Support the George Mark House and MLD Foundation.

On June 14th, 2009 I will be participating in the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. The Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon includes a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island in the San Francisco Bay. The race continues with an 18 mile bike ride out the Great Highway, through the Golden Gate Park, and concludes with an 8 mile run through the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. I will be training and competing in the loving memory and honor of my niece, Abigail Patricia Walpole, who passed away on November 1st, 2008 of Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, an extremely rare genetic disease. In the short but precious time we got to spend with Abby we all knew she was a smart and beautiful young lady, who was taken from all of us much too soon.



So while I use Abby's memory as my motivation to train and compete, I am asking for the support of friends and family in raising contributions for 2 worthwhile organizations.

First, the George Mark Children's House. Located in San Leandro, CA, the George Mark Children's House is a place for families to go with near-death children, and words cannot begin to describe how incredible this place is. On-site nurses and doctors as well as rooms and suites for families to stay, the workers at George Mark do everything possible to make the final days of your child's life, an incredibly difficult time, as peaceful as possible. Abby and our family spent the last week of her life here and it was truly amazing - more then words can describe. For the George Mark House, you can donate here http://georgemark.org/www/donors/ways_to_donate.htm.

Second, the MLD Foundation, a leading online resource supporting research and families suffering from Metachormatic Leukodystrophy. You can donate here http://www.mldfoundation.org/donations.html.

While both organizations are in need of resources, the MLD Foundation has multiple income sources while the George Mark House relies exclusively on private donations. So as with everyone in this down economy, the George Mark House is struggling. If you are able to contribute and unsure which organization to give to, we would suggest the George Mark House. Though again, both groups are equally deserving. Please note on either donation that you are donating in the loving memory of Abby Walpole.

Please PLEASE feel free to forward this blog to other friends, family, coworkers, companies, social groups, bridge clubs, etc. that you think may be interested in supporting these 2 great organizations. We would love to be able to repay just a fraction of the support they provided our family by raising a lot of money, so the more the merrier!

I thank you all in advance for your support through this time and as well as the support that you have all provided to our family during the past couple months, which have been very difficult. We couldn't have made it this far without you. I will try to update this blog with my ongoing trainings and such as I start moving towards competing, and quite possibly winning (NOT) the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. And plan to come on out on June 14th to support me! Thanks.