POST MARATHON

Congratulations to Amy on her completion of the 107th Boston Marathon, and her continued support of Children's Hospital & ForTodd.org!

PRE-MARATHON 

As some of you may know, I ran the Boston Marathon last year in support of Children's Hospital.  This year Children's Hospital Boston has selected me again to participate as a member of their Kid's at Heart Marathon Team.  As a member of the Kids at Heart Marathon Team last year, I was matched with a Children's hospital patient, Lauren Ainsworth, who I raised money for and ran in honor of.  Lauren is 10 years old (4th grade) and was the recipient of a multiple organ transplant when she was only 11 months old, but she celebrated her 10 year transplant anniversary in December.

This year I am running for Lauren again, but also in memory of a wonderful kid named Todd Schwartz.  Todd recently passed away from cancer at the age of 19, but not before touching the lives of countless individuals, ranging from sick youngsters to healthy adults to Richie Sambura.  I have known Todd since he was a little kid - in fact, he and I had the same bowl haircut for a number of years.  From a young age, he had an energy and spirit about him to which people where immediately drawn.  I remember Todd sitting at the "adults" table entertaining them when the rest of us were stuck at the kids table.

From being around Todd's family recently, I recognized that his energy and spirit grew as he grew up. Even after he was diagnosed with cancer, his spirit continuted to entertain and inspire those aorund him.  Being with his family and friends, I absorbed so many stories.  My friendship with him doesn't do justice to the other people that were in his lives. I listened and listened to one amazing story after another.  I have never laughed so hard and cried at the same time.  Running this marathon for Todd is an honor for me, and the least I can do to keep his memory and spirit alive.

I am an official runner, but am running the Marathon for more than just a personal accomplishment.  I am running to help raise money for the sick and injured youngsters who depend on Children's for the best pediatric care in the country.  I am a volunteer at Children's now, and believe all these kids need a chance.

I have committed to raising a minimum of $2,500 and hope that you will consider sponsoring me in honor of Lauren, Todd and the many other patients at Children's. If you'd like to make a contribution, you can donate online by going to:

www.chtrust.org/kidsatheart 

Click on the "sponsor a runner" tab and enter in my information. Any donation you could give will be greatly appreciated. 

You can also send a check to me at 

38 Dartmouth St #1 
Boston, MA 02116

You can make it out to Amy Spiegel, and I will send it on to Children's.  If I personally reach my goal, IBM will match my donation for Children's.  Your contribution is also tax deductible.

If you have any questions, please don't be hesitate to email me.  Thank you so much for your consideration.  I look forward to seeing you along the marathon route on Monday, April 21, 2003!

Thanks so much,
Amy Spiegel