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