April Race: Run with the Cops, not from Them

Time for a confession: I chose my April race based completely on the name.

Seriously, how could I not run a race with that kind of a name!? Once I found out the cause it is benefiting, I was sold.

The 4th annual Run with the Cops, not from Them race starts at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 20th on Belle Isle, MI. This race is going to be amazing for a few of reasons. 1. I have never been to Belle Isle and can enjoy checking it out. 2. It is April rather than March, so I am hoping that means slightly warmer temperatures. 3. The foundation they are supporting is fabulous!!

The funds raised from the race itself as well as any donations made to my 13 in 2013 race series will go to benefit the For a Day Foundation. Below you will find information on the organization from their website. They are doing some really heartwarming and uplifting work for kids with cancer.

The For a Day Foundation is committed to creating emotionally therapeutic experiences for seriously ill children—and providing them and their families with a joyful and much needed diversion from the strain of chronic treatment.

We use role models, make believe, and play therapy to give each child the opportunity to imagine and live out a fantasy while experiencing a moment of the childhood they all deserve.

We believe that by engaging and supporting these children with our programs, we not only offer them a brief respite from the realities of their illness and everyday hospital routine, but also a lasting and cherished memory to make any day a little brighter.

Aaron "horsing around" in July, 2012

How can you help?
1. Donate: There are 2 different ways to donate to this race. 1. Online - Go online to their website. When you scroll down, you will see a place to register for the race. Select "Donate another amount." On the next page it will ask you for your information and as you scroll down a little, you will see an option that says "I just want to donate!" Enter your amount and you're almost done. The last thing you need to do is e-mail (Jennifer.R.Moeller@gmail.com) me to let me know you donated so I can keep track of how much has been raised through this effort. 2. By Check - You may also send a check made to the "Aaron R. Moeller Memorial Fund" and indicate this race in the notes section.

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

3. Spread the word: Tell your friends and family, share the link to this post on your Facebook, invite others to check out Belle Isle.

4. Pray:
*Pray for the children who have the heartbreaking joy to receive a day of fun from For a Day

*Praise for the For a Day Foundation, and others like it, which continue to serve these sweet children
*Pray for the volunteers and staff who are involved with this foundation

*Pray for the 1/300 boys and 1/333 girls who will develop cancer by the time they are 20 years old
*Pray for the families and friends of these children with cancer
*Prayer for the runners - fundraising efforts, protection from injury

Mamma said a heart-attitude of "Eat My Dust" is not appropriate for a charity race so I've decided to spread the word instead.

How ever you feel lead to impact the lives of these sweet children, thank you for taking action!

Upcoming Races
May 5: Mom 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention (5K) in Royal Oak, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Mark Howell (diagnosed with a rare pancreatic tumor) and his young family
May 11: Fifth Third River Bank Run (10K) in Grand Rapids, MI. I will be running in support of Bethany Christian Services

June 8: Kona Run (10K) in Northville, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of "Super Sam" Cooper (3 yo diagnosed with a brain tumor) and his family
June 15: Detroit Rhythm Run (5K) in Detroit, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Chad Rutherford (diagnosed with colon cancer) and his young, growing family
June 29: Caledonia Kilt Klassic (5K) in Caledonia, MI. I will be running in support of Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

July 4: Volkslaufe (10K) in Frankenmuth, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Amy Sain (diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in her brain) and the Sarcoma Foundation of America
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
Passion for Life - 26:27  Donation total - $195

Traveling fools...

In the past 3 1/2 months, I have lived in or visited 4 different states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Arizona, and Mississippi!

Arizona was my solo trip.

Um, can I tell you that the last time I spent a night away from Benjamin for non-hospital related reasons was October 21, 2011!?!?! It was also the very first time I had ever rented a car and was the first time in 5 1/2 years that I flew by myself! Needless to say, when I obtained my fabulous car, navigated around Phoenix, and made it home again, I was pretty proud of my accomplishments!

I may have had a bit too much fun zipping around in my Infinity!

I had so much fun visiting with college friends, visiting my grandparents, and celebrating the marriage of 2 fabulous people! The weather was gorgeous and the sunshine was necessary!

Catching up and checking out the Desert Botanical Garden

I love my college roomies! The 4th one was the bride!

Bride and groom

What a joy to visit with my grandma and grandpa!

Mississippi was the trip that I was most nervous about. Yes, I had just accomplished flying without getting lost in the airport. Yes, I had just seamlessly rented my car. Yes, I was beyond excited to meet Baby Kaylee (and see Beau and Christina, too). That being said, I was not looking forward to navigating all of this with a 2 year old who might really like flying in a big "ah-pain" or shriek in terror the entire time.

Checking out our airplane!

Fortunately, he only required "adjustment periods" as things changed. Personality-wise, he is definitely my son. We flew on 3 different airplanes to get to Mississippi with one layover being only 20 minutes! I was so happy that Ben did so well! Aaron had found this book, Amazing Airplanes, as a Christmas gift for Ben. We read this book nearly 20 times on the flights. It helped to calm him down when he got nervous and distract him when he got bored.

My first plane ride with my own seat! Last time I napped in the MOBY wrap.

"S'ok Ben Bunny. Read you." It helped Ben Bunny when I read to him on our second flight

Pulling my weight and checking out the "tractors" and "ah-pains"

Before we even reached our cruising altitude on the third and final flight

Despite having a baby on 2 1/2 weeks prior to us arriving, Christina was happy to show us around Mississippi or "Mister Sippi" as Ben called it. We were going to check out the St. Patrick's day parade but after not being able to find parking 4 hours prior to the parade, we figured the farmers market was a better idea with small children in tow.

So much better than the parade!

Side note: you know you had been raising your child in the city when he jumps with joy and exclaims "grass time!" every time he so much as walks on grass.

"Grass time!" with Boba

Throughout Christina's pregnancy, Aaron and I rejoiced over God's mercy in giving our grieving, overwhelmed little family so much joy in the expected arrival of Kaylee. We marveled at His perfect timing of new life as we continued to be reminded of our mortality. When Beau and Christina visited Aaron in the hospital at the end of December, Aaron was able to feel Kaylee kick his hand. What a precious moment for a brother and sister to share; a precious moment for an uncle.

Overjoyed to celebrate with family!

As I watched Kaylee's baptism with her parents professing to raise her in a Christian home and teach her God's truths, such joy filled my heart! What a wonderful celebration! 

The happy family!

Ben thoroughly enjoyed being a big cousin! As long as Mamma wasn't holding Kaylee, everything was good. Yup, I have a Mamma's boy on my hands!

Cousins!

Now, Kaylee, this is the tricky part of the song. Your toes are down here...

Well, after some baby snuggle time, one 2 year molar break through, and lots of good food later, we were headed back to the airport to head home. You know it is time to go home when your toddler begins to cry for his Thomas sheets...

I've got Ben Bunny, my water, and my blanket. I'm ready to fly!

We only had 2 flights on the way home and our layover was long enough to get lunch with plenty of time to run around after. Ben had a great time watching 2 older boys run around and decided to follow their lead.

I'm going to poop right as we get on the plane. It will be great fun to watch Mamma try to change me in that tiny plane bathroom!

TACKLE!!

I am so glad to have been able to visit with friends and family, not to mention the warm sunshine that we are still lacking in Michigan. However, I think we'll take a little break from the long distance traveling for a couple months.

I think the high altitude has gone to her head...

Passion for Life: Post Race

Passion for Life

The Passion for Life run was on Saturday. It was a great run! My brother took on the 5 mile run around Walled Lake (the actual lake) while I chose to play it safe with the 5K for my first race of the season.

Sister and brother - trying to not think about how cold we are

Let's do this!

The race had a great turn out! There were at least 1,000 participants!

You can see my bright pink bow way in the back. Erich was up by the green near the people who paid attention to the race starting!

I ran my personal best time...ever! 26 minutes, 27 seconds (8:32 per mile)! I also finished second in my age group (first time ever!) and 78th out of all the 5K runners! For this reason, there are no pictures of me running...it's just not pretty.

One very happy lady!

 Erich smashed his time goal as well!

He makes it look so easy.

 Racing in your hometown area is super fun when you have been gone for 5 1/2 years. Saw a few friends from middle and high school.

  

Not only was there a great turn out and I ran a super time, but $195 was donated for Jacob and the Children's Hospital just from you! What a joy it was to run in honor of Jacob and the U of M Children's Hospital. When I would start to mentally weaken in my race, I would just think about Jacob. Running is easy compared to what he and his family has had to endure. Thank you for your support and generosity.

I think the cold was starting to get to us...

I wanted to share with Aaron that we had far surpassed my fundraising goal of $20 and that I had run my best time. His eyes would have widened as he told me I was one of those crazy runners now. This comment would have immediately been followed by a proud smile (complete with dimple) as he would have pulled me in for a hug, told me he was proud of me for running and caring about this family, and that I needed a shower.

Coming up: Run with the Cops, not from Them (5K) in Detroit, MI benefiting The For a Day Foundation.

Passion for Life in 1 day!

The Passion for Life race in Walled Lake, MI kicks off the "13 in 2013" race series! I am out-of-my-mind excited to start running the races and helping these families and organizations!

Sneak-peak at the "official" race series shirt!

Shirt: Check!
Shoes: Check!
Donation total as of 3/22: $125!

$125 for U of M C.S. Mott Children's hospital and Jacob Pesta! How awesome is that!? I was not sure how much would be raised for this little boy since there wasn't much time between when I posted information and race day. However, people are so generous and hearts were moved by this little boy's story. Thank you for all those who have donated, prayed, spread the word, and will be running tomorrow.

I also wanted to introduce April's race and organization! Drum roll, please... 

Saturday, April 20: Run with the Cops, not from Them (5K) in Detroit, MI benefiting The For a Day Foundation.

The For a Day Foundation is new to me and I am so excited to be running and raising money to support this fabulous organization!  Here is a little information from their website: "The For a Day Foundation, a 501(C)(3) organization formerly operated as Queen for a Day, is committed to creating emotionally therapeutic experiences for seriously ill children and providing them and their families with a joyful and much needed diversion from the strain of chronic treatment. We use role models, make believe, and play therapy to give each child the opportunity to imagine and live out a fantasy while experiencing a moment of the childhood they all deserve."

My heart bursts at the kindness and creativity of Jenna Edwards, the founder of FADF! Cancer forces many children, including Aaron, to grow up so quickly. Their lives revolve around hospitals, needles, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and death. FADF attempts to give these sweet ones a little childhood and joy among the pain and suffering.

Aaron's childhood may have been interrupted by cancer but it never interrupted his joy!

Please begin thinking about how you may like to get involved. Can you pray for the volunteers who visit these children? Can you give financially to allow a child to take a mental break from chemotherapy to spend a day as a princess or a pirate or with a special visitor? Can you volunteer? Will you join me on April 20th for the race? How ever you feel lead to impact the lives of these sweet children, thank you for taking action!

Upcoming Races
May 5: Mom 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention (5K) in Royal Oak, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Mark Howell (diagnosed with a rare pancreatic tumor) and his young family
May 11: Fifth Third River Bank Run (10K) in Grand Rapids, MI. I will be running in support of Bethany Christian Services

June 8: Kona Run (10K) in Northville, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of "Super Sam" Cooper (3 yo diagnosed with a brain tumor) and his family
June 15: Detroit Rhythm Run (5K) in Detroit, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Chad Rutherford (diagnosed with colon cancer) and his young, growing family
June 29: Caledonia Kilt Klassic (5K) in Caledonia, MI. I will be running in support of Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

July 4: Volkslaufe (10K) in Frankenmuth, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Amy Sain (diagnosed with a soft tissue sarcoma in her brain) and the Sarcoma Foundation of America
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

Where to send donations

Tomorrow, Benjamin and I take off for Mississippi to spend 5 days with Aaron's sister, Christina, her husband, Beau, and their daughter, Kaylee, who was just born on February 26! It will be a big day for us. We will be flying...just the two of us...for the first time! The last time we flew was June 2011 to go to Wisconsin for two of my cousins' graduations and Ben slept the entire way both ways! Something tells me that won't be happening, but one can hope, right!?

Look how good you had it, Mamma!

So, in light of that, this will be a short post but I wanted to clarify some potential misunderstanding regarding my 13 in 2013:

1. A memorial fund has been set up in Aaron's memory and provides a means for donations to be eligible for tax deductions! When making your donations, please make the check payable to Aaron R. Moeller Memorial Fund and indicate in the notes section where you would like your donation directed (i.e. Passion for Life, Cooper Family, Sarcoma Foundation).

2. Donations can be sent to my home address (please e-mail me at Jennifer.R.Moeller@gmail.com or leave a comment on any race post for my address) or made directly to the organization if available (if you go this route, please let me know so I can keep track of how much has been generously donated!).

3. The purpose in my running these races is to encourage and help these families in some tangible way. Here is how I imagine this process:

a. A family's story or information about an organization will be featured here on the blog (just like Jacob Pesta and the Passion for Life race) for the month in which their race will occur. Some months, there will be more than one family or organization since I'll be running multiple races that month.

b. Friends, family, and anyone else desiring to help may send a check to my address written to the Aaron R. Moeller Memorial Fund and indicate in the note section of the check whom they wish the money to benefit. By writing the check to this fund, the donations are tax deductible! Hooray! I will indicate if there is online donations available for each race. Of course, there are many other ways to get involved other than a financial donation!

c At the end of the month, I will write a check from the Aaron R. Moeller Memorial Fund and send it to the family!

Thank you so much for the support and encouragement you have given already through your text messages, e-mails, blog comments! $45 have already been raised for the Passion for Life!

P.S. And yes, I can count and I know that there are actually 14 events listed on the race schedule but one of them is a walk, technically not a race, but this family is so sweet and I will be fundraising in their honor!

March race: Passion for Life

The first of 13 races is only 2 weeks away!

Race shoes are ready!

The Passion for Life race kicks off at 10:00 am on Saturday, March 23rd in downtown Walled Lake, MI. The funds raised from this race will go to benefit the U of M C.S. Mott Children's Hospital and Jacob Pesta and his family. Below is some information from the race website about this brave little boy and the hospital that cares for so many little ones.

Our Inspirational Family for the 2013 Passion for Life Run is the Pesta Family. Jacob is an eight year old little boy from Commerce Twp, MI.

Jacob Pesta

On August 4, 2009, Jacob was diagnosed with a very rare, aggressive Thalamic Brain Tumor.  He had just turned 5 years old.  It was the most catastrophic day of their lives and every parent’s worst fear! The family learned of his brain tumor as a result of a fall that caused a concussion to the right side of his head. Jacob’s parents Shelly & Mike believe that this fall was an act of divine intervention: Without it, they may never have learned of the presence of this tumor, as Jake had been asymptomatic. The MRI indicated that Jacob’s right Ventricle was occluded with tumor by 90% and that he was only weeks away from having a life threatening seizure. Jacob has endured two craniotomies, which resulted in an unequivocal total resection; emergency shunt surgery; Proton beam radiation for 35 days and 126 days of aggressive chemotherapy. While Jacob was hospitalized recovering from his first craniotomy, the Pestas received the pathology results from the first tumor that was removed. It came back as a grade III. On September 4, 2009 Jacob underwent his second craniotomy to remove the final chunk of tumor that remained in the Thalamus. The operation was completed successfully with no harm to Jake’s brain, and took his chances for overall survival up to between 55 - 60%. At this time, Jacob is currently being treated by doctors at U of M C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital. Jacob is an extremely happy and confident child.  He enjoys music, swimming, movies, riding his quad runner, playing video games, and he LOVES school!! Additionally, he is very thoughtful and kind to others.  He is truly an inspiration to so many people.

U of M C.S. Mott Children's Hospital

  A baby’s first tentative steps across a nursery…catching a snowflake on the tip of your tongue…enjoying an ice cream cone on a summer day…giggling with friends at the back of the school bus. These are just a few of the ordinary — yet extraordinary — moments of growing up. For children with illnesses or serious injuries, however, childhood may take a different path. Regardless of the road ahead, we will be there to care for you.
  C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is known worldwide for its excellent clinical, educational and research programs. Experienced and innovative colleagues with diverse expertise collaborate to provide the highest-quality family-centered care for pregnant women, newborns, children and adolescents.

  As part of the University of Michigan Health System, C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital works toward a mission of integrating clinical care, education, advocacy and research in order to advance the overall health status of children, their families and communities statewide. In order to achieve this mission, Mott emphasizes excellence in providing family-centered, cost effective care for children on a local, regional and national level. Mott is not a community hospital, but, instead, a hospital for all communities. The reach of our extensive children’s services extends through community involvement and partnerships with providers statewide. Mott maintains a leadership role by helping other providers enhance clinical services, and by serving as an advocate for children’s health. As we move into the future, our goal is clear and steadfast: We will be the hospital of choice for advanced children’s care, education and research.

How can you help? There are 4 different ways!
1. Donate: Currently, there is not a way to donate online. However, you can send a check to Passion for Life (address may be found here) or to me (e-mail Jennifer.R.Moeller@gmail.com if you need my address). At the end of the month, I will write one check and send it to the organization. I would like to keep track of how much is raised through my runs so if you send funds directly to the organization, please let me know. You can e-mail me at Jennifer.R.Moeller@gmail.com if you have any questions.

2. Run: Anyone is welcome and you can register on their website!

3. Spread the word: Send out a link to my blog post, encourage friends to run with us, talk about this courageous family and the hospital caring for Jacob.

4. Pray: 
*Pray for Jacob - that God would continue to give him courage, faith, and a joyful heart
*Pray for his mother and father, who must watch their boy grow up all too quickly
*Pray for Jacob's siblings to not be fearful and to feel loved and not forgotten in the business of cancer
*Pray for wisdom for the physicians
*Pray for God to use the chemotherapy and radiation treatments to provide healing Jacob
*Pray that the Lord would protect Jacob from any recurrences
*Praise for medical technology and treatments
*Prayer for the runners - fundraising efforts, protection from injury

Ben says, "Thank you for loving on Jacob and his family!"

Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, and prayers! 

13 in '13 races reveal!

Today I am reminded how quickly time can pass and how much can change.

3/4/2011

Exactly 3 months ago, Aaron and I sat in Dr. Tawbi's office for our 2:20 pm appointment to review the CT scan he had that day at noon. It was the appointment where we heard the chemotherapy was not working and we were out of "curative" options. We were told that he likely had 3 months to 1 year left with us on earth. We thought we had time. Later that month we were reminded that we can NEVER take time for granted because only God knows how much we have left to witness in this life.

3/4/2012

This Saturday, March 9th, Aaron will have been in Heaven for 2 months. I miss his laugh, his blue eyes, his crooked smile and dimples, his advice. However, I continually thank the Lord that Aaron is no longer suffering from pain and sin. He is free! Praise God for His mercy to take Aaron quickly as he suffered physically for much of his life. Praise God that He allows me to see the blessings He continues to bestow on our families every single day!

3/4/2013

When Aaron was diagnosed in June of 2011, I thought we were the only family to have to walk this path of being a new young family with an uninvited member: cancer. Sadly, I have come to find that there are so many affected by this disease. It is my honor and privilege to run and fundraise for these families as well as organizations who work to help families in need.

6/7/2011 - Day of Daddy's biopsy results

"13 in 2013" is an attempt to say thank you to those who walked with us through cancer. It is a chance to support organizations who aim to help those in need and come along side families when they are not sure where their next step will take them.

I will spotlight the families and organizations during the month of their race. This way, you will be able to get to know them a little through their story. At the bottom of this post you will see many ways you can help and get involved!

I'm so excited! I can hardly stand it!

March 23: Passion for Life (5K) in Walled Lake, MI. I will be running to benefit the race's fundraising efforts in support of U of M C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital and it's Inspirational Families (Jacob Pesta (8 yo) and Family)

April 20: Run with the cops, not from them (5K) in Detroit, MI. I will be running to benefit the race's fundraising efforts in support of The For a Day Foundation

May 5: Mom 5K Run/Walk for Mental Health Awareness & Suicide Prevention (5K) in Royal Oak, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Mark Howell (diagnosed with stage IV melanoma) and his young family
May 11: Fifth Third River Bank Run (10K) in Grand Rapids, MI. I will be running in support of Bethany Christian Services

June 8: Kona Run (10K) in Northville, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of "Super Sam" Cooper (3 yo diagnosed with a brain tumor) and his family
June 15: Rochester Hills Government Youth Counsel Charity 5K (5K) in Detroit, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Chad Rutherford (diagnosed with rectal cancer) and his young, growing family
June 29: Caledonia Kilt Klassic (5K) in Caledonia, MI. I will be running in support of Helen DeVos Children's Hospital

July 4: Volkslaufe (10K) in Frankenmuth, MI. I am honored to run on behalf of Amy Sain (diagnosed with a sarcoma in her brain) and the RSG1 Foundation
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

What can you do?

How can you get involved?
1. Donate! I'll have information up soon about how you can donate to the families and/or organizations. It is still a working process but will hopefully be smoothed out soon!

2. Run! No, you don't have to run all 13 races with me but maybe one or two. Just knowing someone is thinking about you enough to run a race for you or your loved one is an amazing joy and comfort.

3. Spread the word! Tell your family and friends about these races. Tell these families' stories. Encourage others to get involved!


4. Pray! Prayer is powerful! Please lift these families, organizations, and races up in prayer. There is a lot of heartache and struggle but so many blessings!

Thank you to the families who have allowed me the privilege to be involved in your stories.

Thank you to those who will donate, run, spread the word, and pray.

9/20/2007

Thank you to my husband for teaching me to see the blessings in life.