Philanthropy 2: NYC Marathon for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Folks,

Having successfully* completed* the 18-mile practice run, I finally feel confident that I will finish* the New York City Marathon this fall.

In the spirit of sporting excellence and philanthropy (two things I have had a "lifelong devotion" to, if not any measurable success in) I'm raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a wonderful and thoroughly-vetted organization. As many of you well know, my father Kevin Shea died after about a year of living with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He was, with no asterisks, a great man, a great father, and, in spite of absolutely everything, he faced all-encompassing illness with more integrity and resolve than can reasonably be asked of anybody (as anyone does who faces the singularly unjust crucible of cancer, just by facing it). He would love that I'm running the marathon (finally doing sports) and raising money for this cause, and he would especially love that I did so using this touching and genuinely stupid ad copy (accompanied by a significantly stupider photo).

So please give even a little if you're so inclined. Every little bit helps, and it would be such a shame if people assumed you were pro-cancer just because you couldn't find it in your heart of hearts to donate. Would anybody in their right mind actually think that? Who would even pay attention to that kind of thing? That's really not for me to say. But there's a non-zero chance I'll be asking that about you, often and loudly, if you don't donate. I guess it's just easier to donate, in that case. Weird!

With sincerity, it would mean the world to me if you could throw in even a few dollars to support this overwhelmingly worthwhile cause. If it helps your decision, I will be writing in pain on race day as I attempt to make up for a lifetime of athletic neglect (may of you witnessed this firsthand, or picked up on it using context clues) into one horrible, horrible, sweaty, horrible morning. And that's funny to imagine.

Love you all! Love each other, etc.