Help Me Make a Difference!

Dear Friends and Family,

I would like to inform you that I have joined with Team Challenge, a fundraising program for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA), for a challenge unlike any other I have done before. I have decided to train to run/walk my first half marathon (13.1 miles) and fundraise $5,800 to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis. This is a challenge in many ways for me and it will require determination, dedication and much strength. I will run/walk the Kona Half Marathon with my sister Heather on June 28^th, 2009.

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are known together as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are painful, medically incurable illnesses that attack the digestive system. It is estimated that 1.4 million Americans have IBD, however many suffer in silence. About 5 percent of people with ulcerative colitis develop colon cancer. The risk of cancer increases with the duration of the disease and how much the colon has been damaged. However, if the entire colon is involved, the risk of cancer may be as much as 32 times the normal rate.

CCFA has become the largest organization dedicated to curing IBD. The Foundation invests dollars wisely, funding the highest quality IBD research anywhere in the world. The funds raised through Team Challenge directly benefit the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America to support its mission to find a cure and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases.

I will be running, along with my sister, in honor of my father, Alan Davis. My dad was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis when he was only 32 years old. It seems so young to me, but this disease actually can affect those as young as 15 years old! My dad has lived for 14 years with U.C. and my family and I have watched him suffer during this time. He had to go through weight losses, "flare ups," and took many medications. U.C. is a painful and often embarrassing disease. After 14 years of suffering, my father was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer in August of 2008. He was only 46 years old. As can be expected, this was a blow to our family and we have been deeply saddened. He has undergone surgery to remove his entire colon and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

While we are hopeful for his recovery, I feel that this marathon is something I can do to help others who may be suffering as well. But I can't do this alone - I need your help! Please consider supporting me in my effort by making a tax deductible donation to CCFA. Any amount will help me reach my goal. You can donate online to my fundraising website at www.active.com/donate/kona09northtexas/kona09VBarber. Or if you would like me to send you a donation form, please let me know. Also, please forward this message to others you know that might be able to help (friends, family, coworkers, businesses, etc.)! It would be greatly appreciated!

My father turns 47 years old on the 2^nd of April. While I can fundraise up to the marathon date, I would love to be able to tell him then that I have reached my fundraising goal! Please help me reach my goal and help me make a difference!!

With MUCH gratitude and appreciation,

Valerie Davis Barber

P.S. If you are thinking about donating and you know my sister as well, please visit both of our websites and consider splitting your donation. Thank you! Heather's website: http://www.active.com/donate/kona09northtexas/kona09HDavis

New Tag!

Whew, these are really making the rounds aren't they? This one is pretty cute, especially around this lovely holiday we call Valentine's Day! Enjoy and consider all you married women out there TAGGED!

Hubby Time

Where did you meet your husband? At my grandma's house, haha

How long did you date before you were married? Hmm, this one is tricky. I guess it was technically about a year, but we dated before and after his mission, so it was 3 years from the time we met to being married. And we pretty much knew from day one we were in love.

How long have you been married? 3 years, 5 months, and 26 days :)

What does he do that surprises you? Lots of things! His wacky moments, his sweet moments, the fact that he is reading lots of books right now :) He is a pretty simple guy, so when he does something un-simple, that surprises me, but it's all in a good way!

What is your favorite feature of his? I love his eyes! And I love his scruffiness!

What is his best quality? His determination, in various ways. One, when he gets started wiht something, he doesn't stop for anything! Including food! That's how we get projects done! Also, when he believes in something, he is so darn opinionated! But that's good because he stands for things.

Does he have a nickname for you? Val, nothing else really quirky

What is his favorite food? Umm...right now it'd be empanadas! But honestly, I'm trying to think and I can't think of it! I know I know it! He pretty much eats anything though, that's why this is hard for me to remember!

What is his favorite sport? Soccer, go RSL!

When and where was your first kiss? Ha...for all you BYU people, you can't laugh. Squaw Peak. It was a few weeks before he left on his mission.

What is your favorite thing to do as a couple? Oh man, we don't get many moments for this anymore! I'd say that we like to watch movies in bed or watch box sets of shows. We don't have TV so we have to do it the box way and that is the way to go!!

Do you have any children? Yup! One beautiful little boy, Cailen!

Does he have any hidden talents? Singing..grr, he refused to sing to me at our wedding reception. Who cares if there are people around!!

How old is he? 25 until Valentines Day! So we are the same age for EXACTLY 3 weeks.

Who said I love you first? He did. Before the mission. But I didn't say it back (oops). Then I was the first one who said it when he came home from his mission.

What is his favorite music? U2. Seriously, I can't choose a TYPE of music. He hates everything that's played on the radio. But he LOVES U2

What do you admire most about him? His ability to come through trials stronger than ever. And his ability to not stress things! I just don't get it!

What is his favorite color? Purple

Will he read this? Probably not. I put him as a contributer, but have you seen anything by him? No. He reads it every now and then, so maybe he will see it randomly.

LOVE YOU MARK!
(just in case he reads this)