Running With Perseverance

I’m no hero.

And I’m not really a runner. Not really …

I’ve never felt like a runner. I certainly don’t look like a runner. And I don’t even run like a runner.

But guess what? I am running – not for myself, but for the real heroes: the ones who battle cancer.

This May 2, I will travel south to Lincoln, Nebraska, to run a half-marathon.

Two months ago, the longest distance I’d ever run was two miles. Last week, I ran six. By May 2, I’ll run 13.1.

But I’m no hero. I’m just putting one foot in front of another to raise money for the real heroes: the children who’ve lost their hair, for the one who’ve been doubled over with pain, for the families who’ve gathered around the hospice bed to say goodbye.

I’m running for Little Miss Julia
and for Diane’s sister
and for Paul (our Paul).

Along with other members of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training, I’m running for a cure.

And I’m running for Jesus.

I keep the reminders close while I take each step. I keep a collage of encouragement so I can see the faces, so I remember that people are standing with me. This is a group effort.

This is my “Personal Hero” through Team in Training. Her name is Julia Grace. She turned 3 in January and was diagnosed wtih T-Cell Lymphoma. Julia endured chemo for two years, and would give herself her own chemo at the age of 2. She loves Thomas the Train, baby dolls, the color yellow and giving out hugs. Recently, she corrected her mom, while having a cold, saying “I’m NOT sick.” After battling cancer, one’s perspective of “sick” changes.

This is my father-in-law Paul, who died of leukemia on Jan. 21, 2009.
His leukemia was caused by over-exposure to Agent Orange during his years at war in Vietnam.

I fix my eyes here, too.

So far, my wildly generous family, friends and bloggers have donated more than $1,400. Each dollar brings us closer to the goal we all share: curing cancer. And many of you have said you are praying.

And, oh, how I need those prayers!

This will be my first attempt at a long endurance run. A year ago – just four days before Paul died – I was in a highway collision that caused an injury to my left leg. I have fully recovered, and am able to run. I do not take for granted the fact that I can do this.

I’m awed by your support, prayers and words of encouragement. This is how we change our world: One + one + one + one.

I humbly ask: Might you consider giving financially — not for this stumbling, bumbling runner, but for the real heroes? You can find my secure fundraising page by clicking here.

My thanks to you …

(UPDATE: This post is now being featured over at RunGirlRun, a company that sells women’s running clothes. Click here to link to the RunGirlRun website. Click here to reach the RunGirlRun blog.)