Around about 2004 I got an idea about running from Maine to Florida and
visiting as many Ronald McDonald Houses as I could along the way.  The
hope is to not only raise some much needed funds for such an outstanding
cause, but to raise the awareness as well.  See, I know just what a place like
this means . . . unfortunately.

Back in 1998, my youngest daughter, Randi, was diagnosed with brain
cancer a few weeks before she was to turn two.  Randi's battle lasted 6 1/2
months before it over took her life.  In that time my family was able to stay at
the Ronald McDonald House in NYC.

Life spins seemingly out of control in these times and when things like
having your family together, instead of being split apart, are times when you
can breath and feel relaxed.  With my wife staying with Randi in the hospital
during the week and I staying with her on the weekend, things got stressful.  
However, when we learned that we could be together by staying at the
Ronald McDonald House, believe it or not, there were moments where we
had great memories.

You see, the doctors, nurses and the medications were there to treat Randi,
the Ronald McDonald House was there to treat the whole family.  That in the
end is what motivates me to run 30 miles a day for weeks on end down the
east coast.  There is an Chinese Proverb that goes:

If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap.
If you want happiness for a day, go fishing.
If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune.
If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.

What are you doing for happiness?  Me, I'm going for a run.
In the beginning