Going The Distance For Jules Of Life
LISBON - When Joseph M. Pullara sets out from Grant Park in Chicago, Ill., for his first marathon on Oct. 10 - The Bank of America Chicago Marathon, an event with 30 years of record-setting and exciting battles to the finish - he will be competing for a very special cause.
Mr. Pullara of State College, Pa., a former All-American rugby player at Pennsylvania State University (PSU), and former roommate of Lisbon's Blake P. Gendebien, will be running for the Jules of Life Foundation.
"My college roommate Blake and his wife Carmen have set up the Jules of Life Foundation to support children with cancer," Mr. Pullara said, adding that he and his wife are expecting their first child.
"Blake and Carmen's ambition of setting up this foundation is extremely inspiring. The thought of cancer affecting a child is devastating," he added.
Mr. and Mrs. (Carmen J.) Gendebien founded Jules of Life, named after their unborn daughter Jules, in May 2009 with the first annual St. Lawrence Talent Challenge. The event inspired the couple to do more for county children struggling with pediatric cancer.
Through inspirational events, Jules of Life and a growing county show of support has attempted to cultivate courage, self-esteem and good-will for county youth, while raising money for county children in need.
Cancer, Mr. Pullara said, has certainly affected his life, in particular, his family.
"I have lost two uncles and a sister-in-law to cancer. My aunt and a couple of friends have also battled this dreadful disease," he said.
So Mr. Pullara has decided, through his pledge to Jules of Life, to support the fight against pediatric cancer.
"Its a very grassroots organization where they are donating their time and effort to make life a little easier and better for children fighting the disease. Money raised goes right to a child affected with the disease," Mr. Pullara said of the Gendebiens and Jules of Life.
"I feel compelled to help them in their cause and efforts," he added.
Mr. Gendebien, who met Mr. Pullara at PSU in 1996, says its no surprise to see him running a marathon, or contributing to the cause.
"Joe has always been an athlete as he played rugby for Penn State and is now an assistant coach there.
"He's a great friend and we are extremely grateful for his efforts," he said.
Mr. Pullara says his goal is to raise $5,000 for the foundation.
"I am asking you to sponsor me in the Chicago Marathon and donate to the Jules of Life Foundation. Every dollar raised helps a child in need. No donation is too small or too large. Please take the time to donate on the website (www.julesoflife.com) and help a child," Mr. Pullara added, noting that donations can be made on the website via PayPal or by sending a tax deductable donation to the address listed on the website.
"Please visit the website and I will send updates on my training," he continued. "I am currently up to 16 mile runs and averaging about 30 miles a week. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support of me and most importantly, for the Jules of Life Foundation."
