In June, 2001, my close friend, Bob Festle, died of complications resulting from Cystic Fibrosis. That fall, I ran my first Marathon and donated money to Cystic Fibrosis in his memory. Since then, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has become more involved in the Chicago Marathon and I have decided it is time to run again in Bob's memory. To be honest, I often think of Bob when I am on a long training run because he was my inspiration to run a marathon in the first place. When Bob was feeling healthy, he loved being active. I feel so happy to just be able to run, even at my plodding, jogger-pace. (I'll try and remember that when I get to mile 23!)

I have taken on the challenge of participating in a run to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please join me and help raise funds for investment in vital CF programs to support research, care and education.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system. More than ten million Americans are symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene. Advances continue to be made in finding a cure, but your help is needed now-more than ever-to help keep up the momentum of this life-saving research. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those with cystic fibrosis. Thank you for supporting the mission of the CF Foundation!