Ten years ago, I watched my one of the most selfless women I know battle cancer courageously. About twenty-two years ago, I was a young sister watching my brother go through surgeries and hospital visits as he battled cancer. We watched a young cousin grow up as she grew her hair back. And now uncles on both sides, Jim’s dad, and dear friends have been battling cancer.
No one tells you in the beginning that it takes a village.
So when Jim decided to run the Chicago Marathon earlier this year, he changed courses for what charity he would run for. He decided to run for the American Cancer Society. So that in the midst of things feeling out of control, we could somehow feel driven.
And then we did something even crazier.
I joined his team.
To finish the Chicago Marathon.
With my legs.
And the sudden realization that compared to the family members we know who have and are battling cancer, this is nothing.
So Jim will finish this race well. I’ll finish and hope that the street sweepers at the end can push me over the finish line.
I’ll share Jim’s medal if I have to.
But we can do hard things. And we owe it to them. And ourselves.
Would you consider supporting our year of DOING?
If you donate in honor of someone, share their name via message or email with me. We’ll be having shirts made up with everyone we run for and would love to include them!
You and Jim are amazing people and are truly an inspiration in this – I’m rooting for you and know you’ll get past the finish line before the street sweepers get there! I have family members battling cancer and will make a donation for them and send you their names. I’m so glad you’ll be able to honor their fight for me (since I won’t be doing a marathon anytime soon).