Just Did It!
What a great weekend! The race was awesome- try to imagine 20,000 runners (19,000 of them women) crowded into Union Square. It was amazing!
The day was colder than expected, and the wind and hills slowed me down. But I made it through, with your love and prayers lifting me all the way. On the back of my jersey I carried the names of your loved ones; they were in my heart as I climbed those hills, crossed the finish line, and realized my dream of getting the Tiffany box with my finisher's necklace. I wear it proudly!
Thanks to all of you for your tremendous generosity. Because of it, I exceeded my goal and was the top fundraiser on my team. This event meant so much to me, both because of my own struggles, and as the stand-in for all those who couldn't run. My gratitude to you and to God is boundless. Blessings to you all!
***************************************
10-16-08
Watch this space! Tomorrow we take off for SF and the big event weekend. I know I'm ready, but I'd still love it if you'd pray me up those hills!
9-20-08
Another 12 miles! This may have been the smoothest long run yet, thanks in no small part to my friend Keith Calloway, who graciously slowed his pace to stay with me. It was a blast! Then it was off to Macy's to sell Shop for a Cause coupons from 11 am-5pm. A long day, but totally worth it. And the best part is that none of it was hard. By the grace of God, I am able to run and then put in some challenging time raising money from busy shoppers.
I am nearing my goal, and the starting line of the Nike Women's Half Marathon is in sight!
Thanks to all my angels for your love and support. You raise me up!
***************************************
9-6-08
Only 9 miles today! Hard to believe I can say "only" about 9 miles, but that's where recovery and training have taken me. And I am so thankful! I feel great, and each mile takes me closer to my goal of running the Nike Women's Half Marathon next month. When I go there, I will carry with me the names of your loved ones who have survived cancer or, sadly, died before life-extending research could help them.
Your donations in these last few weeks will also bring us all closer to the ultimate finish line- a cure for blood cancers (and, by extension, all cancers.) When you send you donation (or make it online!) please don't forget to send any names you want me to wear on my jersey.
Melissa Etheridge sang it best- "I run for your mother, your sister, your daughter, your wife- for you and me my friend, I run for life."
Thanks again for all your support. Let's make it to the finish line together!
***************************************
8-16-08
Twelve more miles! And this time it wasn't nearly as taxing. (Though it certainly wasn't walk in the park, either-:) I am continually thankful to be able to do this. The sore muscles afterward are nothing compared to the effects of chemo, so if I can make someone else's journey less difficult by doing this, then I'm in it for the long haul. Thanks to all the angels in my life; your support has given me wings!
***************************************
8-02-08
Twelve miles this morning! I could hardly have imagined this level of endurance a year ago, when I was down and out from my chemo, or even in January, when I was battling the worst of the side effects. By the grace of God, I am able to run again, and will use my last ounce of strength to carry the torch for all blood cancer heroes. I am privileged to be a part of this great team; I offer my deepest gratitude for your prayers and loving support.
***************************************
7-13-08
At long last- ten miles!! I'm thrilled to say that, while it wasn't easy, it wasn't really that difficult either. The most wonderful thing, of course, is that I can do it at all. Now that my strength is restored, it's more important than ever that I help those who are struggling as I did, with chemo and its side effects. It's most important that I do all I can to make sure that the day will come (soon, I hope) when there will be cures, and that no one will have to suffer.
Thanks for joining me in this quest. Your support gives wings to my feet!
***************************************
6-1-08
Did 7 miles yesterday! I feel like celebrating- that's the longest I've run in a year! It was hot, and a few muscles were sore, but I was elated. I can run for those who can't. It feels so great to be able to say that!
Afterwards I went to Sam's Club in Sunrise to do a fundraiser with teammates Karen and Wanda. We stood outside, sold cookies, chocolates and bears, and raised $225 each! Again, it was hot (this is Florida, after all!) but it was worth it, to educate the public and help raise funds. Standing in the sun for a few hours is a lot easier than chemo, so if that's what it takes, I can do it!
Thanks for all your support. I carry you in my heart, along with my honored teammates, every time I run.
Anita Lawson
Last Edited on: 10/29/2008
24 comments
Bruce Gaber
Mon Apr 28 08:50:38 EDT 2008
Jennifer Hemingway
Tue Apr 29 08:01:36 EDT 2008
Vito Maggiolo
Wed May 07 08:23:46 EDT 2008
Patricia Milstead
Sat May 10 12:57:30 EDT 2008
Nicole Lawson
Sun May 11 11:43:21 EDT 2008
Judith A. Meyerhoeffer
Tue May 13 05:50:40 EDT 2008
Gail Brion
Wed May 21 04:19:44 EDT 2008
Armando Arriete
Mon May 26 09:53:40 EDT 2008
Sam's Club Fundraiser
Sat May 31 06:49:41 EDT 2008
Anonymous
Tue Jun 03 07:35:41 EDT 2008
Janice Bergin
Tue Jun 03 09:27:52 EDT 2008
Donna Mallet
Wed Jun 04 05:19:28 EDT 2008
Faith Campbell
Fri Jun 06 03:14:06 EDT 2008
Barbara Demas
Thu Jun 12 07:37:02 EDT 2008
Lani Midway
Tue Jun 24 12:48:07 EDT 2008
Cher Terwoord
Tue Jul 15 07:03:41 EDT 2008
Lori Thurgood
Wed Jul 23 05:28:55 EDT 2008
Manny Bartolotta
Sat Aug 02 04:47:27 EDT 2008
Renee Weer
Fri Aug 15 10:53:16 EDT 2008
Bob Jefferson
Sat Aug 16 09:44:34 EDT 2008
Louis R. Galmarini Jr.
Wed Aug 27 08:51:35 EDT 2008
Jane and Jeremy Livingston
Mon Sep 08 10:01:06 EDT 2008
Bobbie Csokmay
Thu Sep 11 10:14:30 EDT 2008
Macy's Shop For a Cause
Tue Sep 16 04:11:05 EDT 2008