Race for the Cure Weekend

Some of our group from last year's race

This is always such a fun time with family & friends each year! This will be our 7th year doing this. Michelle & her girls, and Terri are coming in this afternoon. I am going to pick up our race stuff this morning, and also some Krispy Kreme donuts (yumm-o!) to take with us. Along with my family, we will be staying at the Westin tonight and then just walking over the the race at Union Station at the crack of dawn tomorrow morning.

Our first year was 2000, about a month after I was first diagnosed. I had just had surgery 2 weeks prior to the race and hadn't yet started chemo. It was such a scary time in my life, but it was so very inspirational to see all of the pink shirts...all of the strong, courageous women effected by this horrendous disease. I knew that if they could do it I could too. To see all of the other people there who walked/ran in honor or memory of their loved ones was amazing too. This disease does not discriminate, and it does not only effect the one who has it.

Race for the Cure 2005

Michelle, Megan, Jordan, Leah, Dad
(Kori (w/Stella), Becky, Mom, & others of us in the background)

I don't run, I walk...but you get the idea! I walk tomorrow for everyone who has fought this battle...those who have won, and especially those who have lost.

I Run for Life
Melissa Etheridge

It's been years since they told her about it
The darkness her body possessed
And the scars are still there in the mirror
Every day that she gets herself dressed
Though the pain is miles and miles behind her
And the fear is now a docile beast,
If you ask her why she is still running,
She'll tell you it makes her complete

I run for hope, I run to feel
I run for the truth for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me, my friend
I run life

It's a blur since they told me about it
How the darkness had taken its toll
And they cut into my skin
And they cut into my body
But they will never get a piece of my soul

And now I'm still learning a lesson
To awake when I hear the call
And if you ask me why I am still running
I'll tell you I run for her soul

I run for hope, I run to feel
I run for the truth for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run life

And someday if they tell you about it
If the darkness knocks on your door
Remember her, remember me
We will be running as we have before
Running for answers, running for more

I run for hope, I run to feel
I run for the truth, for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend

I run for hope, I run to feel
I run for the truth, for all that is real
I run for your mother, your sister, your daughter, your wife
For you and me my friend
I run for life

I run for your mother, your sister, your wife
I run for you and me my friend
I run for life

~*~

Sharon, you will always be with us...this is for you,
my amazingly brave friend.
You are, were, and always will be my hero.
~*~