Thanks for spreading the word at the Cook Family Reunion about my run for charity in the NYC Marathon this November. I want to personally thank all of you for your love and support. I know that may sound trite, but like I’ve told Barb on numerous occasions, you guys don’t feel like in-laws to me. You feel like my true friends. To me, that is what family is all about - friendship.

I created a standalone page for the 2008 NYC Marathon and included a donation link. If you tell your friends and associates about donating to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, just tell them to visit the family website and look for the NYC Marathon tab on the home page.

We have some cool ideas planned. The kids are doing a lemonade stand next week. I’m going to be conducting an eBay charity auction of video games, clothes, shoes and collectibles this week - stuff from my own closet and office, and I’ve written to 25-plus businesses and individuals asking for help and support. Please let me know if you have ideas - I’m open to anything.

Right now I’m at $400 with $2,600 left to raise! I know the goal will be made because I prayerfully considered and pondered the decision to run this race. And I have faith, if I do my part, that it will work out. Emma, my dad (possibly my sisters) and I will be traveling to NYC from October 30th through November 2nd. It should be fun!