let's roll
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In 2014 this awesome group of people braved the crowded subways and streets to cheer me on as I ran the NYC Marathon for the very first time. I had written on my hand the miles that I was going to see them because I knew nerves would set in and I would forget. I remember starting the race and thinking .... 'I hope they made it, I hope they made it, I hope they made it". Then from a distance at mile three I saw an orange pom pom shaking and I knew that was them. My heart exploded with happiness.
As I trekked 26.2 miles I kept looking down at my wrist to see when I was going to see them next. When I felt like I couldn't go on I just kept telling myself ... "just make it to that next mile where they will be, just make it there". And I did and it was an instant energy boost!
Not only did I have them following me along on my route, I also had other family members at mile 17 right outside of Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital; the charity I was running for. Seeing them outside of the hospital and knowing that they were there all day just to cheer me on when I passed by was an incredible feeling.
Because of each of them I made it 26.2 miles! There cheers and encouragement helped carry me to the finish line.
I remember the first time I watched the marathon. I was in awe by the individuals running. Inspiration set in and I wanted to run it myself. However when I got home reality set in and I gave up on the idea. It took me a couple of years to get up the courage and actually say YES! Once I committed I was in, all in.
I remember how proud my mom was telling everyone she knew that I was training for the marathon. She believed in me more than I believed in myself and she knew that I was going to be able to do it. Her encouragement helped push me forward.
This year I am stepping back up to the starting line and running in memory of my mom who we lost to cancer last year. I will also be running for my Aunts Liz, Patricia, Grace, and Kathy who have won the fight. I will be running again for Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital and raising money for cancer research. Like so many families cancer has touched my families life in deep ways.
I run to honor my friends and family touched by cancer.
I run to advance cancer research and care.
I run because I can imagine a world without cancer and I know the research matters.
Help me reach my fundraising goal by donating today. No donation is to small and every dollar goes towards cancer research. Together let's roll and fight the fight.
