Celebrate Life Half Marathon

2016 was the first year I participated in the Celebrate Life Half Marathon in memory of Janet Marquez Flaum, a beautiful, smart, and insanely funny and witty woman who would have absolutely told me then (and no doubt every year since!) that I was totally insane for voluntarily signing-up to run 13.1 miles...outside...in March...in Rock Hill. That first year I was lucky- the sun was shining and everyone ran in t-shirts. Not so much every year after that. There's been a hip injury, brutally cold temperatures, snow storms, and, of course, a pandemic.

And it's just not an easy race in general. The course is super hilly and you're out there crying, then laughing with fellow runners, then cursing cancer's name, and then crying all over again.

Each year I kept coming out though. Because cancer sucks. Because I missed my aunt and this is my weird little way to honor her. Because too many other people in my world are sick and the least I could do was suck it up and run and raise some money for a great cause.

I'm running the full 13.1 miles again this year. I hope you will consider making a donation knowing that EVERY SINGLE DOLLAR raised goes to help people in Orange and Sullivan Counties and their families who are fighting the fight. The Celebrate Life Patient Fund provides grants for meals, transportation, co-pays, and other every day expenses. This is more than just a race. Celebrate Life honors, remembers, and celebrates those who have fought against cancer. Our neighbors, our friends, our families.

#CelebrateJanet #Dit #ForeverInMyHeart #CancerSucksWayMoreThanRunning

On March 12, 2023 I will complete the CELEBRATE LIFE HALF MARATHON in Rock Hill, NY. Of the 20 marathons and countless half marathons I have completed this one is nearest and dearest to my heart. 100% of your donations go to the cancer patients in treatment. As many of you know I am a never smoker LUNG CANCER SURVIVOR diagnosed in 2006 and recently diagnosed with cancer again in October 2022. We become OUR BEST when we are faced with our worst. Through Gods Grace I have again skated through early detection, surgery and treatment. Will you please help me with a donation of any amount to help those who are in the battle for their life ❤️

Thank You & God Bless

Lung Lois

Ephesians 4:1-6 …live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength

More information about Celebrate Life Half Marathon: Celebrate Life Half Marathon is a non for profit organization 100% volunteer driven dedicated to raising funds to help cancer patients in treatment. 100% of our proceeds are donated to people fighting cancer so they can regain stability and good health.

The Celebrate Life Half Marathon raises money for cancer patients undergoing treatment who are struggling to pay for the things that insurance won't cover: transportation to treatment, insurance copays, groceries, rent. The stress and burden of maintaining the everyday necessities make the stress and burden of fighting for one’s life that much harder.

I first ran the Celebrate Life Half Marathon as a relay in 2018, still working through the death of my beloved Aunt Pat from cancer the previous fall. In 2019, I ran the full half, my godfather and uncle George having recently undergone a stem-cell transplant for MDS and just coming out of the 100-day post-transplant period. He would be with us just a few months longer. In 2020, I ran just before the world shut down, in their memory and the memories of all those lost to us, including my Uncle Mike, whom I never got to know. In 2021, I ran it virtually, alone, in the cold and dark, but raised the most money I had ever raised: $4750.

I missed 2022…I missed a lot of things in 2022.

And now, in 2023, I’ll be running it for the last time, as this will be its 20th and final year. What better way to go out than by raising the most money ever? My goal this year is $5000 and I know we can meet it. Every day, I learn about someone in my life, either directly or through those for whom I love and care, who is dealing with cancer. The need for help is endless, and often, just a small amount can make a huge difference in someone’s life. I hope you’ll join me in this final appeal to be the love and support and care we hope to see in the world.

I am not in half-marathon shape and will likely do a lot of walking and suffering (and cursing) in March, but you can leave that part to me! Your financial support will be received with abundant gratitude, and if your financial support is not available, your moral support is appreciated, too.

life is hard - cancer is harder. 100 percent of all proceeds raised go to people battling cancer. We were once that family who benefited from this charity- it’s a tremendous burden lifted to not worry about how pay for life saving medicine, or transportation or parking or maybe you just need the perk of a cup of coffee with a loved one.

thank you for your support.

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Celebrate Life Half Marathon, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.

More information about Celebrate Life Half Marathon: Celebrate Life Half Marathon is a non for profit organization 100% volunteer driven dedicated to raising funds to help cancer patients in treatment. 100% of our proceeds are donated to people fighting cancer so they can regain stability and good health.

Hi Everyone. I'm raising money to benefit Celebrate Life Half Marathon and will run the race on March 14, 2022. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. Celebrate Life Half Marathon is a non for profit organization 100% volunteer driven dedicated to raising funds to help cancer patients in treatment. 100% of proceeds are donated to people fighting cancer so they can regain stability and good health.