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Miles For Martha

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Sometimes in life things happen that are so unexplainable. We are challenged in ways we don't understand.

When I learned of the devastating diagnosis that was given to a previous co-worker of mine, my heart ached and my mind could not stop thinking about how something so tragic could happen to such an amazing person.

Martha was a top-notch physicians assistant for the highly-respected gynecological oncologist at St.Vincent Hospital where I previously worked as a Registerd Nurse for nearly 9 years. She was an extremely intelligent woman with the heart of an angel. She was always calm, kind and respectful. If I ever needed to contact her for advice or to give her an update on one of our patients, she was always there with a listening ear and a gentle voice. I know the patients always enjoyed when she made her rounds. Her bedside manner was full of soft compassion, which was exactly what our patients needed during the time they spent with us.

When I learned of the news that Martha had been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor, I could not stop thinking and praying for her and her family. There are no words to describe the disbelief and sadness I felt. It's difficult to wrap your mind around how something so tragic and unexpected can happen to such a beautiful person. I wanted so badly to be able to do something, but I had no idea what.

After only 3 weeks after her diagnosis, Martha passed away. She left behind a husband and 3 young boys. My heart breaks for them, especially her children. As a mom of two young children myself, I cannot imagine how they must feel losing their mother. But I do know that she is watching over them and guiding them with her amazing angel wings.

After reading her beautifully written obituary, I had learned that Martha was a runner. After finding this out, an idea came to me that I knew without a doubt I needed to pursue. Anyone who knows me well, knows that one of my greatest loves in life is running. After I discovered running just a few years ago, I have had many accomplishments that I am very proud of, however, one thing I swore up and down I would never do is run a full marathon. 26 miles is a distance that has always felt unobtainable; something others can do but not me.

But an idea had crept in my head, and once it was there I couldn't let it go. I decided I wanted to run a FULL marathon in memory and honor of Martha. No matter how hard-mentally and physically-it could never compare to how hard it must have been for her and her family to go through the battle she fought with cancer.

After speaking to Martha's husband Mark about my intentions, he informed me that Martha had signed up for the Cellcom Marathon in May. Not only did he give me his blessings to move forward with my plan, he offered to transfer Martha's racing bib to me. I know she will be with me in spirit during my training and on race day, and this makes the experience even more meaningful.

Besides running this marathon in honor and memory of Martha, it is my TRUE hope that I can raise donations to gift to her husband and 3 sons. If there is one thing I can do for Martha and her family, it is this! PLEASE consider donating in honor and memory of Martha. 100% of the donations will go to her husband Mark and their three sons, Alek, Jozef and Jarek.

If you have doubts in donating because you don't know the family, please know this. I do not know them either. I have never met them. But on May 21st, I will run 26.2 miles for them. God has challenged me with several road bumps in my life, but He has also blessed me with amazing friends and family who have helped me in my time of need and this is one way I can pay it forward.

Together we can make a difference! Thank you for your time and consideration in Miles For Martha ❤
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Donations 

  • Joy Switala
    • $73 
    • 5 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Alyssa Conard
Organizer
Pulaski, WI
Mark Kralovec
Beneficiary

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