Confidence

I have spent the last couple of days trying to calmly visualize myself running through the beautiful vineyards of northern California. I'm able to get into this place that feels pretty serene and then BAM I realize that it is nearly time for this goal of many months to come to be!

I've done the training. I've been blessed to be able to tell my story to a lot of people and to hear the stories of a lot of people. Much of the anxiety that I've felt at trying to raise money has faded, because I'm so completely confident that this is an incredible worthy cause. People whose lives have been affected by Inflammatory Bowel Disease, deserve a voice and this is one small way to help raise awareness, to talk about the symptoms of these diseases, to encourage people to see a doctor if they are having trouble, to let people know they aren't alone and that many, many good people are fighting WITH them to find better treatments and ultimately a CURE for IBD.

I would still like to be able to add Montana to the 5K club...and that means that we have a little more fundraising to do. We are currently sitting at about $4100 (by the time we count checks that I've sent that haven't been added to the tally on my page yet). We have basically 24 hours to come up with another $900. Will you help?

Please log onto my fundraising site: https://www.active.com/donate/napa08national/JDeLay1
and donate whatever you can. I am offering a raffle ticket for every $5.00 donated through tomorrow, July 16th. The prizes are listed on the previous post.

But don't stop there, please send this page to your friends and family... let's put us on the map!! IBD must be stopped and I'm very, very sure that together we can get us a big step closer to that finish line.

Thank you all so very much. My shout out today has to go to my colleagues at Montana State University... they have been absolutely phenomenal. I've been touched to the core of my being by the generosity of coworkers that I barely know. They've changed my life already. THANK YOU!!

Before I close, I think today is a good a time as any for a challenge. I am one of the biggest Bobcat fans in the world...i do truly bleed blue and gold...but I'm from a mixed family...my brother Kody - yes the one who is my inspiration and who I would do just about anything for - is a diehard Grizzly fan. I'm pretty sure that other than some Levi's and possibly underwear, he doesn't own any clothing that isn't licensed Griz wear. I love him very, very much despite this one flaw. TODAY, I challenge all my good Griz friends to step up to the plate and donate to CCFA on behalf of Team Challenge. Sadly, all of us are equally likely to be affected by these diseases and I'm just really sure that by joining together in this fight, we'll all win.

Thanks, have a great day and GO TEAM CHALLENGE!!
https://www.active.com/donate/napa08national/JDeLay1

Jodie