Dear Susan,

My dear friend Susan is going through chemo for ovarian cancer. Out of 22,000 women diagnosed every year, 15,000 will die. Terrible odds and she's kicking cancer's ASS. Here's an email I just sent to her:

Your courage has inspired me in so many ways. I want to, with your blessing, run a marathon in your honor this year while raising money for http://www.gaovariancancer.org/index.html or any other charity you prefer. I haven't decided on the exact date, but it will most likely be in the fall so I can gradually build up my mileage. I haven't 'announced' it yet but I'm working on setting up my firstgiving.org site. I'm planning on telling everyone February first. I'm going to have boot camp fundraisers once a month, and I'm not above having a bikini car wash! I want to tell the world how incredible you are. I want you to know how deeply you've touched me and share your spirit with everyone. If everyone who shared a smile with you donated a dollar, we'd have millions.

It hit me like a bolt of lightening. Susan has been there to listen to me without judging or lecturing me for years. She makes me feel good about myself. She's brought me so much joy over the years. 26.2miles is a small tribute for such a big heart.

So I begin a new journey, this time with a purpose. One step at a time.