Help Joe raise money

What is "our" story?  And why do "I" want to run 26.2?  To be honest, my answer is twofold! I want to celebrate my heroes in this story & I want to experience the excitement , the cheers, the crowds, the music, the support, and the thousands of runners enjoying our sport.  I want to hear those hundreds of footsteps again in such a perfect rhythm.  I want to celebrate life while I can... because I can... and for a purpose beyond self.

I want my passion to make a difference.  By raising money for the American Cancer Society, it is my way to say “thank you” and pay it forward.  Cancer, and most recently breast cancer, has touched my life in many ways through family, friends, co-workers…and the list goes on.  I personally am thankful for what the ACS and the medical community has given me over these past few years.

Most importantly, this race is primarily dedicated to my wife, Arlene.  In 2020 when I/we received that news of "breast cancer", it was a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts.  For any of you whom have experienced such news, you know where I am coming from...  "I have to stay strong"...  but eventually grown men will cry.  As her support, it was unsettling to realize the emotional stress, as well as the physical toll this disease has. All of a sudden those "important" things in life become reorganized and you are reminded of what is truly important.  

Well, Arlene ran her race strong and I am proud of her. We now celebrate each day with a few more smiles.  I thank my God every day. 

There are other important cancer heroes that I wish to acknowledge. My father, who is more than a cancer survivor; but a true living example of being a fighter overcoming so many trials in life.  My niece, Becky, who persevered recently and now still shares her love with her husband and young boys... not to mention the dogs too. And, there is my firecracker friend who recently battled breast cancer... I swear she got stronger and faster the further into the race she got.  I can tell you, she had slow miles, tough miles, fast miles... but like a true distance runner she found a way to overcome it all and cross the finish line.  There is also my sister-in-law Vivian and great-niece Jana along with our nephew Chris who are all recent survivors.  Each of these are a true testimony of positive mental strength and physical endurance.  And, yes, I did pray for each of them... that God would intervene along with the medical science and cure them.  I am happy to say, there are others in my life to add to this list; but my story must move on.

At the same time that I celebrate these victories, I am reminded of many others whom are still in their race: My sister-in-law, Nadine, who is currently fighting a battle with breast cancer. It is important to be there for her support, so I offered Nadine the words given to me when I asked a friend about running a marathon. "Run the mile you are in" I told her.  There will be good miles, bad miles but in the end there will be all smiles!  You will beat this Nadine.  Now is the time to rely on your strong faith in God. We are with you - and I am running this one is for you too (I think Arlene will be ok with that).

   Next is my friend Dayle who just recently received her breast cancer diagnosis.  Dayle is a living example of her strong faith and has yet to know how God wants her race to be run.  But she is strong and her faith will get her through.  I also run for David, our second cousin who is battling lung cancer.

Over the years, I have used parts of this Bible verse to inspire my running...I encourage each one of you to read it as you too will understand how it correlates to my sport and life... the real medal is within this text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.   

We all can make a difference in our own way. I do sincerely ask that you will consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society.  More importantly, I know times are tough for so many people; if you cannot support financially, please consider giving the most precious gift and share your time with someone in need.

Thank you and may God continue to bless us all,

 Joe