I'm INSANE! I'm running a marathon in Alaska!
Incase you haven't heard, I'm running 26.2 miles in my first marathon.  That's like running from the Arch all the way out to Six Flags! And I'm traveling to one of the farthest places in the U.S. to do it...Alaska...home of igloos and northern lights and really cold stuff. Have I lost my mind? Well, that's like asking me if I'm Irish...

I've created a website called Project262.com since I started training on April 4th. It connects friends and family with updates and is a big part of raising $4,000 for the Arthritis Foundation! I'm in the Joints in Motion Team with Smash. Personally, this is my chance to finish a world-class marathon and keep in great shape this spring/summer, this is my opportunity to see Alaska, and it's all in honor of my sister, Ellen, who has been living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 21 years.

The marathon is on August 21st, but with your support, I hope to reach my goal sometime in July. I've collected $3,500.00 so far, and now I only have $500.00 to go!

Will you help by sponsoring me?
$4,000 is a lot of money to raise, but I'm sitting at $3,500 right now. With your help, I can put the fundraising worries behind me and concentrate on training. The Arthritis Foundation devotes more than $11 million annually to research and is leading the way to more successful treatments. In fact, a third of all funds raised will directly support research efforts.

Your Contribution	Degree of Generosity
$26.20	Think of it as $1.00 per mile, and a goodly sum for which both the foundation and I would be rather thankful.
$50.00	Way generous! For those who want to give more but think I need to polish my fundraising approach.
$52.40	This would be $2.00 per mile, and quite generous...still cheaper than a gallon of gas!
$100.00	You can sponsor one specific mile of the marathon! Just write down which of the 26 miles you would like to sponsor in the memo section of your check or the online form. Only SIX miles are still unclaimed: Miles 3, 4, 9, 17, 19 and 20. Wristband included!
$500.00	Well, then...what was the point of printing out all these sheets for donations?  I should've just called you first...
Any amount	Would be greatly appreciated.

Donate Online: Any amount is greatly appreciated, even if it's $1.00. Secure online payments are gladly accepted and are A-OK by me! To donate online, visit Project262.com

Mail a Check: Please make checks payable to The Arthritis Foundation, but send them to me, so I can monitor my fundraising progress. All donations are tax-deductible. Please indicate if you would like a receipt, and I will mail you one after I receive your donation!

Patrick O'Brien c/o The Arthritis Foundation 4420 Jamieson Ave, Apt. 2B Saint Louis, MO 63109

Thank you for supporting me in my quest to finish my first marathon for the Arthritis Foundation. For more information about arthritis, visit www.arthritis.org. Your name will be listed on my website as a sponsor once I receive your donation, so please check project262.com in a few days!