It’s so exciting to be back on the East Coast
and to able to enjoy everything that comes with it: proximity to family and friends, cheesesteaks
at a moment’s notice, and the opportunity to participate in an event that means
so much to me – Hope Express! In honor of the event’s tenth anniversary of raising hope and awareness for pediatric cancer, Hope Express
will be tackling even more miles with the goal of raising even more money for
The Four Diamonds Fund. The Hope Express will have FIVE teams setting out to
tackle the miles between Hershey and Penn State’s THON. This year I’m
challenging myself to be a part of the Hope Express’s Blood and Guts Team. This back-to-basics team is a nod to the
event’s origins; its runners will organize all the logistics of the run and set
out on a brand new route.
The Four Diamonds Fund provides
both financial and medical support to its families during their battle with
cancer. Families’ involvement in THON provides them with a renewed sense of
hope, and a reminder to not give up, no matter how hard times may get. Hank and
Connie Angus, parents of Gabe, a Four Diamonds child, began Hope Express in
2007 as a way to bridge the gap between THON and the children on the 7th floor
at Hershey Medical Center. Families whose children are too sick to attend THON
weekend are now able to have some of the magic brought to them, and their words
and letters are given to the Hope Express runners to carry on their backs
during the 24-hour relay all the way to Penn State.
As a Hope Express runner, I will run multiple
legs of the relay, tackling grueling hills through
whatever unpredictable weather February may bring. Running is not something
that comes easily to me, but it is an honor to bring hope to those who have no
choice but to stand tall in their fight against cancer.
The Hope Express has raised over $500,000 to
date for the Four Diamonds Fund, bringing us that much closer to conquering
childhood cancer. Please consider supporting me this
year as part of Hope Express in honor and support of the Four Diamonds
families. Every donation, regardless of the amount, brings us one step closer
to finding a cure. Personally, I
have set a goal to raise $1,800, and I can only achieve it with your support.
Donations can be easily made online at http://www.give2theexpress.org/blood-guts-team/darian-mckenzie/. If you prefer, however, you may opt
to mail a check, payable to “Hope Express,” directly to me; just let me know if you need my address. While the run is not until February, please consider donating
by November 30 if you are able to do so.
It’s with your help that I have
been able to contribute thousands of dollars over the past several years to
support cancer research and those affected by this disease. I am so grateful
for all of your love and support, which inspires me to give to this incredible
cause. As always, please feel free to follow my journey by visiting my blog (www.starsinthesky24.blogspot.com), where
I will write about running and my experiences training for the big event.
For the Kids,
Darian
