This Saturday, August 15th, 2009 – Ananda Ybarra (one of our awesome readers!) is hosting “Art for a Cure”, a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, helping blood cancer patients live longer, better lives. From 5pm – 8pm, you can enjoy refreshments, enter a raffle, and peruse the gorgeous group exhibition of local emerging artists (like Krystie Sargent, left) at the ARTery at the Lab in Costa Mesa for only $10!

Ananda, as part of Team in Training (see video below), is running the Nike Women’s Marathon (woo hoo, go Ananda!)!  This is her story, in relation to the cause and the event!

I have never had the desire to run a full marathon – something like that was impossible in my mind. Then on August 27, 2008, a beautiful, sweet and caring little girl I know, Nicole, was diagnosed with Leukemia. Nicole is an energetic and vibrant five year old who is still currently undergoing chemotherapy at City of Hope in Duarte, CA. Even though chemotherapy isn’t easy, it hasn’t diminished Nicole’s spirit, and she still keeps up with her older brother and his friends! Her hair is starting to grow back so she is sporting an adorable pixie cut! But I can’t wait to see her gorgeous curls again.

Nicole’s diagnosis had a tremendous effect on me. I could have just donated some money to the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. I could have decided to run a half-marathon. But compared to the challenge that those afflicted with Leukemia or any type of cancer face on a daily basis, a marathon is nothing. I don’t want to run this marathon, I have to. Therefore, I have decided to donate my time, my effort, and my spirit in addition to money. I will run this marathon in honor of Nicole and her family – Jim, Dena and Jack – as well as for all individuals who are battling blood cancers. These people are the real heroes on our team, and we need your support to cross the ultimate finish line: a cure!

To make a donation, or to learn more about Ananda’s efforts with Team in Training, you can visit her Team in Training page!