***Thank you to everybody who has donated! This link will remain open until tomorrow. My race went well today- 13.1 miles in under 2.5 hours, and I was able to run the whole time. My roommates came to watch and surprised me with this (and other) signs supporting Ali and I.  The signs on my back read "Running Against Brain Cancer" and "1/2 Marathon, All Heart for Ali Mink," in pink. Thank you again!!! (I cannot for the life of me get the picture to fit, but you can see the signs!)

What Happened?

Ali Mink, a senior girl from Scituate High School, Rhode Island, has been fighting brain cancer for two years, and lost her battle on November 7, 2012. She was a friend of my little brother's. Seeing my tiny little town come together during such a hard time is truly inspiring, and I want to do my part from Richmond, Virginia. 

My name is Kate Lozinski, and I am a senior chemistry major at the University of Richmond. My younger brother, Ryan, was a friend of Ali's, and knowing that he, all their friends, my hometown community, and the Minks are going through something very difficult has encouraged me to do something about it. I intend to donate all the proceeds from this fundraiser to the Minks, and from there they can use it for all the costs that they are now left with, to donate to research in their daughter's name, or anything else of their choosing.

What Am I Asking? 

I recently started running road races, and my first half marathon is here in Richmond, this coming SATURDAY, November 10! I am aware that this is extremely last minute, but with such a big event right after such a tragedy, I view it as an opportunity to help, no matter how much. 

I ask you to sponsor me for this race.  Half marathons are 13.1 miles. If you wish to even give $1 per mile, that would be $13.1 more than the Minks had before. I assure you that $13.1 adds up. If you wish to donate more- $3 per mile for a total of $39.30, $5 per mile for a total of $65.5, $10 per mile for a total of $131, or anything else that the generosity of your heart desires. 

The Impact

Even if you are not able to donate right now, I urge you to pass this opportunity to donate to a wonderful cause on to everybody that you know. I found this race to be the perfect opportunity to play my part; I have no idea how much support I'll get in such a small amount of time, but anything and everything is appreciated. 

Though my brother knew her much better than I, Ali was a smart, beautiful girl who was taken far too soon. Majority of us are so fortunate that we will hopefully never feel the pain that her family is dealing with right now. I hope that you want to help them as much as I do.