We did it!

I can report that TNT raised $18.5+ million with the Nike Women's Marathon!! At the pasta party on Saturday night, I heard more inspirational stories and people than I can describe. There were survivors participating in the marathon, loved ones of survivors and of those that had already passed on - everyone was running in honor or in memory or both of someone affected by cancer. It was hideous and beautiful simultaneously. I remember watching all of the pictures of honorees, those still here and those passed on and being overwhelmed at one point at our vulnerability. And then a survivor spoke to the group of 6K people about how she beat all the odds. On whole, TNT has raised over $60 million this year through its marathon participants!!

And ... I crossed the finish line at 26.2 miles!! It got hard at mile 20, mile 23 to 26.2 was the most difficult ever!! I made it ... and ONLY with the support of all of the people who offered time, money, words and let's not forget, free babysitting. ; ) I could never, ever have done this on my own, and not just the donations - I could never have completed the training and then the marathon without the endless support I have received. And I am so incredibly thankful to have been a part of that whole experience.

Due to flight delays, I did not get home until 2:30 a.m. By the time I got in bed and then talked to an excited 6 year old who crawled into my bed an hour later to whisper to me all about her adventures while I was away, I'm going on about 2 hours of sleep. So, I'm going to try to do the official letter/e-mail tomorrow to send out and let everyone know of our success and the details of the whole thing! And in case anyone was wondering, yes, we're doing it again next year. ; )

Okay, we made it past the minimum. Not as much as I'd hoped, but more than required. When I do this next year, I'll know a lot more about fund raising and will raise even more.

I am going to do a 3 mile run on Thursday and that's it until the big day. At times, I can't remember when I wasn't training and then at other times, it seems like it's been no time at all. I really want to keep this up after the marathon - not to this degree but keep a regular running regimen. I think, given how much I've fallen in love with it, that I can.

I have to e-mail Anna's picture tomorrow to the Marathon Expo and they'll display it among all the others with a word about why I'm honoring that person. I have no idea how I'm going to put that into words. I'll probably just say something about how I'm running in honor of Anna Jane, five years old, b/c in her struggles, she's taught me how to live. Yes, I believe that's it.

Winding down ...

The marathon is in less than one week. I know the total shows that I have $150 more to go to reach the minimum fundraising total but I am picking up my final donations tomorrow and that will put me over the minimum, how much I don't know. I know that I'm picking up at least $200 but it might be more. I very much look forward to the Pasta Party Saturday night when we'll find out the total raised for the marathon.

I did the last team run on Saturday. I was kind of sad about that, really. I'm almost giddy about the marathon. I can't wait to run in it. There are 15,000 people participating. Wow. That's a lot of people. The beginning is a little nerve-wracking I've heard b/c you're all bunched up together. There is a chip on your shoe that doesn't start counting time until you cross the start line and then stops when you cross the finish. I always wondered how that worked since it wouldn't seem fair to the thousands that take a while just to get to the starting line. Even after that, you're apparently all bunched up for quite a while and then the crowd finally disburses. I'm fairly claustrophobic, I hope that doesn't affect my breathing too much. Oh well, surely it won't.

Anna - I don't really know how one describes how a child is doing that is dieing of cancer. Her mom says that she no longer has good days and bad days but good times and bad times during each day. She has had several 'minor' procedures lately, when little things go wrong, that has caused her next MRI to be repeatedly postponed. However, I hesitate to detail those b/c, for one, they're heartbreaking and for two, they sell her short. B/c she keeps going - granted, she's weak and has to be carried everywhere, but she goes and is still such a funny little child. So, it's not fair to just think about the things that makes my heart ache for her, but it's not fair to minimize her triumph in getting this far. There is a balance there somewhere.

I recently told you about Mitch that passed away. Not long after his death, the Light the Night walk occurred - it's a walk for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - held at night, obviously, and lit up by small lights down the entire way. There were hundreds of people there that wore shirts in Mitch's honor. His Mom spoke and I want to share what she said:

I cannot think of a better cause or a better place to be tonight than right here!

Leukemia, is the deadliest childhood cancer. Mitchell was diagnosed on August 12th, 2005, he relapsed August 13th 2007 and on Sept. 27th he headed to Heaven. This cancer is a beast, there is nothing pretty about it. But at the end of this long and dark tunnel there is a light, this light is the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. The society provides education and financial support to families effected by this disease, as well as, provides funds for research to find a cure.

First of all I want to thank my Heavenly Father for His loving grace and mercy for Mitchell during his final days and for blessing us with such beautiful family and friends who are taking great care of us during this time. Thank you to everyone who came to walk and who donated for your eagerness to help make the light at the end of the tunnel a little brighter.

Mitchell always enjoyed Light the Night. The first year(2005) he was too weak to walk and we pulled him in a wagon. Last year he was able to walk the entire way. Tonight he flies above us.

I ran 22 miles today!!! 22!! That's the longest run during training. Thank goodness. It was hard and the wind was HORRID. I felt like one of those cartoon people leaning against the wind but not actually going anywhere. But overall, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought that it would be. I have had a really hard time with the 18 and 20 milers. I didn't even completely finish the 20. My knees have been really bad but I cut back on my runs during the week as far as distance, got some anti-inflammatory ointment from my orthopedic doctor and pop Advil like an addict. They were much better today. the doctor said that if I'm going to keep running after the marathon, I have to get orthopedics. But you can't make those kinds of changes 3 weeks before the marathon so I'll have to do that later.

I have $200 more to go. Follow up letters are going out tomorrow. Hopefully, that will take care of it. I have a commitment of $100 from one couple but I'm not sure they can do it. We'll see.

Anna is doing okay, relatively speaking. Her family is trying to wait until after October 11th when she has her next MRI to make any decisions about continuing treatment. They hope to not have to make any before then. One of Anna's friends that she met through staying at the Children's Hospital passed away last Friday. He was 10 years old. 10 years old. Middle age at the age of 5. Once again I'm astounded at the strength of faith his family has shown throughout. Please pray for them and for Anna and her family. I know that her time is limited, but pray that it can last as long as possible without suffering.

I'm back

My computer is finally up and running. Finally!! I was going to post through my friend, Lisa, but she inexplicably couldn't open the last post I sent her so I just decided to wait until I got my computer back.

I've been training consistently. The long endurance runs are SO hard. SO hard. Last week was a 20 miler. This week (tomorrow) is a 12 and then next week is 22! 22 miles. My tendinitis has started flaring up at about 12/13 miles. Hopefully I can get that under control. After the 22 mile run, we taper way off for the three weeks prior to the marathon. And then it's the big day. I'm actually really excited about it.

I worked a fundraiser today for five and a half hours of sitting/standing in the sun. I'm sporting quite a sunburn but it was fun. We were working at the Triathlon - where people swim 2.4 miles, bicycle 112 miles (no, that's not a typo) and then run a marathon (26.2 miles). Masochists. I can't believe that anyone can do that. But they had several, several hundred contestants.

Anna. Anna is not doing well. She was able to go home after the pneumonia and she is doing one more week of antibiotics. But she's getting sick regularly - severe weakness and a myriad of intestinal problems. Yet, she'll frequently have short periods where she bounces back. She really is amazing. There is a little friend of Anna's that she has met through her own illness named Mitch. Mitch is nearing the end of his battle with cancer. His family is facing the difficult decisions that I can't possibly imagine. Please keep both of these families and these two innocent kiddos in your prayers.

Had a great 4 mile run this evening. The getting darker earlier is interfering with training a bit, but not too bad. Sunday is another 'longer than I've ever gone before' endurance run. 18 miles this week. 20 miles the next, then 12, then 22 ( I think) - after that the endurance runs dwindle significantly until the marathon. I can't believe it's as close as it is.

Anna is showing some improvement on the pneumonia front. She is on less oxygen now and starting to have a little bit of an appetite, although admittedly not much. She's resting better and I don't think struggling quite as much to breathe. I'll keep you posted. Please continue to keep her and her family in your prayers.

I have been trying to post lately but have found it ... difficult. I usually, before Anna had these latest difficulties, started with discussing training. I was trying to keep mind preoccupied this morning during my 10 mile run - i noticed that runners are illogically nice to each other. They always, always, always greet each other with a 'hi!" or "good morning" between their gasps ... gotta be some sort of masochistic bond.

But it all feels rather insignificant and useless. It could be that Anna will never leave the hospital now. It seems unlikely. I guess it's never enough - I remember praying for her to please be here to go on a real family vacation with her family this summer. Then I prayed that she would just get to start kindergarten, now I pray for more. It's not enough when you have to pray for a five year old to make it to this or that, not even daring to pray that they make it to six.

Just an update on Anna - they ran some tests today to see if they could pinpoint why she has been so ill with fever, etc. They knew it wasn’t solely attributable to the cancer b/c her AFP count was down (I have never asked what that stood for - I just know it goes up and down with cancer). Anyway, it turns out that she has pneumonia. She is on oxygen now and has perked up a little but she is apparently miserable. Her mom said that they will have to scope her to find out what kind and how to treat it. I don’t know what that entails, please just pray that they can schedule it quickly and that she’ll feel better soon. Until then, it’s another stay in the hospital.

16 miles. The second half of which ranks high as one of the hardest (physical) things I've ever done. If not for my teammate running with me, I have no doubt that I could not have finished. I have not been able to train as consistently in the past two-three weeks for various reasons and boy, could I tell it today during the endurance run. Luckily, things have calmed down now so I can get back on schedule. The first nine miles were so easy that I thought it was going to be okay but the last seven were incredibly difficult. Running with a team that is so supportive of each other makes such a difference.

That's it to report today as far as running. Tomorrow I suspect my stiffness is going to be even worse. Yikes. I sat in an ice bath after the run, I'm not sure how much it helped.

Anna is not feeling at all well and they can't find a specific cause. Please keep her in your prayers.

Hi, all. First, let me explain that my home computer has caught a nasty virus and cannot go to the doctor for a while and I can’t sign on to my blog from my work computer. So, this is why I have not been posting. However, I’ll be sending posts through my friend, Lisa, who is also doing the marathon so cheers for her.

Training is going well - the longer miles are tough. Tomorrow is 16 miles. 16!! Earlier, I map quest (is that a verb?) my current address in OKC to my former in Norman, to see how many miles it was in comparison to the marathon. it's only 22.7 miles. it's actually shorter to run b/w those two towns than I'll be running in the marathon. As I told some others, I just can’t think about it that way - until after, and then it will be cool. ; )

I signed the recommitment form today - meaning that I’m committed to the marathon no matter what on fund-raising. If I don’t meet the $3500 minimum (although $500 short of my goal), I’ll cover the remainder. It’s a cause I believe in so I don’t mind the giving - but it won’t be easy for me either so hopefully, we can make it. I’m currently $655 from my goal. Although, I am working an event in September that will add $60 to the fund-raising. So, it’s $595. There will be some more efforts in September, I’m confident that it will be fine.

Now, on to more important topics, Anna got to start kindergarten! Her family doesn’t know how long she’ll be able to go but right now, she has been able to go a little. It’s half-day so that helps. She doesn’t always make it the full half-day but she tries hard. She isn’t feeling well right now and it isn’t clear whether she’s going to feel better at any point. It’s a just a wait and see game. She recently told her mother, who said she was flabbergasted since she always concentrates on being strong for Anna, "I like it sometimes when you cry, because it makes me think you know how bad it hurts." And yet she’s still so miraculously determined. She wants to go to school even though she is very tired. She sat in her jog stroller one day the whole time, but she was in the circle and answering questions. She answers questions for me all the time, without even trying.

Another injury ... although not really an injury in a real sense. I have hesitated to run this week as I unfortunately seem to have strained my flexar muscle ... or some muscle, that could be the wrong name. But I saw the orthopedic dr. today - who knew I'd ever have one of those for my very own, and he said it was nothing about which to be concerned, more or less. So, all is well, I suppose.

A short run this Saturday, as I mentioned, and then we're leaving for vacation. Yay! We go to the same place every year and every Saturday morning they have a 5K - I've never participated before but this year, I'll definitely be doing that.

I'll post after the run on Saturday.

Anna and her family came home from their vacation. She had a marvelous time and her family was told by so many what an inspiration they were. I wonder if they really have any idea the magnitude of their strength.

Another 12 mile run today and much easier than last week, relatively speaking. Next weekend is only 6 miles - I don't know the logic but I just follow the regimen.

Anna's family got to go on their family vacation. Anna needs two naps per day to keep up with everything but apparently, she's having fun. She's awfully weak but so determined. I've never really seen anything like it and I had no idea someone so young could be THAT courageous. I'm so glad that they got to go.

I'm pretty confident that the law firm is going to make a donation, even if they don't do corporate sponsorship. I hope so, anyway.

12 miles on Saturday. My longest yet. I upped my pace last week so the 12 mile endurance run was actually pretty tough. It was the first time in a while that I have felt like I really had to push myself. Luckily, I did it. This weekend the endurance run is 12 miles again. The lengths of the endurance run get a little odd from this point forward.

I submitted all the information to the law firm that is considering being a corporate sponsor for Team in Training. I don’t know if they will go so far as corporate sponsorship, but I do think they’ll make a donation so we’ll see.

Work has kept me incredibly swamped this week so I haven't gotten to run until today. But it was a great run and the Divine Miss M did very well, too. Although, she got way ahead of me at one point, I have no idea what she was thinking. *sigh* I love running. I never, ever thought I would say that.

There is a large law firm in OKC that said to drop off the necessary information with regard to becoming a corporate sponsor. No promises or anything but at least they're interested. We'll see.

Anna is regularly in pain it seems. They know another family whose little boy recently passed away and when Anna was talking about how she always hurts, she and her Mom talked about the healthy body she was going to get when she gets to heaven and how her friend is there playing right now. I have what I consider difficult conversations with my daughter, and then I get hit with other people's reality. I'm so incredibly lucky.

Well, I spoke at the Rotary Meeting but it didn't go as well as I know most of you hoped. I have never, ever been a good public speaker and tonight was no exception. Please don't think that I didn't try b/c I did but I just ... it's just not something I can achieve it seems. I'll have to stick to the more manual parts of fundraising.

Even if I don't make it to the minimum on fundraising, the money that we have raised thus far and whatever we raise through the commitment date in August will still go to the same place and do the same work that we intended. My aunt Kim recently reminded me of one of my favorite quotes. She and I were discussing the fact that TNT Oklahoma raised $20K during the last two weeks of June alone. She said something that reminded me of Margaret Mead's quote, "Never doubt that a small, group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Different context but the principle remains. When families affected by cancer are helped, when pain is lessened at least for while and someone's load, which has long since surpassed back-breaking, is just that much lighter, it is because of the work and the generosity of people like us, those that have donated here and other places, be it words of encouragement, support, time or monetary funds. It's what makes the difference at the end of the day. Occasionally you hear stories about a large corporation or a governmental body or something of that magnitude changing the every day lives of people, but the majority of the time, it's the small efforts of other every day people that add up to real alterations. If this taught me anything, it taught me that.

I did it - I did 10 miles!! It was a great run the whole time. It felt good, I was energized, I was enjoying it, I watched the sun come up over Lake Hefner. It was great. I'm completely confident that I can do this now.

As for this moment, it's time to go pay attention to my house and my daughter, both of which get neglected during training, unfortunately.

Have a great weekend, everyone. I'll post Monday night about how the Rotary meeting goes.

Second Wind

Great run tonight. I remember before I hurt my knee that there came a time when I could suddenly run easily - without it feeling like I was surely not going to make it. When I got that second wind and could just keep going. I have finally hit that again. I'm so happy about it. Good thing too considering this Saturday's endurance run is 10 miles. Oh, boy. I'm actually looking forward to it - to see if I can do it and to see how it feels. Pretty sure that makes me completely insane.

I am going to distribute brochures to five different businesses that will allow the brochures to lay out for people to take. That will earn $25 toward fund-raising. I wonder if I can get 10 businesses to do it, if I will earn $50, etc. I'll have to ask. I already have the okay from one business, so only four to go. I still don't know how much I earned from working the concession at the air show last month. I'm getting a little impatient about that. I'm going to be speaking at the Rotary Club meeting this Monday night. Public speaking is definitely no my forte but I'm determined to do this. We'll see where we are after that. And I started the follow-up letters. It was so late when I wrote it that I was fairly bleary-eyed. I'm going to review it this weekend and then mail them out.

And I got the picture of Anna that will be on my race day shirt - she's such a cutie. Unfortunately, it's on my computer at work so I can't access it but I'll e-mail it home tomorrow and then post it on here Saturday when I report back about the endurance run.

That's all for now. I'll let you know how it goes on Saturday. We start at 6 a.m. in an attempt to beat the heat. Which means I'll have to eat no later than 5 a.m. Ouch. ; )

I finally had a good run - the first in a week. I've been running just, for some reason, they haven't felt like good runs. Until today. It's funny, I could tell during the first mile that today's run was going to be one of those that energize you and make you look forward to the next one. I was vigilant about drinking water today and ate a Power Bar about an hour/hour and a half before my run. That seems to work best for me. I remember one of our trainers talking about how funny runners are in that once they find something that works, they never try anything else. I can see that now.

Also, the most amazing thing happened after my run today and was the main reason I rushed to post. I was wearing my Team in Training shirt and a woman called to me and came over asking if I was running for TNT this year. I told her that I was and she told me about her experience running for TNT two years ago. She was so nice and told me all about her experience and how much it meant to her. Her words alone were such an inspiration that I already thought it a blessing to have met her and then, she gave me a $100 donation!! I thought that was so amazing. What an unbelievably nice person.

Our total now is $2365. We're getting there!! I'll be sending out update letters soon. Hopefully, this week.

Hi, all. I'm a little more amazed each time I found out just how many people read this blog on a regular basis. It's been a bit hectic around here. Major deadlines at work keep piling up and then we had to travel to our hometown for a funeral this weekend. I'm a little off kilter on my training but I did get two runs in while we were there so not too bad.

Anna told her Mom recently, "Mom, who knows... Jesus maybe better at playing than Dad.....You never know 'til you get there." It seems that God is helping take away her fear of the unknown and replacing it with confidence that heaven will be a marvelous place for her. Jesus talked about having the faith of a child. It's a beautiful thing to behold, even when it's painful.

Training is getting really hard since the Oklahoma summer has arrived, mercifully delayed but here now. I'm trying, though, really trying. I have to start paying more attention to everything I take in as far as eating and drinking and concentrate more on water throughout the day. I have been cognizant of it throughout but I'm going to have to start being truly vigilant.

I've got to make one big push this month on fundraising. I have to sign a commitment in August on whether I can reach my minimum amount - at that point, if I commit, I have to pay the difference at the end if I don't reach it. Looking at the fundraising as it currently stands, I think I can make it. And I have some specific things to do this month so we'll see. ; ) I think we can do it.

Have a great week!!

Wow

Lots of things to tell.

Most importantly - between June 15th and June 30th, Team Oklahoma (which I think basically encompasses teams in the OKC and Tulsa areas) raised $20,000!! That's so incredible!!

My total is at $2165 right now. More than halfway. We're getting there!!! Please feel free to e-mail this blog to anyone you'd like in an effort to reach more people.

I ran 7 miles Saturday and it was a good run. Shockingly, in the 18 straight days of raining, even though I wasn't missing runs, I managed to never run in the rain ... until Saturday. ; ) But actually, it wasn't too bad. Most of the time it just misted so it felt kind of good, really. The rest of the season, I do 4-6-4 during the week and then Saturdays are the endurance runs. This weekend I'll be doing 9. I'll be caught up with the team soon, that makes me feel good. At the beginning of this, I never thought I'd see the day when I said, "It's just a 4 mile run." The endurance runs are going to be tough, but well worth it.

Anna is lamenting the loss of her hair again (from the oral chemotherapy she's currently taking). She has been talking about how she's the only one in her family that is going to be bald - once again. As you can imagine, her mom is very tempted to have her own head shaved.

For those of you to whom I owe Thank You cards, please don't think I'm unappreciative!! I'm a little behind on those but they are going out soon!!

Feeling chatty ...

Tonight was a four mile run, I love those days. Yesterday I was good and only did five instead of the six. I ended up seeing my coach at the track on the latter half of the run so I could honestly say I was following the rules. Good thing, since the 5 was pretty hard.

I find that if for some reason I'm not going to get to run when I plan, I get really disappointed, even though I know how hard it is while I do it.

We've raised $2140 so far. We're doing great!! I'm going to go to the Boomerang restaurants and see if they'll do a TNT night for me where I get 10% of the proceeds from the sales that day or just dinner sales. I was going to do Johnnies but someone beat me to it. And I'm going to talk to some of the girls this weekend about doing the car hop thing at Sonic one day ... that one should be interesting. Me inside the building where they make Cherry Limeades. I see a quick 10 pounds coming my way.

Anna ... she has her good moments and her difficult and apparently they swing fairly quickly. Yesterday Anna's Mom had a day where she was noticing everything that Anna can't do rather than all the things she still can, and I'm often in awe of her ability to keep the latter perspective. Honestly, it has to come from her faith. She mentioned yesterday though that Anna can't go up and down curbs without help, her legs aren't strong enough. I knew that her legs are now SO thin, but I didn't realize that. But today, I hear she was able to ride her bike around the block. I just don't know how they do it.

Here's a story I definitely wanted to share. Yesterday we had a mass e-mail going around the team in which everyone listed their top 5 reasons for being a member of TNT. One of the members of the walking team listed as her number 1 reason: "The drug that is saving my life was discovered through a grant from TNT. If not for Gleevec, I would probably have had a five year life expectancy. Instead, I'm at 6 1/2 years with CML, in total genetic remission and training for my second marathon with TNT." Like I said, she's a member of the walking team and I'm not as familiar with them yet, but I'm going to be sure to meet her this Saturday when we all meet to stretch before we go off with our teams. So often when you donate, you don't see the direct effects of your generosity and/or hard work. Her story shows that to us.

She also said that when she walked it two years ago, at one point in the course there were two little girls holding a sign that said, "You're helping save my Mommy's life. Thank you." That made me cry.

We're doing so much for people, we can't do everything, but we can do some even though sometimes, maybe always, it doesn't feel like enough. I've had a parent tell me that when people do things like this, even just knowing that people are training this hard for this purpose, it makes them feel just a little less alone in the battle. I have to believe that counts for something. Like I said, it doesn't hand every parent a cure, doesn't take away pain immediately, but it's something. Honestly, the whole experience is as humbling as it is rewarding.

Okay, the running has been going well since I started again. Saturday's long run ended up being two miles longer than intended ... long story, as anything would be whenever you 'accidentally' run two extra miles. But I got through it. Tonight was a four mile run. I'm really noticing how to use my arms when I start to get tired. Tomorrow is a 6, but I'm sure I'll just do five in my attempt to not do too much too soon. Man, that's hard. Then Thursday the four again. Then the endurance run on Saturday - I can't remember without going downstairs and looking at the schedule what the length is this week but mine will be different as my coach is drawing up a different schedule for me. But it's a schedule that will get me caught up eventually. And right now, the knee feels great.

At the pace I ran tonight - if I didn't get any faster at all and/or was not able to increase my running v. walking intervals, I'd still finish in just over five hours. So long as I finish, I'm more than happy. And as long as I finish within 6.5, I'll get an official finish time, whatever that means. ; ) Pretty sure I'll be well aware of my own time but okay. Probably entails something that I don't know about yet.

After the marathon, Nike offers free massages. If that isn't motivation to get to the finish line.

I have to start experimenting with snacks that will work for me during the run. There are all kinds of odd things to try. On Saturday, someone told me that the Sports Beans were like Jelly Bellies. I'm pretty sure my whole face lit up - I LOVE Jelly Bellies. But I'll have to figure out which works best for me. Some people swear by the Goo, but that seems a little icky to me. ; )

Anna is having some good days right now. She's been eating a lot for her and she's learned to be quite a schemer when it comes to getting exactly what she wants to eat - recently conning a babysitter into getting her Taco Bell. ; ) Girl after my own heart. Everything is bittersweet and future plans are always shadowed just a little with the question of how Anna will be doing or if she will still be here. But her Mom manages for the most part to concentrate on the good times when they have them right now and from that, we can all gain perspective.

A temporary aside

Anyone who knows me well can you tell me that I'm really not much of a fashion person. Those friends of mine that are fashion people will be the first to stress to you my indifference in this area. I have TRIED on occasion to care about these things but alas, in the end, I just don't have it in me. It can't hold my attention like say ... an OU game or .... March Madness ... or, well, Grey's Anatomy. ; ) I mean, come on, I may not be into fashion, but there are lot of nice ... things ... to see on that show.

In any event, I digress. Not being a fashion obsessive, running is right up my alley in this regard. Your sweaty, gross, often out of breath, way more concerned with things that will make you comfortable as possible than you ever are about looking pretty. Yet, with all that, my first reaction when looking at the knee strap that the dr. says is a must from now on when running (Yes, Jennifer, only when running so you can stop your panic at being seen with me), even MY first thought was, "Wow, that's, um, well, really ugly."

https://secure.cho-pat.com/products/product.php?product_type=26

You'd think, with all the running toys, I could have at least found one of these in black - but apparently every person with knee issues like mine beat me to the store. Black has always been my signature color, everything looks better in black.

Off to the track, the Divine, me and the latest in fashion accessories. ; )

Okay, it went really well. I can definitely tell that I took that time off, it's not as easy, relatively speaking, as it was. But it wasn't like starting from the very beginning, either. I only did two miles and did 1 1/2 running, 1 minute walking intervals. My coach is supposed to send me a revised training schedule for me. So, I'll get caught up.

Apparently, the time off was not good for the Divine Miss M, either. Wow, was she ever hating it. And we only went two miles!! So, she's going to have to get back into it as well.

Anna is having good days right now. I know she won't be cured but the medicinal regimen they have her on now seems to be helping her feel really good for the time being. She even got to go swimming earlier this week!! And she did an impromptu performance of "Shake Your Tail Feathers." I love that little girl.

Here we go ...

I did the last night of walking (I hope) lst night and tonight, I try running again. Hopefully, it will go well. I'll let you know!!

I got a total of $100 in donations today - that officially puts us over the $2K mark!!!! ; )

Finally!!

My blog service has been down for DAYS ... so, I can finally post.

I'm still walking. But one more night of that and back to runnning for me. Thankfully!! Walking is ... not something I enjoy. However, it's easy to think about the fact that I still have that choice whereas the people for whom we run oftentimes don't. Makes it easier to complete, believe me.

I'll post more later, now that I can finally sign in. I'm off to the track.

Good news ...

I got the all clear from the doc. I'm supposed to start out walking extensively for 3-4 days. Ugh! But then work slowly into running. If there are any more problems, then I have to return obviously but for now, I'm all set to go. ; )

Yay!! Now, I'm ready to get back into the swing of things and I will FORCE myself to walk instead of run until next week. I can't wait to run again. ; )

Anna is starting phase II a very new experimental drug that will try to add to her length and quality of life. Luckily, this medicine is by pill rather than liquid - apparently, the liquid form of phase one was pretty awful b/c she got extremely upset about having to take it. Considering all the medicines and procedures that she has endured and to which she has grown accustomed, that medicine had to be truly awful for her to get that upset about it. But she's off of that now and in Phase II so that's a good thing. Bless her little heart.

So, tomorrow, I suppose, is the big day - we'll find out if the dr. clears me. Honestly, Sunday I was increasingly concerned b/c the pain didn't seem to be subsiding. However, yesterday and today it has been worlds better. So, I'm cautiously optimistic.

Everyone keeps telling me, since I started having the knee problems, that running a half marathon is still an accomplishment. But I cannot stand to do half of what I already said that I would do, even though obviously I realize that a half marathon is a huge accomplishment and more than I've ever done before. But when I signed up to do this in Anna's honor, my commitment was a whole marathon and that's what I want to do. *insert stomping of foot like five year old* In any event, the cause is the same and the money I raise in the process will not change. So, if I have to do a half, then I'll do a half - but I'm determined for that to not be the case.

Anna told her babysitter that she wondered how she was going to get into her new healthy body when she gets to heaven, and get out of the one she has now. The things that little five year old ponders in her every day life are larger than anything I have to consider.

Fundraising front

Not much to report on the training front since I was sidelined thanks to my knee. It feels better sometimes and worse sometimes. I guess we'll see. Back to the doctor Wednesday morning.

I worked concession at the Air Show this weekend to help my fundraising effort. Team in Training had their own booth and several of us signed up to work, part of the proceeds going toward fundraising. It was nine hours of Africa hot but we actually had a lot of fun working together. And I dragged my cousin along with me and that made it more fun. I'll be selling tickets soon for an evening of activities at Deep Deuce - I've never been there but I hear it's a great place. Several of us were also talking about doing a carhop thing for a day at Sonic. That should be interesting ... but apparently, it's usually successful, so I'm game.

I continue to receive generous donations from people as well and am almost halfway to my goal. We're definitely going to make it. ; )

The things we take for granted

A friend of mine was at Anna's house last night. She said that she wasn't doing well. She also said that Anna's family was hoping that she would be doing well enough to go on one last family vacation this summer.

I know I've said this one million times but I can't conceive of that being my hope for my daughter. I think when most of us think about our dreams for our children - we think of them getting married, having their own kids should they so choose and the grandchildren we will spoil, choosing a career or life's work and most of all, finding contentment with who they are and with their life in general. It is inconceivable to me that there are hundreds of families that look upon their child with the immediate hope that they live through the end of the summer.

There are no words for that.

Good morning all!! The good news is that I can already tell an improvement in my knee, after just one full round of steroids and frequent icing. I'm THRILLED by this.

The bad news - these steroids are making me crazy. I feel like I'm just perpetually angry. The nurse warned me about that and I joked about it making me cranky but I didn't really think it would. She said it affects everyone differently and might not even do that with me, and I guess I was a little overly optimistic or just didn't take it that seriously, frankly. But, um, I think that's exactly what it's going to do. Lovely.

However, they are working too well to stop so I guess I'll just have to make my best effort at not biting off too many heads and trying not to concentrate on that aspect.

I miss running. My assigned coach said that once I can start again next week, we'll modify my regimen so that I can catch back up on my own schedule. ; )

Side-lined

Soooo ... it seems I have tendonitis in my knee. This calls for one week of no running, a steroid pack (I fear this might make me cranky, and for those of you now saying some clever remark related to how I'm already cranky, I warn you to pipe down or say it quietly) and ice 3-4 times per day. I have a follow up appointment in one week - after which, I can start training again. I'm annoyed that this will probably diminish some of the progress that I had already made but it is what it is and I can get that back.

I suspect that this is my knee's way of rebelling against me. It hasn't seen exercise since pre-baby, six years ago. So, it's likely tendonitis represents its chosen means of communication in order to convey something along the lines of "Have you lost your freaking mind?!" However, clearly it doesn't know who it is taking on. : )

To run, to run ...

I can't decide whether to run tonight. I have temporary orthopedic inserts for my running shoes and a brace for my knee. I really, really want to run. But I can still feel that place by my knee, although it doesn't hurt or anything. I haven't run since the team run last Saturday when it hurt so badly afterward, although not so much during. My dr's appointment is in the morning at 10, I'm concerned that he's just going to be guessing at the problem as well. I probably shouldn't run but I WANT to run - what an odd sentence. But I am becoming quite addicted and I love being able to feel my progress as I train.

Also, it feels really worthwhile to be doing something for a cause in which you so strongly believe. I've done volunteer work, etc. in the past but this is completely different.

Two posts in one day, and some this weekend. Someone chastised me last week saying that I didn't update everyone enough. Actually, I really didn't think anyone read this but my sister. However, I've discovered that several people do, which is actually awesome b/c it makes me feel like even more people support me in this endeavor. So, I'll be more vigilant.

I got in with Dr. Flesher this Wednesday at 10 a.m. (the sports doc I was able to see in order to avoid the ER when I broke my leg in January, so that was fortuitous) Hopefully, he can tell me what's up and my training won't be affected long term. I'm trying on optimism here - not something that fits me often. ; )

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Anna certainly had a great Thursday last week going on her first motor boat ride, featured here with her Mom and three siblings. ; )

As I said previously, I rested the knee until Saturday morning when we have the team run. I had a GREAT five mile run, barely felt anything in the all important knee ... until after the run. Holy crap did it hurt. My coach watched my form during our run and noted that I run, just as I walk coincidentally, on the outside of my feet. This can put pressure on the inside of the knee. I did note thereafter that if I really focus on running with more balance toward the inside of my feet, it relieves the ache I feel on my knee. Obviously, however, concentrating that hard on walking differently isn't realistic while running 26.2 miles. So, I was sent to Foot Solutions for them to do some 3D x-rays of my apparently odd legs/feet and they can do an insert that should help that for the bargain price of $260. Um, yeah. However, said that while my form definitely gives rise to undue pressure on my knee, I need to go to a sports doc to make sure that's it. So, I have a call into mine to see when he can fit me in. Ugh! I don't want this to be anything - I'm having such good runs and making so much progress. We'll see.

On a much brighter note, my mom's office donated a total of $585. Can you believe it?! That brings my total to $1520. I know an Aunt that is for sure sending $100 so when that arrives, it will be $1620. I'm working concession at an Air Show this weekend as a fundraiser so that will be more. At that point, we'll see where we are. I can't thank everyone enough for that support, both monetarily and through their words of encouragement.

Two of Anna's siblings have birthdays today. We have to keep the other children in mind as well - they are affected just like the adults surrounding Anna. Happy Birthday to Audra and Jacob!!

Recently, a friend of Anna's family wrote this about her. I think it's beautiful, and reflective of how this little girl has affected so many.

I have been a part of something truly wonderful.

It is not magical, yet it is glorious.

It is not temporary, but eternal.

It is incredible, but believable.

It is not always pretty, but it is exceptionally beautiful.

It has made me cry oceans of tears, but has brought me the most REAL joy.

It has brought me crawling to my knees, but has made me grow up.

It has brought me to a crises of faith, but has made me believe that HE IS.

It has made me angry and sad, depressed and despairing, yet filled me with hope and peace, encouragement and strength.

I have been a part of something truly wonderful.

I have been a part of Anna Jane’s life.

I'm still resting the knee so I haven't run since Tuesday, unfortunately. But I'm going to try the team run tomorrow and get a brace tonight and see if that helps. I can still feel that place right below the inside of my knee. I don't know what the deal is. I'll probably go see a sports doc next week - just to make sure it's nothing, mostly to see if there is anything I can do so it doesn't affect my training long term. Thank god for insurance. If worse really comes to worse, which I don't really think it will, but if it does, I can always move to the walking team for this marathon. I'll do the marathon no matter what - either running like I planned, or with the walking team.

My Mom let me know that her office is donating a total of about $400 for donations. Wow!! I can't believe that. One of her co-workers has taken the lead in gathering the donations and has even mentioned other fund-raising she might do in the area - SE Oklahoma. I'm so appreciative of that - I'm going to have to do something really nice for her. When I get the donations, I'll add it to the total. That will be $1235 and my Mom also told me that one of my cousins let her know that she is donating $100 so that will be $1335. What a great start. Still a long way to go but I'm confident that I can keep this going - and I have other fundraising ideas to do. I think I can do this, thanks to the generosity and support of a lot of people who obviously believe in this cause as much as I do.

I'm definitely going to look into more things that I can do to support these efforts in addition to this marathon. I really feel compelled to help families with children that have cancer -it started mostly out of the helplessness I feel watching someone as brave and strong as little Anna. And then not knowing how in the world families deal with these types of things, especially when I think about my beautiful, precocious little girl and how blessed my family has been. The more stories I hear, the more I'm moved to help.

Anna's 5th Birthday Party

Anna Jane had a great birthday with a party that sounded magical. She followed a trail of flower petals through the woods leading to her secret garden party; released live monarch butterflies, thanks to Webb's Wings Butterfly Farm; played with borrowed kittens; watched a live lady bug release (THOUSANDS of lady bugs); pet her old friend Squirt the duck; blew out the candles on the prettiest cake I've ever seen, given to Anna by Ally's House (see pic); and surrounded by people who love her. Every aspect of Anna's party was organized and/or donated by individuals and organizations. People truly are amazing and compassionate, I think we sometimes get so jaded that we forget that. I struggle not to cry every single time I think about the fact that this is in all likelihood her last birthday here on Earth, but I'm so grateful that so many helped make it a beautiful one. And I'm so incredibly grateful to know her.

Oooookay, my initial research suggests that I have Runner's Knee - and the articles all insist that I rest. Um, yeah, I have four months to be ready for a marathon. Right now, a great run is 4 miles. I can't rest. That's completely unacceptable. Surely they have some kind of brace I can wear on my knee while I run. Surely.

Awesome four mile run yesterday. I think I'm going to stay at the 2/1 intervals the remainder of this week and then starting Monday, go to 2.5/1 intervals.

I'm a little concerned about a pain I'm having in the lower inside part of my knee. It's not a bad pain or anything, just a little ache when I put pressure on that leg. I'll have to research that. Hopefully, it will be nothing.

Anna turned 5 yesterday. She wasn't feeling well in the early part of the day. Hopefully, she felt well enough after her nap to enjoy her party last night.

Today M and I did a 3 mile run and it was probably our best run yet. On a side note, she really looks adorable biking right ahead of me in all her Princess safety gear. ; ) In any event, I was really grateful the run went well after the horrible one Saturday morning discussed in the previous post.

The weather has stayed really cool. When the inevitable Oklahoma heat arrives, that will be much more difficult. But hopefully, given the fact that I'm following my training rigorously, I'll be able to take that as it comes.

Tomorrow it's back to work and a 4 mile run tomorrow evening. M starts negotiating with me as soon as I tell her it's a 4 mile run. Anything over 3 is apparently her limit when it comes to doing it good naturedly, if that's a word. But I know she can do it and I think it's an added benefit that she's getting exercise during all of this.

Tomorrow is Anna Jane's 5th birthday. She hasn't been feeling well and is having trouble eating - please pray that she feels better tomorrow and is able to enjoy her special day. She asked her Mom today, "Are you sad? B/c you look sad." I don't know how a Mom who knows her daughter is dieing is able to somehow reassure her daughter that she's remotely okay and not completely devastated with every breath she takes. Logically, every mother would realize that saddling a five year old that is already terminally ill with your own sadness won't help anyone, but where do you find the strength to draw on in that situation?

Change of Tune

Okay, I can't be so easily discouraged. Right when I thought that maybe I wouldn't be able to reach my goals for fundraising, my outlook has changed. Keith has generously, generously donated $500. What an amazing donation, not to mention amazing guy!!! So, there is obviously hope and a lot of other great people to donate. I'm disappointed in myself that I got so easily discouraged, but even discouraged, my commitment didn't weaken. I have a lot of time to get this money raised and I'm sure I'll do it.

I really didn't feel well yesterday morning and had a terrible run, probably my worst yet. But I feel much better today, thankfully and it's all rest on Sundays. I'm sure I'll have a better run tomorrow.

We have a long way to go and a lot of work ahead of us, I'm totally up for it.

Field Day at M's school for last day celebration. So, spent the day there and now home early. R&R with the Divine on the couch and then off to run late afternoon ... it's a very nice Friday.

My earliest fundraising efforts indicate that it's highly unlikely that I'll be able to raise the amount necessary to participate in the marathon. I'm going to keep training with the perspective that I can in fact make it. And any money that I do raise will still go to the lymphoma society so my commitment will not lessen, for sure. The more I get involved in this, the more I learn about the devastation this disease wreaks on not only those diagnosed but every person who loves them. There was no way to get through my cousin's high school graduation last night without thinking of the 18 year old girl in Noble whose Drs were struggling to help survive long enough to get through her own. Every speech referred to this not being the end but just the beginning for each member of the graduation class and yet ... at that moment, in Noble, a high school graduation was that young lady's finish line.

So, although it appears unlikely that I'll be able to participate in the marathon, my motivation only grows and certainly beckons me to expand my efforts.

Those for whom we run ...

Anna Jane is leaving the Delaware hospital tomorrow. This time, they are certain that they are not returning since they got the news that there is nothing more that can be done. As her family says their good-byes to all the friends they have made there over the last 2 years during their many visits, they know that it is for the last time. Her mom said that it has not been so hard for Anna b/c she doesn't believe it when they try to explain to her that they won't be back.

I would give almost anything to change this situation for Anna and for her family. No-one deserves this and I have no idea how they handle it. Would false hope be more painful than reality in the end? I don't know the answer to that.

Sometimes running to raise money seems futile and a truly feeble attempt to help a monumental problem. And honoring their strength and struggles just doesn't seem like enough.

The Great Plains

Oh, I just thought I hated Oklahoma wind. It was really windy tonight during our run. Ugh! As I was leaving, I saw someone else from the team just arriving and getting on the track and the first thing she said was, "I hate running in the wind." So, apparently, it's not just me. ; )

Tomorrow night we have a meeting about different fund raising ideas. And I am going to ask two of the coaches some detailed questions about what types of foods we are/are not supposed to be eating. I SHOULD still have time for my run tomorrow night.

I ran three miles tonight, as instructed by the regimen. Tomorrow, it's four, which will likely not please the Divine Miss M too much but we'll see. I think I'm just going to stick with 2 min. running/1 minute walking intervals for this week. And then the first part of my next week, I'll raise it to 2 1/2 to 1. Everytime that beep on my watch goes off indicating it's time to run, I'm pretty sure I exhibit some sort of pitiful cringe, but I do it!

I gave the first batch of fundraising letters to TNT to mail out sometime this week. I only gave them 15-20 b/c I was exhausted Friday night when I was trying to prepare them. I'll do the remaining this week and turn those in on Saturday. We'll see how it goes.

Anna's mom expressed concern about her older kids forgiving her for missing so many activities during the times that she has been in Delaware with Anna for surgeries/treatments. Keep her in your prayers for comfort and peace of mind and the assurance that her older three children will see her as the hero that she is, as they undoubtedly do and will.

These are the people for whom we run, the victims of cancer and also their families and loved ones that are also affected so harshly.

Yesterday, I increased my intervals to two minutes running, one minute walking. No way to sugar coat it, it was HARD. There it was my first day with my new running watch, this new little toy for which I was so excited, and I swung violently between utter hatred and serious affection for it at the beeps.

I picked the light blue one, BTW. There was pink, light blue and black - as anyone who knows me will attest, I'm not so much on the pink and actually, I LOVE black - but light blue seemed positive and optimistic, almost encouraging, so I chose it. This is, of course, evidence of my desperation to stay motivated and encouraged that the color of a watch would ever produce that much thought on my part. 'Fashion' never garners that much of my attention.

Moving along, today I did the team run and the new increase in intervals was much, much easier. I still have to push myself, no doubt, but it was noticeably easier and I wasn't overwhelmed with the urge to take a hammer to my watch when it beeped at me that it was time to run again. ; ) I'm very encouraged that I'll be able to do this.

On a heartbreaking note, one of the local heros that the organization recognizes passed away last week. Please remember all the victims of cancer and their families in your thoughts and prayers this week.

And tomorrow, the training regimen dictates REST!!

The perks

Unfortunately, I did not get back in time to do my run last night as it was almost 9:00 before I arrived back home. So, I did the yoga, which does help stretch out the muscles a lot and is surprisingly relaxing, and tonight I'll do the 3 mile run. I am going to increase to intervals of two minutes running, one minute walking. I think I can do it.

On a related note, I got the dual timer watch last night during an extremely late shopping trip, something you can do when your six year old is at Gram's house being shamelessly spoiled. I was like a kid at Christmas and sat in the parking lot learning how to set the timers. Although they are all expensive, who knew running came with so many toys. ; )

BTW ....

I have discovered that I can actually drink a lot of water per day if I mix it with one of the Propel waters. I'm not a big water drinker so that's pretty tough for me, the Propel by itself (or any of the sports drinks for that matter) are WAY too sweet for me. But using just a little to flavor water is perfect.

HOWEVER, Propel water is EXPENSIVE (as are all the sports drinks) so anyone that wants to donate this as well through the next several months is more than welcome to do so!! ; )

Reality

I realize that my four miles isn't that much of an accomplishment since my intervals are still 1 1/2 minutes running, 1 minute walking. But still, the fact that I made it four miles AND could tell that it felt just that much easier was such a high!! Sometimes, when it starts to get tough, I just say "Anna, Anna, Anna" in my head like a mantra. It makes it easier when you can think about the fact that you're doing this FOR someone.

Tonight on the training regimen, I'm only SUPPOSED to do 2-3 miles. So, I'm going to work on moving up the pace to 2 minutes running, 1 minute walking since I'm going only 3 miles. We'll see how it goes. I have to take the Divine Miss M to meet my Mom so she can take her home with her since there is no school tomorrow but hopefully, I can get back in time for a run. If not, I'll switch the cross training tomorrow for today and do my run tomorrow evening - although, I think the point is to do the cross training the night before the big team run Saturday morning, but I have to do what I can do.

I really feel like I can do this. Although, I can't remember a time that I REALLY set my mind to something that I didn't ultimately accomplish it.

Woo Hoo

I know, I know, I know that relative to 26.2 miles this is feeble BUT I feel like a total rock star BECAUSE ... I doubled my distance and went 4 miles on my run tonight!!! Still a slow pace but it was noticably easier than Monday. Granted, I wasn't just whistling and giggling but I could tell a little difference.

Okay, I'll post more tomorrow but I couldn't WAIT to post this. Time to go stretch ... they tell me if I don't do all these stretches after a run, my muscles will stiffen. I don't know personally but I just do whatever my coaches tell me since they've run marathons and I haven't ... yet. ; )

Whew

Yesterday, the training regimen called for 30 minutes of cross training only. For now, that is yoga for me so 45 minutes of yoga. Gotta admit, I don't mind those days so much. ; ) But tonight we'll do the three mile run. Morgan should be happy since she so wanted to do another mile Monday!!

Better

Okay, things went infinitely better last night. I took my daughter to track at Lake Hefner - it's smooth there - no curbs or crooked sidewalks with which to contend. It's a busy track and I was concerned with her ability to stay in single file with me and stay in our "lane" but she did GREAT!! It went really well and she loved it. At the end of our second mile, she said, "Can we just do one more mile?" If I hadn't been so out of breath, I probably would have cracked up. As it was, I think I bellowed out "NO" in between gasps. ; )

I have a long way to go on training. I worked up to intervals of 1 1/2 minutes running, 1 minute walking for two miles. It was fairly difficult. Doesn't bode well for being ready for the marathon but I'm going to keep working. I'm trying to really take everything into account - stretching, eating better - the latter is a big one for me b/c I don't tend to eat remotely healthy so this will take thoughtful effort on my part.

I got an e-mail from Anna's mom yesterday saying that they were honored to have me run for her. I appreciated that so much but I'm actually the honored one. "I will run b/c I can if I choose, others no longer have that choice." This is what I tell myself, and I'll raise money to help them as I do it.

Little Anna is not doing well - please keep her and her family in your prayers.

I have to do my e-mail/letter and get those sent out!!! I keep putting that off until the next day and the next. Brilliant on my part, I know. I can't get so preoccupied with training that I don't get the tools out there to raise money.

Trying to not be discouraged.

Okay, things didn't go well with training yesterday. Starting with the positive, had my first team run on Saturday and it went well. I suspect I am the most out of shape person there but I really kind of anticipated that so it was at least a little less discouraging than it might have otherwise been. And I got good running shoes and socks that afternoon - the person at the running store was really careful and thorough about fitting me with the right shoes and I'm told the shoes make all the difference. They really did feel amazingly better running. Although that brings me to yesterday.

As a single parent, I've been trying to work out the details on how I was going to train with a six year old basically as an appendage (take that lightly, I wouldn't trade her). My idea was that during the week, at least during the early part of training when my runs weren't as long, she could ride her bike with me. And I got a babysitter for the Saturday team training. But ... we tried the bike thing last night and it was disastrous. Sooooo, not sure what I'm going to do now about training during the week. I was thinking about asking my sitter if she could come three nights a week for a couple of hours but I don't think she'll think it's worth her time - and frankly, I don't think I can afford it. ; ( I'm determined to do this but I'm currently at a loss as to how to get through the details.

The motivation to train isn't terribly hard - difficult as it may be at times to push myself. The team leaders talked about how we have a CHOICE to run, whereas a lot of people for whom we're running have had that choice taken from them. With that in mind coupled with Anna, the desire is definitely there, it's the technicalities I haven't fixed yet.

None of the goods

Okay, so I've nailed down a babysitter for the next gazillion Saturdays for the group run. I have my website set up for donations. I have my first group run this Saturday, which actually will consist of a workout and a tiny run, I think. Then next week is the shoe clinic and then we really get started after that. Right now, I don't have the right clothes, right shoes, right socks - nothing. But I'll get all that next week ... as soon as I get paid.

I keep writing and rewriting my letter in my head that I'm going to send to everyone asking for donations, and adding to the mental list of people to whom I'm going to send it. So, that's one of my goals for the weekend - the letter and the list of people to whom it's going. TNT will mail the first 100 for you, so that's awesome. I'm still way more excited than intimidated - this could just be somewhat tangible evidence that I've really and truly lost my mind. But for now, it's a good thing.

Oh boy

I think I must be crazy b/c rather than being intimidated by the possibility of training for a marathon, I'm completely psyched. I can't wait to get started, impossible though I know it's going to feel at times not having run in years, and even then it was quite feeble running. I'm going to run the Nike marathon in San Fran with my best, best, best friend, Lisa, who lives there. And that weekend is my birthday so I get to spend my birthday with her as well, which we've never been able to do before.

And the best part is the raising money for cancer. A little girl I know, Anna Jane, who is only four years old has cancer and after years of trial and triumphs for her, the doctor told her family recently that there is nothing left that they can do. So, they are going to concentrate on quality of life now. When I went to the first team in training meeting, they said that we could pick a local hero or they could assign one - I already have a hero in Anna so that was easy. And while it doesn't do anything to help her now, it honors her strength and perseverance and maybe it will lend a hand to helping others someday that face her same struggles. She's only four years old but I think she'd like that. Knowing her personality and the amazing person that she is, I know she would.