Last Sunday I did something that I thought I would never do. I completed a charity 5K run/walk/bike. I walked the entire thing and came in dead last...but I finished! And I am just fine with that.
I’ve attended other 5K’s that my sister has run () and enjoyed cheering her on but between my bad -and I mean really bad- knees and lack of conditioning, I never planned on participating in one.
But never say never.
This one was a fundraiser for a 2-year old girl who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia approximately one month ago. Her 10-year old brother wanted to do something to help and came up with the brilliant idea for this event.
In one short month, between treatments and unexpected hospitalizations, not to mention carrying on with everyday life, her family has put this 5K run together. It seemed like the entire city of Dupont turned out to support this family. There were many extraordinary items donated for the raffle along with other fundraising activities going on in conjunction with the run. I was amazed at the generosity of this community.
I had planned on attending to financially support the cause and to watch my sister and her family run and bike. There were many reasons why I wasn't going to participate in the run itself. Some very good reasons...but...
Late the night before the 5K it struck me: If this brave little girl, and her family, can wake up everyday and face the challenges they are dealing with, day in and day out, then walking 5K on a pleasant day with great people is NOTHING in comparison. Savannah, it’s your courage that gave me the inspiration to try this. And then finish it.
I enjoyed it so much that I am planning on doing more in the future. And maybe even improving on my finish placement. One good thing about finishing last is that it can only get better from here.
If you want to learn more about this remarkable girl and her family, check out this Facebook page. They are selling t-shirts for Team Savannah and Team Savannah bracelets. Donations are wonderful but simply “joining” the page to show your support means a lot, too. Go Team Savannah!!
