Aolani Lee Donegan

Blogger

Place of birth: Brooklyn, NY ; but lived in Honolulu, Hawaii, over half my life

Profession: Sales Assistant - Fox 50

Marital status: Single

Interests: Sports, Sports, Sports. I live by the seasons and my friends respect the intense passion I have for my teams and for all fundamental team and individual sports. Fishing, basketball, football, curling, baseball, golf, wrestling, track, hockey... you name it. I must have been Harry Carrey in another life. I also follow current events, and sports... (smile)

Education: East Carolina University, 2010 (Coach Kay Yow was alumna, 1964)

A favorite book: Phil Jackson's "Sacred Hoops: Spiritual Lessons of a Hardwood Warrior" I read a lot, from 'The World is Flat' by Thomas Friedman to James Patterson novels. I usually grab great books in the summer and kick back at the beach on weekends.

A favorite film: "Rocky IV" and Disney's "The Little Mermaid' ("Bull Durham" is in the top 5.)

Favorite music: Springsteen, Dire Straits, John Mayer, Jay-Z and Nas, plus Brooks Wood, for sure! Music soothes the soul like warm tea on a chilly day. "Flight of the Bumbleebee" gets me ready for a workout; all's right in my world with Mr. Luther Vandross in the speakers.

Why are you passionate about participating in the KOMEN N.C. Triangle Race for the Cure?

My mother's first treatment was on 9-11-01. My birthday was the day before and it was sad, but when I watched the events in NY that September morning, I felt as if I was obligated to "live my life to the limit and love it a lot." Rapper and business mogul, Jay-Z said that in an early recording. I am multi-layered, just like cancer has proven to be and as long as I have strength, I will fight.

As a marketing manager at Sof Sole ('03-'06) I had the honor of seeing first hand what survivors think, feel and believe. I was working in every city talking to folks about keeping their feet healthy but I walked away with so much more. I moved from that experience no longer naive about the horrible effects cancer has on families. I met so many wonderful people!!

Cancer can chip away at the outer shell, but it will never touch our spirit. Jimmy V never gave up and neither will we!!! I am doing this so hopefully one day, little girls won't have to!

That's what my mom taught me, and that's what I hope to pass on by being a part of this race with my brother Sean.