A lot of you probably don't know but since I ran my first half-marathon 4 years ago I have really wanted to run a marathon. Even before Kate's diagnosis I had decided that when I did a marathon I would run with Team In Training (TNT) and raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Last fall I sent away for information on the program and went to a meeting but then had second thoughts. I realized that training for a marathon while building a house wasn't realistic.
So, a month ago I decided to contact the society again and inquire about upcoming marathons. Two weeks ago I made a committment to run the Disney World Marathon on January 13th, 2008. While there were many other more exotic locations (Dublin, Hawaii, San Francisco, etc.) I thought that this would be a perfect destination for my children and a way for them to enjoying the experience. They are so excited for the race and hopefully my absence on Saturday mornings will be easier to take knowing that a trip to Disney World is at the end of it all.
For each marathon the team has a child dubbed their Team Hero. For people who haven't been touched by a person with a blood cancer this person serves as motivation, if you will. They will have met an actually person with the disease, who is fighting the cancer. TNT explained that when someone is running and hurts, is tired, or wants to quit the Team Hero is someone to think about and to give them strength to press on.
Well, this morning I got a call from the Leukemia and Lymphoma society in which they asked me if I would be willing to let Kate be our Team Hero. Tears sprang to my eyes while she was describing what Kate would mean to our team and how she will be such a big part of the event. Of course, I would have been thinking about her every mile of the race but it is going to be that much more meaningful, knowing that everyone of us is running for her and her fight against leukemia.
Click on this link if you are interested in learning more about TNT and their program.
6 comments:
I'm so proud of you, Carolyn...I'm going to check out the website right now!
Kate will be a great Team Hero and your family will support you all the way!
Consider the Hatch Family a sponsor for sure!
We love you,
Anne
ok--so awesome i want to cry. you guys deserve it all, and carolyn--you've got to be one of the bravest people i know...
Jen
Boy, I have never wished more than today that I could run! You guys are the most incredible people I know!
I love you all and you are in my prayers daily.
Aunt Carolyn
you are both heroes to me! Sign me up as a sponsor. love you
angela
I get tears in my eyes every time I tell someone this story (which is like six times so far). I am so proud of you guys and so happy for kate and what this experience will mean to you all! Go you little runner and go team hero!!!
what a wonderful chance to run for kate... it will really be special for you both and we will be rooting you on from Taiwan!
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