I can't write it down.

Pen to paper, finger to keys to pixels, it doesn't matter.

I've said the words out loud, and I've thought the words to myself. And I think, even a few months ago, I may have very publicly typed the words into Facebook, as a status.

While the idea was fresh and new, and I was still in shock.

But now?

I can't write it down.

So how can I tell you what's going on?

Well... I'm going to run all 26.2 miles of the 2009 Chicago Marathon. The big one... 45,000 entrants, 1.5 million spectators... You know, THE Chicago Marathon. So is my friend of 25 years, David Bruce. We're going to run in honor of my mother, Sandra K. Garcia, and in memory of Dave's mother, Carol Betor.

And we're trying to raise a couple of thousand dollars for the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) while we do it. Here, on this page, hit the donate button and you'll be guided through the electronic donation process. If you don't want to put your credit numbers on the internet, then send me a check. Whatever makes your giving comfortable.

Mom got her diagnosis in early December. She had surgery, then made it home in time for Christmas. She made it through the first round of radiation and chemo, and is on the second round of chemo now. She's actually been fortunate enough to be on the light side of all the possible side effects. I can't decide whether the next sentence should be, "Her will to live is strong," or, "She's ornery like that." You get the idea.

The American Brain Tumor Association

Founded in 1973 out of a desperate need, the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) exists to eliminate brain tumors through research and to meet the needs of brain tumor patients and their families. Not affiliated with any one institution, we serve individuals globally and award funds to researchers throughout the United States and Canada. Last year, ABTA funded over $2 million in brain tumor research. This made possible basic research fellowships, translational and project grants, medical student programs, epidemiology research and meetings, causation research, professional meeting and networking support, and several new initiatives. Based in Des Plaines, IL, they are an efficient organization, receiving 4 of 4 stars from Charity Navigator. http://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=7605.

Please help me honor my mother in this way and make my run more meaningful.

Even if I still can't spell it out in one simple sentence.

Even if I still can't write it down.


Thank you.

Rick