Amber Thompson, born and raised in Salem, is vigorously training for the run of her life, in an attempt to help others in the challenges they face everyday following the Tsunami that occurred on December 26, 2004.

The needs of the people of Sri Lanka became very real to Thompson when a beautiful child named Naomi she taught at church left the comforts of Utah to return to Sri Lanka with her parents after the devastating event. Naomi's father, who was a research scientist working at BYU, decided to go back to Sri Lanka to help in the rebuilding of their homeland and assist the people there including many of their extended family.

In an effort to help this small island recover from the destruction the Tsunami left in its path, the Provo Rotary Club has received over $200,000 worth of medical supplies and goods to be shipped to Sri Lanka. The shipping crate is packed and only needs to be sent to provide help to those who have lost loved ones, are homeless, injured and trying to rebuild their lives after this catastrophic event.

When Thompson learned of a fund raising project to raise the $15,000 need to ship this crate of supplies to Sri Lanka, she decided she wanted to help--she wanted to make a difference. Last year she ran her first full marathon in Salt Lake City and noticed other runners were raising money for important causes. She decided that this year she would run the "Big Wave Run" to raise money to send to much needed supplies to the still devastated island of Sri Lanka and help the people build a better life.

Thompson has received pledges for a little over half the amount needed, and strongly desires to raise the full amount before the race, which will be held on Saturday, June 3rd in Salt Lake City. Businesses that donate $500 or more will have their logo printed on the "Big Wave" T-shirts as well as on the shirt Thompson wears when she runs. To have a logo included, donations must be received by May 29.

The marathon is a 26 mile race, and pledges can be made by mile or by amount. Two Nano Ipods have been donated to be awarded to the person or business with the most number of pledges, and also to the person or business who raises the most money. The donation deadline for the Ipod award is also May 29. All donations of any size should be made by June 3rd will be so appreciated.

All proceeds will go directly to the shipment of the container, and donations are tax deductible. If you're interested in donating to this cause, you can make a check out to the Provo Rotary Club and mail it to "Big Wave Run" P.O. Box 754, Salem, Utah 84653. For more information you may call 358-9935 or 754-0124. Thompson considers it an incredible privilege to be able to run for this cause and appreciates the support and generosity she has witnessed as businesses and individuals rally to support her and in turn be a part of this important project.

This story appeared in Spanish Fork Press on page A7.