After completing a few half marathons and 2 marathons, I wanted to let you know that I will be running a Marine Corp Marathon in Washington DC on October 31, 2010. This marathon will have a special meaning to me, unlike any previous races. As some of you may know, my father passed away quite suddenly in March of this year. So I will be doing this in his memory. I miss him every day, and I will be thinking about him as I run.

To commemorate my father, I want to support a wonderful non-profit that was created by my friend Ariane Kirtley – Amman Imman: Water is Life. Amman Imman is dedicated to improving and saving lives among some of the poorest and most abandoned populations of the world in Niger, West Africa. The organization supplies permanent and sustainable sources of water in the Azawak of West Africa with the intention of saving lives and creating oases of civilization for half a million people currently living without water.

I am raising $20,000 to help cover the costs of the pump, troughs and water fountains for the borehole-well they recently built in the village of Kijigari. (For your information it costs about $200,000 to build a well).  This borehole-well provides clean and abundant sources of water to more than 30,000 people and animals.

This is why I am asking you to support me and Amman Imman and to make a donation.

I know that your encouragement and backing will give me strength to go on as I am struggling on the 23rd mile and it will give hope to the children of Niger. I will provide updates for you as my training progresses and if you are in Washington DC on October 31, come and cheer for me!  My heart-felt thank you is going to all of you!

Kind regards,

Anya