Oct. 14,2102 (Sunday), the date I pledged to run for a cause for a close friend of mine who is currently suffering lung illness and is under medication for the next 5 months. To date, I've now raised 6,000 pesos to help her with her medicines. Million thanks to the all kind people who sent over their contribution. I pledged to run / walk for 20 kms. starting from my house in Dumaguete to Dauin stopping exactly at Atmosphere Resorts where I am currently doing my internship as scuba instructor. This hasn't happened though as I only got to 15 kms. and had to ride the motorbike to get to work on time. Apart from starting off at 5.30 a.m. and having fought the sticky bed syndrome, I failed to achieve my goal I (only did 14 kms.) but for valid reasons. Besides, the road got busy as the morning went with all the vehicles. Ceres bus liner, the deadly public transport go past me and it started to feel a bit suicidal running by the side of the roads. I started inhaling the fumes too which was not pleasant at all. I know, I know, you probably think I'm just trying to make up excuses but if I really didn't want to get my respiratory system contaminated by fumes and most of all I still wanted to live. I was also running late for work. So I hope I could bail myself out on that one. I've joined fundraising programs earlier in my life where I have walked, ran, swam and dived for a cause but this is the first time I've actually initiated one and organising it on my own with a special T-shirt I wore for the activity. It felt like a mad idea but there you go, it's done now. My Dad died last February of lung cancer in his missionary shoes in Botswana. I was working as Divemaster in Coron, Palawan then when the sad news reached me. My father may be gone but he still lives in me in one way or another. I may not be as great as him in devoting most of his life helping people in Africa, but I try my best to do something for others when I can and while I am able to. I wish and pray that my friend gets well soon. She was so thankful that for the  money raised for this run. It's a good feeling achieving even something this small. Someone once said that "Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones sorround us everyday." I take the small opportunities everytime I can hoping that I can make a difference. I believe it does.