Happy Valentine's Day

So, we are a little early in sending our wishes to you! But, in just six months it will be one of the most enjoyable holidays of the year. You can buy that special person flowers, candy and dinner or, you can treat them to a very unique gift. The gift of hope, sharing, caring and life. Why not register them for the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer."

Next year it will be held on Sunday, February 15th. Make this event part of an exciting Valentine's Day weekend. What a wonderful way to say "I Love You!"

100% of the registration fee goes directly to the "Donna Hicken Foundation".

Time for Celebration!

The very happy lady in the photo is "Bandanna" staff member Donna. The ceremony was held to celebrate the successful completion of her radiation treatment. We all remember when she informed us that she had breast cancer in November 2008, there were no smiles that day. No matter how tough things get, Donna always has that radiant smile and positive attitude. She informed us that she will begin her training for "26.2 with Donna" very shortly. She is already registered and will be starting with us on February 15, 2009.

Come on, what are you waiting for? Register today for "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer".

Oakley Sunglasses-"26.2 with Donna"

Be a hero. Help finish breast cancer with your purchase of the custom Oakley "26.2 with Donna" sunglasses featuring its Running Ribbon trademark.

Every penny of the proceeds from your purchase will directly fund life-saving research and care for those living with breast cancer.

Cost is $120.00 plus shipping and handling. Click on the "title" for additional information.

The "Bandanna" Rests

I was never in doubt as to which shirt I would wear during the running of the Boilermaker 15K. As for the pink bandanna, it proudly took it's place upon my head. As you know from previous posts to the blog, I wear it for my dear friend Donna who is currently battling breast cancer.

The Boilermaker 15K, was a fun race again this year. This is the third consecutive year I have run the race. My nephew Jim, aka blog "Runner's Anonymous", and I took on the challenge of the hills in Central New York. I am proud to say that he and I both achieved PR's in the 15K and my niece Eileen, PR'd in the 5K! Both of them are planning to be in Jacksonville Beach in February. As mentioned in the previous post, Daria ran the 15K as well.

I had a few runners stop me after the race to inquire about the "26.2 with Donna". I told them to check out the website and be sure to register! We are still a long way from February 2009, but now is the time to spread the word and get the registrations coming in. Please join us!

"Bandanna" Visits New York!

We took our show on the road to Utica, New York and located Daria decked out in her "26.2 with Donna" race shirt. Daria is a regular visitor to "The Pink Bandanna" and has been a contributor with her comments. She ran the inaugural race this past February.

Back in April when I told her I would be running the "Boilermaker 15K" in Utica, she told me that was her home town. We made plans to meet at the expo on Saturday before the race. She told me to look for her in her "Donna" shirt. Having never met her the shirt was going to be the beacon. Right on time I saw her approaching. Of course we had to have pictures taken and talk about the upcoming "26.2 with Donna". Daria has already signed up for the race in February.

Please join us in Jacksonville Beach on February 15, 2009.

We Haven't Forgotten

February 15, 2009 may not bring frost on the leaves in Jacksonville, but why not think of cooler days ahead. Don't forget to sign up for the "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer". Experience "winter" in Jacksonville.

Our Donna recently completed her chemo treatments and will begin her radiation treatments soon. She is a fighter and already has her registration and hotel ready for February. We hope that you will join us and the thousands of others who will turn out for this event.

Results Are In $2,650.

Approximately 100 runners donated $1,325., on Saturday morning, to participate in the "Left Behind" half marathon. A special "thank you" to all the runners, the volunteers, the MarathonFest training program, Susan Paul and the Track Shack Foundation.

The Track Shack Foundation was generous and matched the contribution, making the total raised for the "Donna Hicken Foundation", $2,650.

The photo is of our pot luck breakfast and some of the runners who participated.