We just spent a week in Colorado Springs with Sarah’s parents. I managed a left elbow sunburn, but Sarah and Maggie remain unscathed. Flickr Photoset here.
A good time had by all, Maggie remains for another week. Next year : hiking Pikes Peak.

Recipe here.

I’m at it again! Most of you remember the journey to my first ever finish line this past spring with Team in Training on behalf of my father-in-law, Steve Newport. Steve was diagnosed with multiple myeloma Thanksgiving 2005. April 15, 2007 will be my next race: the Spirit of St. Louis Half Marathon and Steve’s 17^th month living with blood cancer.

It’s been a trying year for Steve with one health crisis after another. Multiple chemotherapy drugs, a stem-cell transplant, a heart attack, a mild stroke, shingles, multiple surgeries, even more drugs… you name it and Steve faced it in 2006. As elusive as the treatment for his multiple myeloma is, Steve’s condition is further complicated by his kidney failure.

This year’s race means more to me than this past one did. Having seen the very limited options Steve’s doctors have had to fight his cancer, I am convinced more than ever… WE NEED A CURE. More specifically… WE NEED TO SUPPORT THE RESEARCH that will find that cure.

Team In Training supports The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I have pledged to raise at least $960 to help make a difference in the lives of people with leukemia and other blood related cancers. Since 1988, Team In Training athletes have raised more the $470 million for the cause. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is dedicated to curing leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma, while improving the quality of life of patients and their families. The Society’s commitments include research, patient service programs, community service programs, professional education and advocacy.

Steve (Papa Steve to my 3-year old daughter, Maggie) was able to spend Thanksgiving 2006 with his entire family… and his very favorite Maggie! It was a priceless holiday. But we need YOUR help to make more Thanksgivings possible, not only for Papa Steve, but also for the countless others who are suffering or will suffer from a blood related cancer. Every five minutes someone learns that they have leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma.

You can help!! Help me reach my goal of $960 for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by giving as generously as you can. Your 100% tax-deductible donation will help fund research and patient services. Checks should be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and mailed directly to me by January 31, 2007.

Donations can also be made with your Visa, MasterCard or American Express through our secure donation website. The web address is at the bottom of this letter.

Please ask your friends, family and co-workers to join me in the fight against leukemia and other blood-related cancers. If your company has a matching gift program and would be interested in donating, contact me to coordinate that gift.

Leave the running to me but know that I can’t do this without you!

MUCH love and thanks,

Sarah Beth Newport

http://www.active.com/donate/tntgmo/sarahbeth

Memommy gave this hat to Maggie, she loves to wear it.

Flickr photoset is here. (click)