My Story…
The end the month of March has several substantial anniversaries for me. A year ago I sold my business. 2 years ago I got my dog Winnie. But most substantially, 19 years ago on March 30 2007 when I was a senior in high school, I lost my mother Sherry to cancer.
Life since then is a journey that brings with it new emotions each year. The most recent version of that is officially crossing over to having lived over half my life without her in it.
My mother was always known as one who brightened every room she walked in to. She had a beautiful radiating smile, a contagious laugh, and had a way of interacting with people that made them light up as well.
The older I get, the more painful it becomes that I never get to enjoy an adult relationship with my mother. But also as the years go by I get to reflect and appreciate more and more about her that I didn’t fully appreciate in our time together. The unconditional love she gave, the patience she showed, the sacrifices she made, the joy she showed up with every day as a mother, among countless other things.
My mother was also an excellent athlete and role model for health and exercise for as long as I can remember. Even throughout her 5 plus year battle with cancer, she would still make time to go ride her bike whenever she had the strength for it.
This year I get to honor her by doing an event she had done several times in her life: running a half marathon.
In 2 weeks I’m running the Pittsburgh Half Marathon and in honor of my mother I’m raising funds for the American Cancer Society.
I’ve got a $5000 goal. There’s a link in my bio to my donation page if you’d be willing to donate.
Thanks for reading if you’ve made it this far. If you were fortunate enough to know my mother, say a little prayer for her and replay a warm memory of her in your head. Fortunately for us there are plenty of those to go around ❤️❤️
Description
Why I Am Participating in the Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend to Support the American Cancer Society
For the first time in history, the American Cancer Society's mission is at risk - including their ability to fund cancer research. The American Cancer Society needs to be here to help patients face cancer with comprehensive support, but they need our help to be able to do so. Every dollar will truly make a difference right now.
Taking part in this event gives me the chance to make a difference and honor those touched by cancer by raising funds for groundbreaking research and services for people dealing with cancer. I'm also participating to inspire hope for those facing the disease and raising money for the American Cancer Society's event to help save lives from cancer. I hope you'll consider signing up too.
Funds raised support cancer patient programs and groundbreaking research that can help save lives. This event also celebrates over 15.5 million cancer survivors nationwide. 15.5 MILLION. That's huge. That's why I'd love your support. Will you join me? And if you can't would you be so kind as to make a donation?
DetermiNation is the American Cancer Society’s event endurance program, spanning a variety of sports including cycling, running, hiking, yoga, and more. The collective efforts of the dedicated athletes who use their fortitude to help raise funds to take down cancer are nothing short of amazing.
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 22 | Dad | $533.35 |
| Apr 22 | Anonymous | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 22 | Megan Curtis | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 22 | Mary (Jane) G Cunningham and family | $54.10 |
| Apr 22 | Gina Busch and Ned Tiley | $107.35 |
| Apr 22 | Carly McGowan | $107.35 |
| Apr 22 | Shank | $54.10 |
| Apr 22 | Daniel Holloway | Undisclosed amount |
| Apr 22 | Haleigh Collins | $27.48 |
| Apr 22 | Bill and Debby Koegler | $54.10 |
