CLIMB

1) to ascend, go up, or get to the top of, especially by the use of the hands and feet or by continuous or strenuous effort
2) to rise slowly by or as if by continued effort
3) to ascend or rise
4) to slope upward
5)to ascend by twining or by means of tendrils

Now that I have officially wrapped everything up with the BIG CLIMB (every last thank you is in the mail!) -- it is time to FINALLY give a recap of the event. 

Last month marked the third year I participated in the BIG CLIMB, as we celebrated my Uncle Tiger's "3rd Birthday". Team Uncle Tiger was bigger and better than ever this year -- and my heart was seriously exploding with love. 

This year brought some new faces (Jo shared the position of captain with me and with her help we had a team of TEN!) and faster times! After last year, I was a bit nervous about beating my time. The first year I hustled up in 16 minutes, then last year I devoted time to actually training -- which resulted in a time of 14:30 (just 30 seconds slower than Sebastian!). Cutting almost two minutes from my time was a big jump -- but this year I have been training consistently (shout out to my co-workers that walking 14 flights with me every day to help me prep!) and working out harder/smarter, which resulted in a PR at 13:26! Phew! What a relief...until next year...

This year was my absolute favorite year of participating in this event. I loved getting to share my Uncle's story with new people on the team who are not only inspired by LLS' mission -- but are climbing to celebrate someone in their own life who has been affected by blood cancer. My mom came to support this year and it meant so much to me to have her there. It was truly special to share the event with my mom, have her experience the awesome energy in the building and have her meet all of Team Uncle Tiger, which is a gift to her sister's husband.

After the climb, we put together a little surprise package to send off to Uncle Tiger. When he received it, he emailed me this note: 

"Hey guys:

The 'surprise' arrived yesterday.  Thank you so much.  I will frame the poster and hang it in my office.  I'm hoping to wear the [Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's 'Survivor'] shirt to my oncologists office in March of 2015 so he can see what a great job you have all done to support his efforts. Thanks again for all you do. 'One day at a time.'
Uncle Tiger"

Receiving this email further cemented the reason I do the BIG CLIMB. Climbing up 1,311 stairs is no easy feat -- but as my chest aches, my heart throbs in my ears, and my quads cramp up, I think of the journey my Uncle went on, to death's doorstep and back to a strong, healthy life. There is absolutely nothing harder than that. And until every story is one of success, I will continue to CLIMB.

PS. If you are interested in participating in the BIG CLIMB next year, whether on the climbing or racing side -- Team Uncle Tiger would LOVE to have you. Leave a comment with a your contact email and I will touch base with you. The event sells out quickly, so I want to make sure you are up-to-date with happenings. 

FUNDRAISE

1) to raise money for a cause or project
Non-profit organizations can only continue toward their mission with support (whether through time or donations) from individuals who believe in their cause. There are two non-profit organizations that have my heart and I want to share them with you.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Mission: “The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking."

I have been supporting MADD since the fall of 2007 when a careless dunk driver took my best friend's life as the driver drove southbound on northbound I-5. Since that day -- I knew I wanted to get involved with MADD and spread the word about the heinous tragedies caused from impaired driving. Everyday I have to deal with the reality that Bawny is no longer with us, but I can keep her alive by sharing her story. Team Bawny has been participating in MADD's signature 5k walks and and this year, their 5k run. 

This year was especially memorable for me because my work participated, even sponsoring a post-race picnic. It meant the world to share this team with Bawny's family -- so they know that their beautiful girl is not forgotten. Thank you to all who participated by walking/running and those who made donations (I was the third highest fundraiser in the runner category!).

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Mission: "LLS's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families."

When I was in college my uncle was diagnosed with leukemia. Up until that point, I had been blessed that no one in my family had been touched by cancer's deathly hands. As I read more about the disease, I learned how much scientific progress had been made within the last ten years. Without funds there is no research and without research there is no cure. As my uncle fought leukemia -- I signed up to participate in the Big Climb, forming Team Uncle Tiger in order to help raise funds for research. Climbing 1,311 stairs sounded terrible -- but no where near as terrible as anything my uncle went through. Team Uncle Tiger proudly runs and walks in the Big Climb annually to celebrate my uncle's remission and to work together towards more remission realities for others. 

If you are interested in getting involved with either cause please let me know! I would love for you to join my teams or to put you into contact with someone from MADD or LLS. MADD's signature event has passed for this year but registration for the Big Climb opens TOMORROW (November 1st at 9am PT)! If you are interested in participating, I would encourage you to sign up ASAP because this event will sell out in a matter of days. If you are interested in donating please feel free to contact me via comment below. 

What causes have your heart? What tips do you have to FUNDRAISE?