Running to Benefit TTOH

By Angelica Aguirre

Board Member

Recently, I became a member of the Tower of Hope���s (TTOH) Board of Directors. In the later part of 2006, after attending a charity function, I knew that I wanted to do more than just attend events. I wanted to be a part of an organization I trusted. I wanted to identify with this organization's purpose and have an experience where I would not just give my money, but my time, as well. Through research and events, I found a group whose mission I not only believe in, but I live each day - TTOH.

The mission of TTOH is to empower people who are living with a disability, a chronic illness, or have been in an abusive relationship to live happier and more independent lives through service and assistance animals. No, I don���t suffer from a disability, have a chronic illness, nor have I been in an abusive relationship, but because of my dog Desi, I do live a happier life everyday.

Angelica L. Aguirre, member of TTOH's Board of Directors, enjoys the Los Angeles Marathon.

Once I became a part of the TTOH community, my next step was figuring out how I could set a personal goal and raise money for the Foundation at the same time. I asked myself this question after running the New York Marathon in November, 2006. The physical excitement I felt when I finished the race was something I wanted to hold on to and so I looked at a calendar and set up a reasonable plan of running six marathons (one every other month). I decided that I would raise money for each marathon I ran and donate the proceeds to TTOH.

Okay, so this is not reasonable to most people, but for me it made perfect sense. I already had two marathons under my belt.  It took me, on average, two to three weeks to feel ���completely��� recovered from the event and to be ready to run another long distance race. Thus, a break of aproximately four to five weeks should be the magic formula for me to complete my goal of six marathons in one year.

For my efforts, I���m asking friends, neighbors, co-workers, and family to make a financial contribution to my marathon efforts on the TTOH website.  One might choose to donate one dollar per mile.  At 26.2 miles per event for 6 events, that equates to $157.20.  One might spend that on an evening out with friends in New York City.  So, why not double the pledge amount to $2.00 a mile or perhaps even $5.00 a mile for a good cause?  I���m asking everyone I know to consider finding a donation amount that feels right to them to pledge towards my running efforts for TTOH and I hope you will join in my efforts!

To date I���ve completed four of six events ��� the Arizona Rock N��� Roll Marathon 1/14/07, the Los Angeles Marathon 3/4/07, the Nashville Rock N��� Roll Marathon 4/28/07 and the San Diego Rock N��� Roll Marathon 6/3/2007 (which I ran in Central Park due to logistical challenges). I���m certainly not fast by any means; my finish time was 5:12 in Nashville. However, I am dedicated. I liken myself to the tortoise. I���m slow and steady, which I believe allows me to have fun and enjoy the experience, while remaining injury free. I���m looking forward to scheduling the last of the two events and hope that perhaps you���ll consider running one with me��� or at least coming out to support me and my fellow runners. Most of all, I hope you will help me support TTOH and their mission.

Thank you,

Angelica L. Aguirre

908-447-9412

*To donate to my cause today, please click here.