a higher purpose to my exercise routine than just my own vanity. So I signed myself up for 2010’s 3-Day Walk for the Cure. My stepmother is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer. This is her second time through the treatment process after being in remission for almost 5 years. The treatment is almost worse than the disease. I am hoping that I can do a small part to support breast cancer research, especially toward early detection. My goal is to raise $5,000, a high goal, I know, but like when I used to do the broad jump, I always aimed further than what I knew for sure I could reach. I almost always beat my previous record.

I have over a year to raise money. I promise not to nag my readers too much, but this is my first shout out, so if you’d like to drop a nickel in the can for my cause, please visit my page.

And while I’m shouting out for myself, I’d like to give a shout out for my friend, Alan Levine, who is running a marathon (running! imagine!) in support of diabetes research. Drop a nickel in his bucket, too, if you’re so inclined.