On Sunday February 29, 2004 I am embarking on a 26.2 mile journey that has both tremendous personal and physical significance. I will be running in the Sheraton Hyannis Marathon. Although this has been a lifelong aspiration, I have been motivated by the recent turn of events that have dramatically impacted a close friend of mine. As a result, I have decided to run the marathon to assist the American Diabetes Association in their efforts to prevent and cure diabetes.

My good friend Nic was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes a couple of months ago. Since that time she has struggled with the daily management of painful finger pricks, insulin shots, and diet changes (Which as most can imagine has been quite the challenge!!). She has also begun to start thinking about the emotional and long-term physical impact of this kind of diagnosis. This is especially significant as complications of diabetes can seriously affect the heart, eyes, kidneys, and feet.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are 18.2 million people in the United States, or 6.3% of the population, who have diabetes, and these numbers continue to rise as more and more people are being diagnosed with Type II. Given these statistics there is a good chance that there is someone in your life who has been affected by this disease.

I will be running the Sheraton Hyannis Marathon as a member of the 2004 TEAM DIABETES. This team’s common goal is to raise money and awareness in hopes that research advances will be made. As a part of this team, I aim to help Nic and others to continue to live productive, healthy lives.

My personal goal is to raise at least $800 for the American Diabetes Association. It is my hope that you will be able to support me in my efforts by making a contribution to help reach this goal. A donation of as little as $10 will help me achieve this end.

If you would like to make a contribution, checks should be made payable to the American Diabetes Association and can be sent to:

Jill Downer
30 Aberdeen Rd.
Somerville, MA 02144

The Marathon is a celebration of the human spirit, physical ability and mental endurance; but for members of the TEAM DIABETES is also a celebration of life.

Thank you for helping us defeat diabetes.

Sincerely,
Jill Downer