In Honor of Randi Schultz

It is not often that I am humbled, and very rarely am I rendered speechless - but recently I found out that a very dear friend of mine was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at the ripe young age of 36. Her strength absolutely amazes me. Randi came into my life almost 10 years ago, and quite frankly, she is a big part of who I have become today. She was there for me during a rough time in my life, when I was struggling to see and accept who and what I was. If I doubted myself about anything, I wasn't coddled - she told me like it was, let me know if I was being an idiot, and she did it with love and with compassion. Her sarcastic wit and incredible humor never ceased to bring a smile to my face, never ceased to brighten my mood. It's just the type of person she is, and always will be. Like many good friends, sometimes you go a long time without talking because life just gets in the way. It's happened to us, just like it happens to everyone. But I have no doubt if I ever need her, she will be right there.

Which is why, when I found out about her diagnosis with PD, I racked my brain trying to think of something I could do. Love and support her? Of course. But I wanted to do more. I'm a runner. I run because I like it. I run for the accomplishment. And now? I run for a purpose. On September 22, 2012, I will be participating in the Rock 'n Roll Marathon in Denver, where Randi and her partner Mary reside. In her honor, I will be running to raise money for PDF to fund research to try and find a cure, and to get the word out about PD through education and enlightment.

Please consider donating and help me fundraise for this amazing cause, and for my dear friend Randi.

If you would like to read Randi's story, follow this link: http://mindschmootz.net/2012/04/when-life-gives-you-shaky-make-martinis/

Below is some information on PD. Please read so we all can better understand!

As a Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) Champion, I am working to raise funds to improve the lives and futures of people touched by Parkinson’s and to ultimately find a cure.

Did you know that nearly one million people in the United States are living with Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s disease is chronic neurological disease, for which there is currently no cure. But promising research is being conducted. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has dedicated over $90 million to fund the work of leading scientists throughout the world and over $37 million to support national education and advocacy programs.

Every donation really does make a difference in advancing PDF’s mission. Please help me reach my goal by making a donation today.

More than 81 percent of PDF’s funds go directly toward its programs. PDF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all gifts are tax deductible.

Thank you in advance for your support!