First off, welcome to the new blog! I decided we were in need of a makeover as we prepare to welcome our 20,000th visitor, and in celebration of National Colorectal Cancer month in March. Now on to the fun stuff…
Remember the amazing support network I keep talking about? Well they are at it again! On Sunday, April 3, 2011 a growing number of family and friends will be gathering in Lewiston, Minnesota to participate in the 33rd Annual Fool’s Five Road Race in my honor! The race proceeds benefit the Mayo Clinic, Gundersen Lutheran Foundation and the Lewiston Area Cancer Support Group. This is not the first time, however, that family members have participated in this race. Last year, my cousin Erica and her family participated in honor of Mike Trigg, husband of my cousin Jessi. Mike had recently been diagnosed with Non-Hodgekin’s Lymphoma and the family support system was ready to act. Mike has since won his battle with cancer (yay!) and this year, he and Jessi announced they were making the trip from Chicago to Lewiston for the race in order to pay it forward in my honor! How cool is that?!? Since then, I’ve learned of a number of other family and friends that will be joining. When I first caught wind of the race, I was uncertain if I’d be able to make it, not knowing what my docket of doctor’s appointments would look like. I recently learned however that I’ll be able to participate, as it falls nicely between my chemo appointments!
Not only am I looking forward to participating with family and friends in this amazing cause, but it also is a great goal to work towards. I have to keep reminding myself though that registering for the race is one thing, but actually finishing the race is a whole other story! In my past (pre-cancer life), a 5 mile run was fairly regular accomplishment; in December, 2005 I ran the Las Vegas Marathon. However shortly after my cancer treatments began last summer, my exercise regimen quickly became non-existent once chemo fatigue set in and surgery followed. It’s time to reverse that, and the Fool’s Five race is the perfect catalyst to jump start a cautious training routine! Stay tuned for race updates, and if you are interested in joining us register today at http://www.foolsfive.org/. See you on Main Street!