Dear Friends:
During the summer of 2007, I made the commitment to run my first marathon, though I truly had no idea what I was getting into … or even if I could run the 3 miles that we ran on that first day of training, let alone 26.2 miles.

Well, about four months later, I was in Italy, at the starting-line of the Florence Marathon. Years later, the memory of Florence seems like yesterday – the joy, the pain, and of course the thrill when my coach, Katie, ran with me, joking and encouraging, well into my 26.2-mile journey.

I ran in Florence with a sore knee, but knew, without question, I was going to finish that race. I knew I had to – I made the commitment; others were supporting me … and, most definitely, I was running for those who couldn’t.

I have supported the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and its endurance-training program – the Team To End AIDS, or, T2 as it’s known – since my first mile in 2007. I have since run 15 marathons around the world. I also this summer am honored to once again be Coach Ross for T2, helping hundreds of T2 runners reach their personal goals of running a marathon and/or half-marathon.

We all run for the cause – to help in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Every 9½ minutes someone in the U.S. is infected with HIV and nearly 1.2 million Americans are now living with HIV. That’s why I will Coach and also will train with T2 this summer – to push myself further, to push and encourage others, and to further support the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. AFC is leading the fight against HIV/AIDS in the Chicago area by funding prevention programs and services to stop the spread of HIV and help people live full and productive lives until the day there’s a cure.

Support me in my Coaching and Training this summer for the 2012 Honolulu Marathon in December, and, most important, please help the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Click the “Sponsor Me” button to the left to help.

Thanks,
Coach Ross