If you know me, you know that running has never been my thing. I was the awkward girl on the soccer team that finished every 2 mile run on the verge of tears, because I hated everything about moving my body like that. I have always scoffed at the people (sorry mom) who talked so highly of running because I truly never saw the point of putting yourself through the itching, suffocating and sweat intensity that is called a "jog". If it were up to me, I would rename running to something more along the lines of "swiftly dying" or "painfully struggling to breathe", but there is a reason I don't have the opportunity to rename things because I am the most uncreative human on this beautiful God given Earth. So here we are talking about how much I hate running, yet I have somehow signed myself up to "swiftly die" for 32.4 miles over the next two weekends, and let me tell you why.
In 2013, my sister was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that she fought hard, AND beat. It took years for her to gain her strength back to normal, and we still hope and pray that the Lord will be faithful and keep Kayla out of sickness, but today she is a walking miracle. Kayla was not supposed to live to see her 21st birthday, but next month she will be 23 years old and almost happily married for 2 whole beautiful years. We are ecstatic and forever thankful for her health, but I am especially excited to cross that half marathon (and 10k) finish line right by her side. Two years ago Kayla couldn't walk, bathe or hardly move on her own, but this Sunday she will defy the power of cancer and show the world that she is strong and a beautiful overcomer (thanks Mandisa). I will run because Kayla is worth the race, and so is my beautiful mom. I could not imagine pushing myself harder for any other two ladies and I am blessed and honored to run by their side (especially in DISNEY WORLD!!!).
The weekend after the Princess Run in WDW, I will travel to New Orleans with some of my best pals and run yet another half marathon (I know, crazy right?). I am so excited and nervous, but I am looking forward to proving to myself that I can complete the difficult task ahead of me. The past six years have made me feel weak and I am ready to be strong again. I have worked hard, but I have also prayed hard for peace and wisdom as I run for the sweet kiddos who can't. I will run and along the way thank Jesus for each breath I take and for every step I take, because there are children who will never have the opportunity to walk or breathe ever again.
As we run, each mile crossed is for a greater cause than ourselves. We are running to end childhood cancer and show the world that we need a cure. In order to make our dream of a cure a reality, we need your help. Please consider donating to our fundraising pages so we can work hard to make future generations unaware of the pain and reality of pediatric cancer. There is nothing in this world that is more terrifying than losing a child, so please think about every parent, sibling or family member when deciding if you can give. I will run to find a cure, will you help me?
Each donation goes to Open Hands Overflowing Hearts in efforts to find a cure for pediatric cancer:
OHOH Fundraising for Rock N' Roll 1/2 Marathon
OHOH Fundraising for Princess 1/2 Marathon and 10K
