today's the day

if you know me well enough, you realize putting dates on the calendar more than six months out is a pretty big deal. the livestrong challenge is one event worth writing in permanent marker on the calendar each year.

this year it is being held august 20-21 here in philly. this will be my fifth challenge. to mark the occasion, a couple of us came up with an idea to start our own team.

http://philly2011.livestrong.org/teamtoughcookie

you can click on the link above, then click on "join our team" and follow the instructions to register yourself for a 5 or 10k run, a 10-100 mile ride, or even a "virtual challenge" if you aren't up to the more rigorous activity. i set a goal of 15 team members raising $15,000. this may sound daunting, but think of how many people you know - your family, your friends, and your coworkers - who can give just $5 or $10 to the cause. that is how this thing begins to roll.

the weekend of the event we'll be out there together, meeting people, sharing stories, and at the end, beer's on me (well, it is on livestrong, but someone can have my free beer ticket!)

if you cannot make it to philly for the event, consider participating in davis, ca, or austin, tx. you can find more info at livestrong.org --> get involved.

finally, please consider opening your pocket today for a small donation to livestrong. if you've read this blog you know how much the organization means to me, and along my journey i have turned to livestrong again and again as a source of strength and information. most importantly, they have taught me you're a survivor from the moment you're diagnosed. it is about life.

http://philly2011.livestrong.org/lizdols

please share this blog post with anyone you think might want to take part or make a donation. it takes an army.