I run for...the American Cancer Society.

If you have been reading my blog, most of you know that I am running this year's Chicago Marathon on October 12th for the American Cancer Society. Today's blog post is primarily devoted to helping you make the decision to give. Marathon day is fast approaching and I only have 1 month left to raise $1000. Every little penny helps!! Let me assure you that the American Cancer Society is an excellent charity to support.

According to the BBB (Better Business Bureau), the American Cancer Society meets all standards for charity accountability. You can go to www.bbb.org to explore more about what that means but let me give you a brief overview. The ACS has 4 basic programs - research, patient support, prevention, and detection/treatment. In 2010, 80% of ACS' income went to programs, while 11% went to fund raising, 9% to administrative, and less than 1% for other expenses. For me, it's important to know that a charity I support is doing what I WANT them to do with that money.

Need some proof besides just statistics? My little sister is actual living proof that amazing work is being done in the field of cancer research funded by the ACS. Last year my little sister participated in the Summer High School Research Program for the ACS under the direction of Judy Davie, PhD  working on the "Analysis of Myogenic Deregulation in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Lines". I have NO idea what that means. Ha! But I know from my sister's account, that it was interesting and productive work.

So that is partly why I choose to donate to the ACS but mostly it's because I have lost those that I love to cancer. It sucks! I want a cure. I don't want any more family, friends, coworkers, classmates, or ANYONE to die from cancer anymore. And I know the American Cancer Society shares in this dream.

This year I'm running in honor of my mema, Alice McCoy and my uncle, Marty Schwartz.

Listen, if you're like me, I know it's difficult sometimes to put gas in your car let alone donate EXTRA money to charity. But try to remember that I'm not asking for a lot. My challenge to every person is to try to give $1 per mile - $26.20. But if you can only spare $20 or $10 or $1, I'll take it! I promise that it's all worth it. And through today's blog post I have attempted to prove that to you.

Do not wait! Donate now! It's as simple as going to http://determination.acsevents.org and searching for my name (Amanda Winchell) under "Support an Athlete". If you'd rather, you can also get with me personally to write a check or give cash. 

I absolutely cannot do this without your support! Thank you so much for donating!

Happy running,

Amanda