2015 race schedule!

Eek! I'm so excited to announce the working 2015 race schedule!! However, before we get to what everyone is wondering about, let's take a little time to review how this works and a little change.

Coach Ben has been training

Each race is run in an effort to raise awareness that actual people endure the trials we imagine as our worst nightmares. That child who can't run in the grass because the IV pole won't allow them. That woman who has a sudden brain aneurysm and is still recovering months later. That widow who "can't be a widow because she is way too young" living every day without her best friend. That person who hears "it's cancer" and their world turns upside down. That child who goes down to the village river to drink the same water the animals use. These people are all real. They are not just a story.

These amazing men and women and foundations that will be honored and remembered will share their stories here during the month of their race. Please feel free to leave comments of encouragement and support that will be passed on to them. Your prayers and support mean so much to all of us.

If you feel lead to make financial donations, there will be information included during the month of that race. The entire month will focus on that family/organization. And here is the change! Rather than making your donation to the families through me, I'll be asking you to make your donations to the organization's page or the family's donation page.

Now, without further ado, I bring you the 2015 race schedule!!!!

April 25th: Run With The Cops, Not From Them (5K) in Detroit, MI. I will be running to benefit the race's fundraising efforts in supports of The For a Day Foundation

May 2nd: Breakthrough for Brain Tumors (5K) in Milford, MI. I will be running in honor of Donna Oakey (suffered a brain aneurysm Jan, 2015)

June 20th: DeAndre's Cause (Glut1DS) (5K) in Farmington Hills, MI. I will be running in memory of Elliot Orr (cancer at 23 years old Jan, 2015)) and in honor of his wife, Christina.

July 11th: 5th Annual Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5K Walk/Run (5K) in Pittsburgh, PA. The Great Lakers team will be running in memory of Aaron Moeller (nerve sheath sarcoma at 30 years old Jan, 2013) and Laura Fellows Campbell (liposarcoma at 49 years old July, 2011) to raise money for the Sarcoma Foundation of America

August (date to be announced): *Race and location to be announced*. I will be running in memory of Matt Kohmescher (melanoma at 30 years old Jan, 2015) and in honor of his wife, Lauren.

September 12th: Montour Trail half-marathon (13.1 miles) in Pittsburgh, PA. I will be running in honor of Diane Deffenbaugh (diagnosed with pancreatic cancer)

October 18th: Detroit half-marathon (13.1 miles) in Detroit, MI. I will be running to support the efforts of the Hope Water Project to bring clean water to the Pokot tribe in Kenya

November 7th: Outrun Hunger (5K) in Commerce Township, MI. I will be running in honor of Mark Howell (diagnosed with stage IV melanoma in October, 2012) and his young family

So, now you know who I am running and praying for, but how can you personally get involved?

1. Run/walk/cheer - Even if you are not a runner, most of these races are a walk/run so walkers are welcome! If you would prefer to stand with your coffee and watch a bunch of crazy people run then come on out to cheer! You can check the registration links provided for each race for the time and locations!

2. Donate - If you feel lead to provide financial donations you will find a link at the end of each story what will lead to the place where you can donate. Please keep in mind that though these pictures all show smiles, there is a great deal of financial stress that comes along with tragedy.

3. Spread the word - The more people who know, the more who can get involved! Please feel free to forward the link or share it on your social media accounts. You never know who needs the encouragement these families provide or may feel moved to help.

4. Pray - This is the foundation of this race series. Pray for the families, those running/walking/cheering, praise for those who donate, pray for the people who will read their stories. Praise God that He allows us to comfort others and use our abilities and gifts to minister and encourage others. Pray for peace, comfort, and healing for each person involved in this race series.

Thank you so much for your support as I run again this year. Thank you for your outpouring of love to these families. Thank you for getting involved.