Getting Oh, SO CLOSE!

The journey is nearly complete and I can clearly see the finish line. I have learned so much over the last 15 weeks or so. Things about myself and my family and friends and coworkers....about the world we live in. When I was in college I remember writing a paper about whether I thought people were inherently good or bad. I said then that I thought they were good, and now I know its true. People are good - people are great.

Sunday was the last "long" run of our training program and I made it 13.4 miles...the distance plus. I did it! It is such an amazing feeling to know that I am truly ready for this race. I wouldn't have thought it was possible even just a few months ago, but I'm going to run a half marathon through beautiful vineyards with 100's of other people who have raised thousands and thousands of dollars for a cause that is so extremely important to me. At this point all the Team Challenge folks around the country have raised nearly $1.5 MILLION! This is enough to make a difference, a real difference!!!

I still need your help to hit my financial goal. I've sent many, many letters and you all have helped me to raise $3,400 so far. But I still need about $1,600 to reach my goal of $5,000. I am offering 1 raffle ticket per $5 recieved online by Wed. July 16th. The raffle prizes include a beautiful homemade quilt and a sculpture of a wildcat. Other prizes may be added. Every dollar will help!

Online is the easiest and best way to donate, it only takes a few minutes. Visit my website at: http://www.active.com/donate/napa08national/JDeLay1

OR mail a check made payable to CCFA to: Jodie DeLay, 706 Home Run Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714

Believe me, I wouldn't ask for money if I didn't believe completely that it will make a difference. The CCFA is one of THE best charity organizations in the world giving over .83 cents on the dollar directly to the cause of improving the lives of people with Crohns and Colitis. Every penny is tax deductible, so heck, why not make a business donation, too!

Thank you all for everything. I will owe you and gladly roll up my sleeves and help however I can with your projects in the future. You're the best. Let's rally and make it to $5,000. Together anything is possible because people are GOOD!!!

jd