Boston Marathon/ Michael Lisnow Foundation

This race- The Boston Marathon- is a long time coming for me.  I'm thrilled to be joining Michael's Miracle to raise money and awareness for a cause that means so much.

On the afternoon of April 15, 2013, I watched a breaking news story  on my laptop.  The Boston Marathon had been bombed.  Like so many others, I was horrified but I felt something even stronger.  I was deeply moved by the courage and bravery of the survivors.  As I watched victims like Patrick Downs and Jesicca Kensky immediately resolve to continue running...no matter what, I realized I was personally out of excuses.  I wanted to do something to raise awareness and show my support.  After wrestling with all logic and common sense, I called the Boston Athletic Association and told them I was going to run one mile for every person directly affected by the tragedy.

"How amazing!  Are you a runner?"
"No.  I've never run a mile in my life."
"Uhm, ok.  Thank you so much for your concern and your desire to run a mile for everyone affected.  We believe it's about 280 people."
"Ok.  I'm going to run 280 miles!"
"Oh my!  Are you going to run all those miles at once?"
"(Laughing) No, but I'm going to do it."

280 miles.  One for every single person affected by the tragedy.  I logged on to Facebook and made my announcement to all my followers!

I laced up my $20 sneakers ...and headed out the door.  Five minutes later, I was back.  Nope.  Never mind.  I went straight to Facebook and deleted my post.  My lungs hurt.  My head hurt.  I was freezing cold.  It was raining.  Never mind.

That night- I couldn't sleep.

Next morning, I got up...reposted the Facebook announcement.  Laced up my cheap sneakers.  Headed out the door.  Came straight back.  Everything hurt.  Deleted the Facebook post.  Never mind.

Couldn't sleep.

Next morning, I got up....reposted the Facebook announcement (people were really starting to chuckle).  Laced up my cheap sneakers.  Headed out the door.  Walked, jogged, ran, and crawled my way around the 2.5 mile local park loop. 

That day, I posted one Facebook sentence:

"2.5 miles.  277.5 to go.  #bostonstrong"

Five months, four pairs of shoes, three mental break-downs, two skinned knees and one strained muscle later.... I finished those miles....on a quiet, random, Tuesday...in the middle of the desert.  My tribute to the victims...had transformed me into the strongest person I had ever known.
  
I still run....every single day, for the Boston victims...and for others who are #bostonstrong...in spite of incredible circumstances...and against all odds.

This year, my story is coming full circle.  I'm running the Boston Marathon!..but not just as a runner.  I'm running to raise funding and awareness for a charity that provides respite services to families caring for loved ones with special medical needs.  The Michael Lisnow Foundation provides a home away from home for patients and those caring for them.  The Respite Center has been deemed one of the five legacy charities by the Boston Athletic Association, and it is my honor and privilege to have been chosen as a member of their charity running team.  

I hope anyone reading this will donate any amount.  People from all walks of life...all backgrounds.... find themselves in need of a place to stay, a place of respite from the rigorous medical procedures that crowd their daily lives.  The Michael Lisnow House provides a special haven where families can find peace while they are in the middle of their medical journey.  I know all about this.  My daughter has a charity.  She has spent many countless hours playing games or just sitting bedside with families that are in need of a respite from ongoing medical treatments.  The Michael Lisnow Foundation...and the need they serve,  is very special to me and my daughter.  

I am excited to go to Boston...to the place where my running story began... in a way that raises funds and awareness for others who are #bostonstrong.


http://www.hopkintonrespite.com/donate