Last week I received an email about my sister’s high school friend who just passed from cancer. Carrie Hill fought for three years, and last week the fight ended. When I was a freshmen, Carrie Hill would sneak me into the back of her Blazer so that I could go out to lunch with my sister and the rest of their friends. I hadn’t talked to Carrie since high school, and I’m not sure if my sister is still close with her. I don’t know what type of cancer she had – but I do know that she left a husband and two small boys behind.

It times like this… when I want to give up. I want to climb to the highest peak and thrown down my cancer-fighting-cheerleader-pom-poms. I doubt and question the future of the disease. Is there really a cure? Am I actually serving a purpose and making a difference? Why does this have to kill so many people? What’s worse – cancer or the devil? Why is this disease so effin nondiscriminatory and make so many people suffer?

Then I think about Martha – who I’ve dedicated this ride to. Martha has terminal cancer. Martha has stopped chemotherapy and treatment. And yet, Martha is literally one of the most optimistic people I know. Martha has opened my eyes to the dying process. She has been a true testament of her faith – and made me challenge my own beliefs. She has made me understand that letting go of someone you love is ok – because in the end, we’ll all be together again.

Martha’s strength is what keeps me fighting to help create a world without cancer.

My thoughts and prayers are with Carrie’s family and friends. In lieu of flowers, college accounts have been set up for her boys. Please email me if you’d like the info.

A BIG thanks to Luke for helping me print and stuff envelopes!

I’m still trying to determine my fund raising goals and the best way to achieve it – but am definitely considering seeking corporate sponsorship, spamming the hell out of my friends, and banging down doors until I reach my goal.

What I do know is…I can make a difference with every penny I raise.

Stand by for updates!