May is always a special month. My husband and I had our first date on May 1, 2002 (do the math…) and we were married May 30, 2004 (some more math…). One of my first 5K’s was the Run Like a Mother Race on Mothers Day. My favorite half marathon takes place the first Sunday of May. The weather is changing, feeling less winter-like and summer is almost here. Its just a perfect month.
Two years ago, May took on a new meaning. Two years ago this month my good friend and neighbor, Debbi, lost her fight against pancreatic cancer on May 2. Even before her death, I knew that I wanted to honor her and hopefully help raise funds to find a cure for cancer, and took on a Relay for Life Challenge from which the Runner Chick was born. Running helped me deal with the grief and the unfairness of loosing someone close to cancer.
This year, I’ve found that cancer continues to impact so many friends’ lives and I know, even more, that I can make a small dent in finding a cure because of my efforts. I’m choosing to support the American Cancer Society again this year and participate in Relay for Life to make sure those who need a ride to a doctor’s appointment, or those in our communities that need access to innovative treatments, get the help and support they need.
So – we will take a pause in our Runner Chick marathon lessons this month as I prepare for Relay for Life June 9. The next six weeks, follow my story for how you can help support my efforts to run against cancer. It starts today – with four miles – join me on my blog or over on my fundraising page http://main.acsevents.org/goto/RunnerChick.
