Dear Cancer,

       Just in case you haven't got the memo, you are welcome to stop invading people's bodies.  I haven't met too many people that like you...actually, zero to be exact.  This past Saturday, Cole and I ran the Parkway 1/2 Marathon in Sacramento.  Susan G. Komen (Marathon for the Cure) and I raised $1100 with the help of awesome and generous people to beat you.  And I ran--oh did I run--because the motivation behind kicking you in the rear made me strong.  And although you may think at times you are winning this fight, when individuals survive your unwelcome presence, they definitely come out stronger than they started.  So you may as well just leave everyone alone.

                                                                                               Good riddance, 

                                                                                                               Me

Throughout the run (and training), my thoughts were on Michelle and Aunt Shari constantly and all that they have gone through on their journey--especially when it got hard.  I have had many epiphanies on my long runs training for this day, but I will spare you most of the "deep" runner's high thoughts.  When I got to about Mile 7, Michelle's chemo was what came to mind.  She is more than half way done with the nasty nasty and running wise, I was just past the half way point.  I got tears in my eyes because I felt so connected.    

Along the path there were all kinds of motivational quotes.  I related them all to cancer--which fit perfectly.  One of my favorites was..."Pain is nothing compare to what it feels like to quit."  I have no idea what it is like to have cancer (thankfully).  But I do know that hope, faith, and courage are things you must keep and giving up is something you must never do.  (I'm sure that was also easier said than done--my kudos to all that are fighting the fight--you have innumerable cheerleaders on your side).

The last mile was long because I kept looking for the arches.  But when they came into view, I sprinted as fast as I could to cross the finish.  Cole gave me a high 5 when I passed her on the side cheering me on (as I imagined Aunt Shari, an 11-year survivor, doing for Michelle).  

And just like that it was over. We did it.  The journey was complete.    

I CAN NOT wait for Michelle to cross that finish line.  Sweet is an understatement.

{Our cheer squad}

After the race they had a party for me & the ladies at Arden Fair.  Okay maybe it wasn't for me, but Susan G. Komen is having a 5K next weekend and as you can tell, they are getting the word out!  It looked fabulous.

This was an incredible experience.  Seeing how far I could push my limits and being proud of myself for setting and reaching such a goal.  By far, the very best part was doing it for the ladies.  I cannot express in words how touched I was getting donations for this cause.  I was literally dumbfounded when I reached my original goal of $500 in less than a week.  I am still on cloud 9 that over $1000 was raised in the end.  People are good.  People are generous.  People are supportive.  Cancer will never truly win.