My wife Jennifer and I moved to Denver in September 2010. We relocated to Denver so I could run a business unit for my company. My "go to" manager's name is Jon Wilmot. He is 43, a mountain biker, a runner, a healthy guy who is one of the best human beings one could hope to meet. He is an exceptional man who helped a great deal in my transition to my new role. Jon took me mountain biking last year and showed me around the outdoors in our new home state. Jon came down with a nagging cough about 7 months ago and he was diagnosed with walking pneumonia and treated with antibiotics. Three months later, he was no better, his cough was still present and he had difficulty breathing. Jon went back for another x-ray and found his lung was more clouded than 2 months earlier. Forty-five days later, Jon was diagnosed with lung cancer. He had his first round of chemo on March 23. I want to do whatever I can to help Jon and his family. He and his wife Leann adopted a beautiful baby girl, Marlee, 10 months ago. This is the highlight of Jon's life. He is the perfect father, doting always and so very proud of his red-haired girl.

I have decided to dedicate my athletic endeavors to Jon and his family. I will run a number of trail events this year and aim to raise money for lung cancer awareness on behalf of the Wilmot family. My first race will be the Fear the Dear, a half marathon in Littleton, Colorado. This race is limited to 100 participants and is only 5 miles from Jon's house. My aim is to secure donations to Lung Cancer Alliance in Jon's name. Irun4you.org was created to allow people to run in honor of their friends or relatives who are battling disease. We can use this platform to build awareness and maximize our fund raising efforts.

I have never had a friend or loved one face this type of battle and it has moved me immensely. Every day that I run, I think of Jon. He can't run anymore and he even has a hard time pushing Marlee's baby stroller. I want to do everything I can to make his life and recovery better. I want to do something to make a difference. It is a tragic twist of fate that this healthy athlete finds himself in a battle for his life with a new baby and a beautiful wife. If you know Jon, you understand why I am so committed to helping him.

I'm hopeful that you will assist me in raising money or providing support for Jon and Leann, and the Lung Cancer Alliance.

With great appreciation,

Mike