After a horrific battle with Cancer, Gram came to the end of the road on February 12th, 2008, just 3 days before my 29th birthday. She and I were very close, but I have no regrets. I made my peace with her, said my goodbyes, told her how much I loved her and would miss her....

She passed around 1:30 in the morning in her home, going quietly in her sleep. While I mourn never seeing her again, holding her hand or hearing her voice, I am so thankful I had the chance to know and love her as I did.

Now comes the part of grief I have never quite understood. The part where you learn to live again after all the heartache and the memories. The part where you can smile through your tears and say I am a better person because of her, because I am.

This year I vow to use my grief as a propeller, to move me forward into the fight, to force me forward as I have never been motivated to fight before. No one should have to watch someone they love die in such a way. Cancer is a horrible, faceless monster, and I am glad to say her monster died with her.

My goal this year is to raise $5,ooo alone, one thousand dollars for each year that she fought. I am looking for people to support me financially, and I am looking for a select few who will be my teammates. Those select few must be reliable, driven and trustworthy. Anyone who has let me down in the past will sadly not be able to have another chance. Donations are gladly accepted. Please help me make this dream come true, in any way you can, to make this wonderful woman never be forgotten. I know she would be touched to have this fight in her memory.

Thank you all for your support.