LAPS for LAM
LAPS for LAM
To help find a treatment and cure for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM)
3rd Annual LAPS for LAM
October 1, 2011 - 10:00 a.m.
CUHS Football Stadium, Chowchilla, CA
Three years ago I was still struggling with my diagnosis and while on a walk one day, the name LAPS for LAM popped into my head and I thought.....why not do what I love to do and help raise awareness for LAM at the same time? It was not only a way to raise financial support for this rare disease but to prove to myself I can remain healthy - I saw it as a challenge to prove my ability! This idea actually allowed me to accept my situation AND then start doing something positive to help make a difference.
The first LAPS for LAM was set for October 10, 2009 and I had no idea what to expect other than I would be walking a lot that day - the goal was 15-20 miles. So, I started a pledge campaign via mail, email, and Facebook and thought, okay, any amount raised would be wonderful. Little did I know how it would grow! The donations came in from so many friends and family that I was astounded and overwhelmed!
To top it off, I received a surprise $1,200 donation from the Chowchilla Union High School Student Body that was secretly raised through a "Pennies for Peggy" campaign. Receiving that gift was one of the most touching and emotional moments of my life!! I was speechless.....and if you know me, that's rare! The LAPS for LAM Walk-a-thon raised over $10,000 that first year to benefit The LAM Foundation, a foundation dedicated to finding a treatment and eventual cure for LAM.
I walked 20 non-stop miles that day and was very thankful to have completed my goal. After all the work was done, I thought.....that was such a great event and I praised the Lord for the huge blessing! I took care of all the paperwork, downloaded some pictures, and put the file away. "I want to walk with you at next year's event" said a friend. I thought, I'm not sure about doing this again.....it's not the walking that bothers me, it's the solicitation of continued support. And how could we top last year's event?
Then it hit me! No matter how much money is raised, it's all going towards such an important cause and every penny matters! I also have a personal goal to prove by taking every one of those steps......for those women that can't because they can't catch their breath, for those women waiting for transplants, for those young women getting diagnosed each year, and for those women yet to be diagnosed. I am walking for them! I am walking while I am able! I am walking for our future! A future with a cure!
Thanks to many wonderful supporters, I have raised nearly $20,000 dollars from my past two LAPS for LAM for The LAM Foundation and hope to continue to keep this fundraising and awareness effort going strong for years to come. I hope you take a moment to read about some of the LAM patients I am doing this for - their stories of strength and courage will inspire you......they inspire me!!
This 3rd year, I am working to make this event bigger and better than ever! I will be registering walkers, providing more information on LAM and organ donation, and having more raffle prizes.....yea! I plan on walking 15 miles at this year's event and I would really love your support! Please consider making a donation (see Make a Donation page) so we can find an effective treatment and eventual cure for LAM. Any amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you!! My goal this year is $10,000.
November 1, 2011 Final Total: $7,500. THANK YOU ALL!!
Contact me for more information on LAPS for LAM.
The first LAPS for LAM was set for October 10, 2009 and I had no idea what to expect other than I would be walking a lot that day - the goal was 15-20 miles. So, I started a pledge campaign via mail, email, and Facebook and thought, okay, any amount raised would be wonderful. Little did I know how it would grow! The donations came in from so many friends and family that I was astounded and overwhelmed!
To top it off, I received a surprise $1,200 donation from the Chowchilla Union High School Student Body that was secretly raised through a "Pennies for Peggy" campaign. Receiving that gift was one of the most touching and emotional moments of my life!! I was speechless.....and if you know me, that's rare! The LAPS for LAM Walk-a-thon raised over $10,000 that first year to benefit The LAM Foundation, a foundation dedicated to finding a treatment and eventual cure for LAM.
I walked 20 non-stop miles that day and was very thankful to have completed my goal. After all the work was done, I thought.....that was such a great event and I praised the Lord for the huge blessing! I took care of all the paperwork, downloaded some pictures, and put the file away. "I want to walk with you at next year's event" said a friend. I thought, I'm not sure about doing this again.....it's not the walking that bothers me, it's the solicitation of continued support. And how could we top last year's event?
Then it hit me! No matter how much money is raised, it's all going towards such an important cause and every penny matters! I also have a personal goal to prove by taking every one of those steps......for those women that can't because they can't catch their breath, for those women waiting for transplants, for those young women getting diagnosed each year, and for those women yet to be diagnosed. I am walking for them! I am walking while I am able! I am walking for our future! A future with a cure!
Thanks to many wonderful supporters, I have raised nearly $20,000 dollars from my past two LAPS for LAM for The LAM Foundation and hope to continue to keep this fundraising and awareness effort going strong for years to come. I hope you take a moment to read about some of the LAM patients I am doing this for - their stories of strength and courage will inspire you......they inspire me!!
This 3rd year, I am working to make this event bigger and better than ever! I will be registering walkers, providing more information on LAM and organ donation, and having more raffle prizes.....yea! I plan on walking 15 miles at this year's event and I would really love your support! Please consider making a donation (see Make a Donation page) so we can find an effective treatment and eventual cure for LAM. Any amount is greatly appreciated! Thank you!! My goal this year is $10,000.
November 1, 2011 Final Total: $7,500. THANK YOU ALL!!
Contact me for more information on LAPS for LAM.
