I raised over $3,800 last year for Team In Training. A significant portion of that money came directly from many of you Gosh, the Internet is a lovely place. So many friendly strangers. And, of course, I'm honored.

But I'm here to ask for your help again. Not for me. Not for anyone I know. But for a dear friend of fellow blogger Julia, who is too young to go through what she's going through.

I'll let Julia use her own words to tell the story of Keri:

Sometimes life is so unfair. Keri is one of those people everyone loves to be around. Her charisma is undeniable and her positive attitude is contagious. Keri has always been a fighter, a leader, and a pillar of strength for those in her life.

She is a down-to-earth, true Mid-western girl who has called Kansas, Missouri, and Indiana home. As a Physical Therapist, she makes her living by caring for others, and now is the time for us to return the favor.

On March 14, 2008 Keri’s life changed forever. At the age of 26 she was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer. On April 2, 2008 she underwent a bilateral mastectomy and began her fight with a disease that knows no limits.

Her bright future is clouded with the cold hard facts: 8 rounds of chemotherapy, 6 weeks of daily radiation, multiple reconstructive surgeries, hormonal replacement therapy, and infertility treatments. When you attack cancer with chemotherapy and other estrogen suppressing drugs before you’ve had children, your dream of becoming a mother is jeopardized. Keri’s doctors have said her treatments will most definitely stop ovulation for the rest of her life, throwing her young body into menopause. So Keri will freeze her eggs to give her hope of having a baby—a procedure that comes with a $10,000 price tag but is not covered by insurance.

Helen Keller once said, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.” If everyone who reads Keri’s story contributes to her fund the financial burden of cancer could be lifted from her shoulders. Any amount would be greatly appreciated and every dollar counts. Why not make a difference in someone’s life? And what better time than right now?

Wow. That's what I said.

If you'd like to help, donations can be mailed to the Keri Wilkie Breast Cancer Medical Fund at P.O. Box 833, Emporia, KS 66801.

If you're on Facebook, join her support group here, or if you'd like to keep up to date on how Keri's doing, read her online journal.

I just wanted to do my part to spread the word about Keri's journey. If you can help, please do. If you can offer only thoughts and prayers, that's just as good.

You're all good people. I know it. Or else you wouldn't read this blog incessantly. Right?

Cough.

OK, seriously. Be good people.

krittabug