Nov. 18, 2008 Update: 1000 Miles Is Just Up Ahead and Around the Corner

www.hoedlshaven.com/2009BOSTONMARATHON


Friend:

It is now official. There is no lingering pause of Autumn in the upper midwestern air of the United States. Winter is setting in and now the training runs and miles get interesting, as I also turn the corner toward 1000 miles. It's been a wonderful journey so far and I truly appreciate the support you have given me - in person and written word. But in all honesty, I have the easiest part of this entire venture: I simply have to lace my shoes... and run.

But for those of you who have donated so generously (especially during an uncertain time in our economy and right before the holidays) from the heart, it is you that have done much more of the work at hand. Your money and my money, I truly believe, is going to a very noble cause and each cent is being used at Children's Hospital Boston to directly touch a young life that is in peril and pain. During this very joyous season of Thanksgiving, I would like to extend a personal word of thanks for your donation from the heart.

And for those that have kept me in their prayers, thank you as well. I truly believe we are interconnected in much more than a physical sense of sharing one small planet in a swirling cosmos of life. I appreciate your spiritual support and will continue to faithfully log my miles while offering those miles up in prayer to specific persons and groups. Again, thank you.

So, since you've last heard from me, where have I been, what have I raised, where am I now (virtually)? Please scroll down and continue to follow me on my journey to Boston...

Following Lee's training run on Saturday, November 22, , Lee will pass the 1000-mile mark.

The magical milestone of 1000 miles will be passed this weekend, and that leaves only 628 miles to complete before April 20, 2009. Virtually speaking, I am to the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio and still going. To follow my progress, visit: WHERE'S LEE - VIRTUAL MAP.

You have helped Lee raise just over $3700 so far for the Children's Hospital Boston!

If you have not donated yet, would you be able to help me? The processes (online, cash, or check) by which you can donate any funds you are able to share can be found at DONATIONS and any amount - small or large - is gladly accepted! And if you donate online and would like to remain anonymous, there is that option as well.

What will you receive in return for your donation?

First of all, you will receive a wonderful charitable tax deduction from Children's Hospital Boston.

You will also receive a front-row seat to the 2009 Boston Marathon as I bring out the LEECAM once again to record just such a race. What is the LEECAM? Check out the LEECAM's work at the 2008 Disneyworld Marathon and the 2008 Disneyland Half-Marathon. And for those interested, I am scheduled to run the Goofy Race-and-a-Half Challenge (half marathon on Saturday and then the full marathon on Sunday) at Disneyworld over the weekend of January 10-11, 2009. And the LEECAM will be there as well - so be on the lookout for a new YouTube posting just after those races.

You will be personally recognized in an upcoming YouTube video for your contribution (not the amount, just the name).

You will receive my deepest gratitude and I will dedicate one mile or more of my 1628 miles to you and your family.

The following can also be found on my Miles for Miracles website:

Lee's 1628 Dedicated Miles

Miles 975 - 1014 (Week of Nov. 17) will be dedicated to all American Military Personnel (as well as volunteer programs and Peace Corps programs) stationed domestically and abroad, for their dedication, devotion and service. As many of us prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas in our homes here in the states, it is important to remember all those nameless and faceless souls who work tirelessly to promote and protect humanitarian and democratic processes across this planet.

Miles 943 - 974 (Week of Nov. 10) have been dedicated to Albert Dauenhauer, father of friend Gary Dauenhauer, who recently experienced surgery to correct an aortic dissection. Strength to you and your family in the long and uncertain recovery ahead. You will remain in our prayers.

Miles 904 - 942 (Week of Nov. 4) have been dedicated to John and Sophie Kenney and Kenney Family, dear friends. May the grace of God surround you in this time of confusion, challenge and healing.

Recent Proud Sponsors of Children's Hospital Boston

Without individuals, families and agencies such as these, I couldn't possibly accomplish what I am attempting; in advance, thank you so much for your support:

Gary and Steph Dauenhauer Family

Greg and Toni Sweeney Family

Ryan and Kristi Syvrud Family

Mark and Nancy Wolfe Family

Deb Stickney Family

Rick and Sue Thoreson Family

Jean and Cray Eppler Family

Pat and Ray Meier Family

Bryan and Bridget Binstock Family

A complete list of very gracious sponsors can be found here

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As a final note to this update, I want to wish you a most happy, peaceful and blessed upcoming Thanksgiving celebration. Regardless of how busy my days are leading up to each annual Thanksgiving, I try to carve out time to remind myself of those persons and pathways in my life for which I am most thankful. You, my friend, have been and are one of those persons and pathways.

And most especially during this time of thanksgiving, I share with you the words of St. Augustine: People travel to wonder at the height of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motion of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering. Take time this week and into the Thanksgiving weekend to thank the Almighty for the wonder that you personally are.

Thanks again so much for your support and your friendship, as I keep on trekking on...

Peace, Lee


ANY AND ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX-DEDUCTIBLE.

ALL DONATED FUNDS (CASH, CHECK OR ONLINE) GO DIRECTLY TO CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL BOSTON.

EVERY PENNY IS HELPING TO SAVE AND ADVANCE THE LIVES OF OUR YOUTH.


Lee Hoedl's 2009 Boston Marathon Miles for Miracles

All Rights Reserved: Copyright 2008