About two years ago I convinced my young, naive and ambitious 20-year-old self to train for and run the Los Angeles marathon. upon completion, I vowed never to do it again.

well, folks, blame it on too much sun exposure or a lack of quality programming on TV this season, but I've decided to challenge/torture my should-know-better, 23-year-old self once again by signing up to run the Miami marathon being held on January 28, 2007 - and this time I've recruited two more victims *ehem* friends to train with me. (Of course, I've convinced them that "Marathon" means "buffet party on the beach" in Swahili, but they'll thank me later).

what's different this time is that we are running for something much bigger than Oprah's shoe closet, oh yes. we are running for (or should I say AGAINST) AIDS, and FOR a cure for this massively destructive disease that, is still killing millions of people right here within our own borders (I wonder if Dick Cheney can hear me).

I mean, do I really need to give you the numbers? as if we haven't heard this before. then WHY is it still a (growing) issue?

so my point for writing: this run is a FUNDRAISER. and as much as I'd like to forgo my monthly loan payments and make a check out to "save the people, inc."...I can't do it all on my own. so before you head off to starbucks, or wherever, why don't you go ahead and click on the link below (a lovely site created by my very own roommate) and consider investing that money (give or take) in our mission and help us reach our fundraising goal. I assure you it wont be too painful, I mean, anything with the word FUN in it can't be too bad, right?

GET TO KNOW US (and keep checking in) at:
www.redribbondr.com

we honestly and truly appreciate anything you can dig out of your lint-covered pockets, cookie jars, sofa cushions and bank accounts :)

for those of you who gave up the dough, thanks so much. I promise, I will think about each and every one of you on that "joyous" day in Miami (and I can promise that because running 26.2 miles gives you plenty of time to think...in fact, I'm taking suggestions on other possible "thoughts" in case I run out).

please forward info to any other curious/generous/wealthy/recent lottery-winning friends whose email I may not already have. thanks again.

with love and a little madness,
Semhar Debessai
www.redribbondr.com