Volkslaufe in honor of Amy Sain: Post Race

Volkslaufe

The Volkslaufe was my 3rd 10K, 8th race of the 13 in 2013 race series, and my first (ever) holiday race! We made it a family event and my step-dad ("official" 13 in 2013 photographer), mom, brother, sister-in-law, niece, Ben, and I went up the night before. I'm not sure it was the best idea since none of us really slept well, but Ben sure loves sleeping in hotels! It was a quick 15 minute drive from the hotel to the race site, which was much better than over an hour!

This is not allowed! My little boy looks like....a little boy!!

It's a family affair!

Side note: Benjamin loves his cousin, Grace, soooooo much! Grace thinks her cousin, Ben, is hysterical! They are such a sweet pair to watch.

Ben in a sweet voice: "Ok Gracie, you just keep your hand over here on your side."

Grace: "Ha! Can you believe this guy? You can't tell me what to do! Watch this!"

Grace: "Oh snap!" Ben: "Boom! Blocked!"

Ben: "Well played, Nana. Well played."

Ok, back to the running -

duh!

We met up with some friends of Erich's and Michelle's. Their family runs this race every year. 

All smiles before the race!

My brother was the fastest of the bunch. Erich is one of those runners you love and hate all at the same time. He took up running only a few years ago and is running 7 minute mile 5K races! He ran the 10K (6.2 miles) in 46 minutes! So, I love to watch him run because he makes it look so easy, like anyone could do it. I hate to watch him run because he makes it look so easy!

How you doin'? Just out for a 10K race, no biggie.

When I saw this adorable dude during the beginning of the 10K:

Who? Me?

 this is what happened - complete unashamed, uncensored, full-out Mom-insanity!

I'm so excited to see you again after our 20 minute separation!

This is totally something Aaron Moeller's son would do! Keep in mind that the sign said "Caution! Runners on Road" and we have just started the race:

Do you think anyone would notice if I took the sign?

What? I'm just standing here looking adorable.

This race was another tough one. It was probably my first race in humidity so it seemed hard to breath through the whole thing. It reminded me of why I am doing these races and kept me focused on Amy Sain and her family. Life with cancer is usually not a sprint. The goal is not to be the first one to cross the finish line. It is a 10K in the humidity on hill-laden, unfamiliar terrain. It is thinking that there is no way you are going to be able to make it across the finish line, and yet, one pink shoe after another, you continue to move forward. Life with cancer is moments at the bottom of a hill, looking up and moments of being cheered on by total strangers who remind you to enjoy the journey despite the pain.

"GO RANDOM STRANGER GO!!"

It is continuing with all you have, with dignity, courage, and joy.

55:20 finish time! Not a PR but I finished!

We celebrated after finishing our 10K as we usually do: a goofy picture, food, sitting, and stretching.

We embrace our weirdness!

I love being a racer's kid! Bagel and chocolate milk to refuel! Cheering is hard.

I second that!

1 done, 1 to go! Michelle ran her first race that day!

Mamma, don't be slacking off! Get that leg up there!

The race festivities were pretty cool! After I finished my run, I was able to take in all the fun!

Fun Frankenmuth band!

You have to get your arms way up, like this, or you'll never get off the ground.

It was a music and heritage lesson for Ben!

"EEEEEE!" Translation: I am so happy I don't have words, which is very unusual.

We cheered as Michelle ran her first race ever! She woke up one morning and decided she was going to run it with no training. She did great! Only time will tell if she has also caught the running bug.

Michelle and Erich almost to the finish line!

I'm pretty sure she was thinking: I'm so glad that is over!

We also got to watch the speed walkers do their thing. I had no idea a person's hips could detached from their torso like that! Some of the speed walkers, including a pregnant woman, finished before the 5K runners!

Walk this way!

This guy was intense!

And now, my ode to why I love runners:

He dribbled these three basketballs for the duration of the 10K race!

Then did the same thing in the 5K race!

Lovin' the American pride!

He carried this flag through the entire 10K race

Yes!

The more bling the better!

If you think you are done, add 2 more items

Even the dogs get into it!

Yes, he ran in lederhosen!

Kids don't think we are crazy...

they think it's fun!

She was serious about her attire!

We hung around long enough to check out the prizes for the finishers, which made me insanely jealous!

Ben found them using his impeccable box-tracking abilities.

I could find a pile this big from anywhere!

What would a trip to Frankenmuth be without stopping at Bronner's where it is Christmas 365 days of the year!

I can't believe I agreed to this...

Thank you for all you are doing to help and encourage these families! The 13 in 2013 race series has raised $2785 for families affected with cancer, hospitals who care for them, organizations who aim to give them a little "normal." Your generosity has caused many joyful tears and uplifted hearts.

Please remember that you can continue to donate to the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1"), in honor of Amy Sain throughout the month of July. You can do so by donating online HERE (don't forget to send me an e-mail letting me know you have done so and the amount) or by sending a check made to the "Aaron R. Moeller Memorial Fund" and indicate "Amy Sain" or "RSG1" in the notes section. Please continue to spread the word by telling your friends and family about Amy's story and the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1").

I also ask that you continue to pray for Amy and her family:

4. Pray:
* Pray for Amy as she begins the same treatment regiment that was successful four years ago as well as relief from symptoms of weakness and leg-orientation issues

* Praise for God's strength and love shining through Amy as she gracefully
* Pray for her husband, Jerry, who has walked through these storms with his bride
* Pray for Riley and Ryan as they must be flexible and understanding through surgeries and treatments, pray that they will pour out their love on their mother, pray that her example of courage will sink deeply into their hearts

* Pray for Amy's parents and siblings as they have ridden this rollercoaster with her. I learned from Aaron's parents that it does not matter how old your child is, they are still your baby and you still ache for their suffering wishing to make it all better

Coming up: July 13: 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5K Walk/Run (5K) in Pittsburgh, PA (North Park). I, along with the other members of The Great Lakers team, will be running in memory of Aaron Moeller (nerve sheath sarcoma) and Laura Fellows Campbell (liposarcoma) to raise funds for the Sarcoma Foundation of America

Volkslaufe in honor of Amy Sain in 1 day!

I am beginning to look forward to the Volkslaufe (10K), which is good because it is tomorrow! Rumor has it that we will be running through corn fields, be cheered on by excited neighbors, and listen to some good music along the course! Hopefully, I'll be able to focus on all the fun rather than the hills I have heard so much about!

The 4th and 5th of July will likely be emotional days for me as 2 years ago Aaron was prepping for surgery on the 4th (poor guy!) and had his first surgery on the July 5, 2011. We sang Leaning on the Everlasting Arms at 4:30 am before driving in to the hospital, unsure if he would be paralyzed, alive, or cancer-free when the surgery was over.

As I found out Aaron made it through the successful surgery without paralysis, Ben strolled through the door! What a celebration we had with friends and family in the waiting room!!!

My friend, Amy Sain, has had her share of terrifying drives in to the hospital unsure of the outcome of surgery and CT scans and MRIs. It is so strange that a relatively quick scan has the power to completely change your life. Like Aaron, Amy was diagnosed with pediatric cancer (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) and has had multiple recurrence over the past 4 years. I am honored to be running for such a joy-filled, positive young woman who has been an example and encouragement to me! The money raised in honor of Amy throughout the month of July will go to the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1") which strives to provide support and guidance to those on the ketogenic diet due to cancer, epilepsy, or metabolic disorders. 

Amy with her daughter, Riley, and son, Ryan

How can you help Amy and the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1")?
1. Donate: There are 2 different ways to donate to the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1"), the foundation Amy has asked all funds raised in her honor be directed. 1. Online - To donate, please go HERE and then send me an e-mail letting me know you have done so and the amount so that I may keep track of our total donations. 2. By Check - You may also send a check made to the "Aaron R. Moeller Memorial Fund" and indicate "Amy Sain" or "RSG1" in the notes section.  I will be taking donations for Amy and the RSG1 Foundation through the month of July even after "her race" is completed!

2. Run: Come check out Frankenmuth with me! You can register online. Be sure to let me know so I can look for you!

3. Spread the word: Please tell your friends and family by sharing the link to this post on your Facebook or in an e-mail, or directing them to the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1") website.

4. Pray:
* Pray for Amy as she begins the same treatment regiment that was successful four years ago as well as relief from symptoms of weakness and leg-orientation issues

* Praise for God's strength and love shining through Amy as she gracefully
* Pray for her husband, Jerry, who has walked through these storms with his bride
* Pray for Riley and Ryan as they must be flexible and understanding through surgeries and treatments, pray that they will pour out their love on their mother, pray that her example of courage will sink deeply into their hearts

* Pray for Amy's parents and siblings as they have ridden this rollercoaster with her. I learned from Aaron's parents that it does not matter how old your child is, they are still your baby and you still ache for their suffering wishing to make it all better
* Please also pray for the runners of this race, that I would not experience any issues during my recovery, and the fundraising of this race initiative

Upcoming Races
July 13: 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5K Walk/Run (5K) in Pittsburgh, PA (North Park). I, along with the other members of The Great Lakers team, will be running in memory of Aaron Moeller (nerve sheath sarcoma) and Laura Fellows Campbell (liposarcoma) to raise funds for the Sarcoma Foundation of America
July 20: Gopher the Gold (5K) in Shelby Township, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Alyssa Wright (diagnosed with cervical cancer) and her young family

August 7: Red Carpet Run (5K) in West Bloomfield, MI. I will be running in support of the Hillman Cancer Center

September 8: Montour Trail half-marathon (13.1 mi) in Pittsburgh, PA (Montour Trail). I will be running in support of The Gideons International 

October 13: Step UP for Down Syndrome Walk in Grand Rapids, MI. I will be walking in honor of Ellie Helmus and the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan

November 2: Give Kids the World 5K Gingerbread Run (5K) in Kissimmee, FL. I will be running in support of Give Kids the World

Completed Races
Caledonia Kilt Klassic (5K) - 24:20     Donation Total on 6/8/13 - $2,520 
RHGYC Charity Run/Walk (5K) - 24:28
Kona Run (10K) - 51:22
Fifth Third River Bank Run (10K) - 51:37 
MOM 5K walk/run (5K) - 24:14
Run with the Cops, not from Them (5K) - 24:32 
Passion for Life (5K) - 26:27

Volkslaufe honoring Amy Sain

The 4th of July has always been an interesting day for Aaron and myself. We moved him out of his house in Traverse City, MI on the 4th (thanks to a ton of help from our parents) and were so exhausted we went to bed without any fireworks. 2008 and 2009 were pretty fun. We watched fireworks on the View in Mt Washington overlooking the city of Pittsburgh on year though I can't remember which year it was. Aaron was in charge of remembering things like that. In 2010 we spent the 4th in the ER still trying to figure out what was causing his excruciating pain and he was prepping for surgery the following year, which meant no food! 2012 we were able to make a trip to Grand Rapids to visit our old stomping grounds and his family only 4 weeks post-surgery.

7/4/11 - Aaron was feeling well enough to go to a parade despite prepping for surgery

On July 4th I will be running the Volkslaufe (10K) in Frankenmuth, MI to raise money for the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1") in honor of Amy Sain. My brother, now an avid and very talented runner, told me that it was such a fun race and it had to make my 13 in 2013 list of races. As we were talking only a month ago, he informed me that it is imperative that I am in peak running conditions. Apparently this is one of those races that is fun because it is so hilly and difficult...hmmmm, not really what I had in mind. I plan to spend my run sweating, and praying for my clinical rotations mentor and friend. I think the hills of this race will parallel Amy's story:

Amy and her husband, Jerry, on New Year's Eve 2013, only 3 weeks before her second neuro surgery

"'It's cancer.' I've heard those words several times in the 35 years of my life. The first time was when I was eight years old. It was Hodgkin's lymphoma. After a year and a half of chemo, I was cancer-free. And every year I had a simple chest X-ray and bloodwork to monitor my lymph nodes. I was always told that the one question they couldn't answer was regarding my fertility. Could I have kids?? My husband and I were blessed to welcome two children into our lives. Riley arrived in June 2005 and Ryan in September 2007. We were a "normal" family until April 9, 2009. That is when our whole world changed.

First family Pittsburgh Penguins' hockey game in April 2013!

While folding laundry at night, I had an immediate, excruciating headache that quickly progressed to stroke symptoms. An ambulance got me to the hospital, and then a quick helicopter ride got me to the neuro ICU. It was a terrifying experience that didn't end there. The downward spiral crashed down with a craniotomy that provided a diagnosis of a gliosarcoma. Not only did I have to recover from a brain hemorrhage with speech pathology and occupational therapy-I had to endure radiation, gamma knife radiation, and chemotherapy. In August 2010, I was clear of cancer. 

Riley's communion in April 2013

That lasted 2 years. This ugly cancer reappeared in November 2012. Another craniotomy confirmed the recurrence. Surgery removed the tumor and I was feeling amazing, given just having neurosurgery. So, I was placed on an oral chemo agent that was able to hold off the tumor growth for a few months. My MRI in May 2013 just confirmed its back. So we switched up chemo, and my most recent scan on June 3rd again showed growth of the tumor. So we are back at the drawing board...using Avastin until a more concrete plan is defined. I have also sought out the use of the ketogenic diet. The goal of this diet is to lower the amount of glucose in the body because glucose is fuel to cancer. However, research has shown that cancer cells cannot use ketones for energy.

Riley and Ryan

I have been fortunate to be working with Samra Savoiz, founder of the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1"). This foundation has worked with families affected with metabolic conditions, epilepsy, and cancer. This foundation has provided me with instruction and supplies, and most of all, support. While my future is not clear, none of us know what's around the corner, we can love those around us endlessly and never forget to say “I love you.” I have survived the past 4 years thanks to endless support of families and friends. And by the following quote:

~Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to dance in the rain". ~Anonymous"

Ryan's preschool graduation in May 2013 just as she found out the second chemo was not working

How can you help Amy and the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1")?
1. Donate: There are 2 different ways to donate to the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1"), the foundation Amy has asked all funds raised in her honor be directed. 1. Online - To donate, please go HERE and then send me an e-mail letting me know you have done so that I may keep track of our total donations. 2. By Check - You may also send a check made to the "Aaron R. Moeller Memorial Fund" and indicate "Amy Sain" or "RSG1" in the notes section.  I will be taking donations for Amy and the RSG1 Foundation through the month of July even after "her race" is completed!

2. Run: Come check out Frankenmuth and all of its hills with me! You can register online. Be sure to let me know so I can look for you!

3. Spread the word: Please tell your friends and family by sharing the link to this post on your Facebook or in an e-mail, or directing them to the Remi Savioz Glut1 Foundation ("RSG1") website.

4. Pray:
* Pray for Amy as she seeks treatment for another tumor, pray for peace and joy in the midst of uncertainty

* Praise for God's strength and love shining through Amy as she gracefully perservers
* Pray for her husband, Jerry, who has walked through these storms with his bride
* Pray for Riley and Ryan as they must be flexible and understanding through surgeries and treatments, pray that they will pour out their love on their mother, pray that her example of courage will sink deeply into their hearts

* Pray for Amy's parents and siblings as they have ridden this rollercoaster with her. I learned from Aaron's parents that it does not matter how old your child is, they are still your baby and you still ache for their suffering wishing to make it all better
* Please also pray for the runners of this race and the fundraising of this race initiative