As some of you know Oct. 25 would have been mine and Craig's 30th anniversary.  I decided to go to New England to see Bob and Kathy Thomson and Joan and Frank McCarthy for about 5 days during that time.  I had a wonderful time.  The color of the trees where still amazing.  I went to Newburyport, NH and it brought back instant memories of day trips I use to take with Emily when she was a toddler;  she and I would get ice cream and she loved to run around and chase the pigeons. 

I had lobster 3 times...YUM!!  I spent time with Mike and Katie Thomson which was special and John McCarthy who plays for the San Jose Sharks, scored his first NHL goal!!!  Very cool.  Thanks for a wonderful time everyone.

Now I am preparing for the really big holidays again....

Last years were tough as you can only imagine.  This year I know will be easier as time does heal.  I never thought that statement was true, but it is.  You NEVER forget, but you hold on to the memories and cherish them.  Songs, smells, certain things (snap candy for example) instantly make me think of Craig) .  I day does not go by that I do not still think of him several time.  I still cry sometimes too, but I am moving on and living my life like Craig wanted me too.  

I know this years holidays will be different yet again.  Emily & Kyle are in Madison, WI and I will not be spending Thanksgiving with them...another first.  But we will be together for her birthday the following week and for Chirstmas.  Also we will be together for the event below the week prior.

I would like you to ready the event below and if you would like to send a donation to Craig's 3rd Grant, thank you!  We have already raised $3,000 and would like to raise much more.  If you have not heard Craig's Grant is still moving forward with promise.  It is also finding success for ovaian cancer.  I am so proud of all the hard work and dedication of my friends and family that continue to support this much needed funding! 

My daughter Emily and my nephew Scott have organized an event in honor of Craig. For those of you who don't know, my husband Craig passed away last year from Mesothelioma after a courageous 11 year fight with this disease. Over the years we have participated in and hosted numerous fundraisers and events, but since his passing have wanted to do something different that is more representative of Craig's heroic battle and his passion for life.

Emily and Scott came up with the idea to participate in the Ragnar Relay - a 12 person relay race in Central Florida in which the team will run 202 miles consecutively over approximately 34 hours. Each member of the team will run between 9 and 23 miles on the journey from Port Richey to Daytona. For more information on the race itself, follow this link: www.ragnarrelay.com/race/florida

Although the physical accomplishment of this feat is amazing to me, it is the makeup of the team itself that touched my heart. This idea was sent out in an email to some close family and friends and within in days, the team roster was full of both runners and volunteers alike. The team will consistent of people from all corners of this country who are coming together to remember Craig and raise awareness about this awful disease.

The team name Clodding for Craig was picked by Emily. Emily and her dad used to run together when she was younger and loved to laugh about how they would both "clod" along. The name though means more than that. The idea of "clodding" along slowly and painfully, but with great stamina and determination to finish, describes not only how Craig ran, but how he fought his battle with cancer. It also depicts that attitude that is inspiring the team during training and soon, on race day.

I am asking my fellow friends and family to support this amazing event in an effort to help raise awareness for Mesothelioma. With your help, we will be one step closer to finding a cure. Please make a donation by following the link below for Craig's 3rd grant, which is being kick started by this exciting race being run by many of Craig's loved ones and supporters. I thank you all in advance for your continued support.

All tax deductable donations can be sent directly to.www.curemeso.org/fundraising/kozickigrant   (cut & paste)


BELIEVING.
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Shelly