09.20.11 - ALONG THE MILES AND TRIALS

Family, Friends and Wonderful Sponsors:

As of this morning (September 20), I am VERY pleased to inform you that my journey and goal toward raising $6100 for Children's Hospital is nearing its finish line. With only $343 needed to reach this mark, I wanted to take a solemn moment to thank you and all the outstanding anonymous donors/sponsors to this cause! It is because of you that a few more children and their families will rest knowing there are such caring and compassionate people who will step forward to make a difference.

When I began this journey, I told my children that efforts and causes, just like fundraising, don't have to always be on a global massive scale. I told them, "You find that cause/movement that makes you passionate and then you find a channel to have it inspire you and others... in that effort is endless energy and strength." I further told them that I have always espoused to the "fish and loaves" view of Life; we faithfully gather what we can and are able to do and God will bless it abundantly. As I said to my children, "Compassion and generosity are not measured by the height of wealth, but by the depth of heart." And you, my friends, by giving from your hearts, have proven this point once again. On behalf of the nameless and faceless children who will enter the doors of Children's Hospital and be treated there, thank you!

There have been so many overpowering examples of generosity over these past four months that I will remember for years to come. There have been donations I have received on behalf of Children's Hospital have come in amounts as small as $.75, but to me, they might as well have been $1000. For compassion is not measured by the height of wealth, but by the depth of heart.

I received a sizable donation from an unknown woman in the United Kingdom... simply because she believes in the cause. And this woman's son is sponsoring my 13-year-old son Leo (who will be running his first half marathon at the 2012 Disney World Half Marathon) and donating to Children's Hospital as well. For generosity is not measured by the height of wealth, but by the depth of heart.

And most recently, two local elementary students presented me with a sizable donation to Children's Hospital; they raised these funds by selling their personal art projects. Could there be a truer example of depth of heart?

To all of you, with a sincere and grateful heart, I - and the children of Children's Hospital - thank you so very much. And I pray that blessings will continue to shine down on you and yours in the days and years ahead.

As for me, I still have miles to run before I sleep. Today, amidst the North Dakota rains, I will try to complete my 49th half marathon since June 1 of this year. I fully believe that when I reach #50 on Thursday, it will all be "downhill from here" to my 61st and final half marathon on Tuesday, October 18. I want to thank you for keeping me and my journey in your prayers and for those special prayers that have been said for my prayer partners along all my miles (see http://www.hoedlshaven.com/2011NYCMARATHON/halfmarathons). And should you have a special person/cause that needs an added little spiritual boost/support, let me know and I'll dedicate and run specific remaining miles for them. We're all in this marathon of Life together.

And if you haven't had a chance to donate yet? I will gratefully accept any and every penny you are willing and able to donate. Again, it is the fish and loaves of our life that are blessed and sustain each of us. You can donate online by going to https://howtohelp.childrenshospital.org/newyork/pfp/?ID=HL0057 or mail any amount to my home address (6155 16th Street South) and I will make sure it gets to Children's Hospital in your name.

Finally, I will continue on in my miles and remember you each in prayer. As well, I will lift you up in thanks
and gratitude as I toe the starting line of the New York Marathon on November 6, 2011. Until then, be sure to visit www.hoedlshaven.com/2011NYCMARATHON for updates and progress.

It is persons like you that make this journey - and this Life - that much more rewarding.

Peace and blessings, Lee

Children's Hospital Boston is a 392-bed comprehensive center for pediatric health care. As one of the largest pediatric medical centers in the United States, Children's offers a complete range of health care services for children from birth through 21 years of age. Children's is also home to the world's largest research enterprise based at a pediatric medical center. Since 1869, their discoveries have benefited both children and adults.

MEDALS4METTLE

I will be donating all earned half-marathon medals to a Medals 4 Mettle; a non-profit organization that facilitates the gifting of marathon, half marathon, and triathlon finishers’ medals. Runners from around the world give their hard earned medals to Medals4Mettle. The organization's worldwide network of physicians and volunteers then awards these medals, attached to a Medals4Mettle ribbon, to children and adults fighting debilitating illnesses who might not be able to run a race, but are in a race of their own just to continue to live their life. PLEASE JOIN ME IN THIS JOURNEY WITH YOUR POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.