For Good

A friend of mine who knows how important this event is to me mentioned the lyrics of a song to me some time ago. I'm not much of a show tunes girl, so I hadn't paid attention to the lyrics before. After she told me, I listened to "For Good" from Wicked.

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I've been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good

It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me 
Is made from what I learned from you
You'll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend...


So, race day is tomorrow and while tomorrow will be an uplifting, wonderful, meaningful day for so many of us, it is with a heavy heart that I post this last blog. Three very important, wonderful people who were the catalyst for tomorrow are going to be watching over us and we wanted to honor them by updating everyone about their families and letting everyone know how they continue to inspire us. Though these entries are difficult to read, please forge ahead. Because, while these women aren't with us right now, it's absolutely AMAZING how they touched so many people in their lives and continue to do so. If it weren't for these women, 600+ people wouldn't be showing up tomorrow at the 3rd annual F.A.B. 5k. What would they say if they knew they did that? I can imagine the smile on their faces. When you run or walk tomorrow, remember these women in addition to the people you are honoring by walking. If you are a woman with breast cancer, know how much you are needed, loved, and honored.  See you on race day!

Barb's Update

Today would have been my mom's 75th birthday.  So I want to start out by saying Happy Birthday Mom. 

When the four of us decided that we would give updates on our inspirations, I thought that it was a great idea.  Then I realized that it might be hard for those of us who have lost our inspirations, but really it's a good thing to get to talk about them.  Even though my mom is gone from this earth, she is with me in everything that I do, still inspiring me and all of us to keep doing what we are doing, for those that can't be here to  fight this battle called breast cancer.

There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about my mom, even though I know she is with me every day.  I wish I could talk to her, but know what she would tell me.  If there is one thing my mom taught me and anyone else who knew her, it was that her family was the most important thing in her life.  We didn't have a lot growing up with six kids, but we had more love in our house than anyone could ask for.  The most important thing for my mom was that all of us six of us got along.  She would have been devastated had it been any other way.  The thing is, it isn't just an act, the six of us truly love one another and want to be together.  She did that, she showed us how to love and what love can do.  We were actually all together last weekend, all six of us (and many more), for my nephew's graduation.  My mom was definitely with us, in all of us.  In two weeks my brother is getting married, we will all be there, she will be deeply missed, but we all know she will be watching.  

My mom not only loved us, but she loved everyone.  My neighbor who I grew up with sent me an email on mother's day.  She said that while in church they mentioned mom's who aren't your actual mom, but who loved and treated you like you were one of their own and she said that was mom my to a "T".  It made me feel so good that two years after my mom passed away other people still think about her and appreciate the love she shared.  

I recently started reading a blog and she always says that LOVE WINS, my mom felt the same way.  

Don’t cry because it’s over; Smile because it happened! - Dr. Seuss

I came across a picture of my mom, myself and Charmaine crossing the finish line at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in 2008.   She looks as proud of me as my own mother.  It was one of many “finish lines” we crossed together in her lifetime and I guess in away doing the F.A.B. 5k is just another way of me getting to cross a “finish line” with her.  

The Dr. Seuss saying, “Don’t cry because it’s over; Smile because it HAPPENED!” is so fitting for Charmaine.  I was very lucky because her last two years she moved closer to her doctors, which meant closer to me.  I was able to swing by and make her lunch, check in on her, occassionally take her to the doctor.  I was able to give my girls some great memories with her.  I am grateful that “happened”.  Charmaine is the reason I am who I am today and not just her disease but the person she was.  She was a positive loving and caring person.  No matter who she talked to she always made them feel special and I smile because that “happened.”  As a family we can’t believe we go on but we do.  And when we remember her, we smile through our misty eyes because she “happened” to us!

The Gift Of Watching Your Kids Grow Up

Sarah would have turned 41 the day after this year's F.A.B.5k if we hadn't lost her 1.5 years ago after her long struggle with breast cancer.  Although Ben, Sam and I have learned to let life carry us forward again, do you know when grief still often overcomes me?  It's when I see how much the boys have grown and matured since Sarah was last with us.  I'm so proud of them, and so amazed at how they are developing in character as well as in size.  One of the most difficult things that Sarah faced in that last month was the heartbreak of not being able to see our boys grow up and be a part of their lives.  That fear was the first one she gave voice to after hearing the cancer diagnosis 5 years earlier, and I think it was one of the hardest things to accept in our difficult journey together.  Now, when I look at how big Ben and Sam are getting, I am reminded of what Sarah has already missed in seeing them grow up, and what the boys are missing in having to grow up without their mother, and what I miss in being able to share that parent's pride and amazement with the only other person who could truly share it back.  I'm still amazed at the courage Sarah showed during the toughest times of her struggle - despite facing this loss, she poured all the love she could into our boys even when they couldn't fully understand how precious that love, and the time we had left, was.  With a big lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, I'm remembering how she said to Ben and Sam in her "last video" that she would always love them.  Her love greeted them as they entered the world, it shaped and nurtured them in their early years, and I hope in some way she can still send her love to sustain the boys as they grow up...
Cancer took Sarah from us, and it does the same for so many other moms who have to face leaving their children behind.  If this terrible disease can be beat, if a cure can be found... then we have to help in any way we can!  Let's support the F.A.B. 5k and raise money for breast cancer research.  Join us on 10 June for the F.A.B. 5k race!  http://www.fab5k.com 

Seize the Day

Written by: Jenny Parr

I am happy and fortunate to report that my mom, Sandy Parr, is approaching the 2 ½ year mark of remission! Although Sandy’s battle with breast cancer was the most difficult time in both her and her family’s lives, she has triumphed with a newfound “seize-the day” attitude. So much so, that this past year Sandy has been fortunate enough to pursue her dreams of traveling to New Zealand, driving to Colorado, going hot air ballooning, and even has planned to complete her first “mini” triathlon in mid June! Sandy is truly an incredible woman, mother, wife, and friend.

Although I am blessed to speak so positively of Sandy’s health, I have been reminded very much of how suddenly cancer can spread its poison. This past year, my best friend’s mom, as well as my dad’s aunt, have been affected by breast cancer. Both women have consequently had to undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and double mastectomies.  While we are constantly reminded of the hardships cancer plagues on women, we must never forget to seize the day with strength, confidence, and courage. I <3 You Mom

Oh The Places Noreen Goes...

2012’s F.AB. 5k finds my good friend Noreen still in the battle.  However, this has not stopped her.  I have called or texted her this year to find her traveling to San Diego with her family, off on a cruise, hiking in the forest, or heading into the city for treatment, yet again. She is active in her son’s classroom when she can.  In other word’s, she is balancing.  Balancing the world of motherhood with the world of chemotherapy.  Noreen writes in her CaringBridge page that despite her setbacks this year she feels "stronger than ever":

“Funny thing though. I have never felt stronger.

Despite all the bad news, chemotherapy, radiation, and other treatments and procedures, I am standing and I am fighting. It is truly amazing to me that while I surely cannot leap tall buildings, I am able to endure the punches from such a formidable foe.”

Noreen continues to fight and continues to live life.   She will be at the 2012 F.A.B. 5k with her family. Noreen is an inspiration to me everyday and everyday I am proud to say she is my friend!

52 5k's for a Cure!

All it takes is one person to ignite inspiration….and Melissa Preston has done that for me in the last week.  The F.A.B. 5k received an email from Gordon Carter, Melissa’s boyfriend, a week ago.  Gordon introduced us to Melissa and her quest of raising money for the American Cancer Society.  In late 2011, Melissa devised a plan to run 52 5k’s in 2012.  As Melissa pledged to run these 5k’s, she matched the entry fee as a donation to the American Cancer Society and has encouraged her family and friends to do the same.  As of June 1^st, she has run 23 5k’s across the U.S. and even abroad.  Melissa has almost reached her initial goal of raising $10,000 and because of this, she has decided to up the ante for the races on the back half of the year and go for $20,000 in 2012!  We are thrilled she has decided to join us for her 25^th 5k at the F.A.B. 5k on June 10^th!

I was able to speak with Melissa for few minutes and get the back story....

Melissa had a chance encounter to start up her running career in 2011.  While she was walking with a friend, they walked into a 5k in progress.  Thinking why not join in the fun, they joined the race for a bit and enjoyed the experience.  Melissa picked up running shortly after that and dove in head first into the 52 5k’s plan.  What inspired Melissa to do this was her experience of a number of friends being directly impacted by cancer:  “It starts to hit home in your thirties when virtually all of your friends have been touched by cancer in one way or another in their lives – it’s exhausting.  And I was determined to find a way to make a bigger impact instead of small donations here and there”.

Melissa lives in Reston, Virginia and she travels frequently for work, so she is fitting these races in wherever she geographically can.  Each 5k is run in someone’s honor and you will find Melissa posing with her friends and family post race for a photograph with a poster that states the race number and who she has run it for.  And an Irish pub is usually sought out for post race refreshments.  The F.A.B. 5k team recommended Peggy Kinnane’s  for this one ;)!

If you are interested in learning more about Melissa’s adventure, check out her fundraising page:

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/melissapreston/525ksforacure-2012 

Or her facebook community page –’52 5k’s for a Cure’

We look forward to meeting you on race day, Melissa!  Congratulation on your efforts to date and we wish you the best of luck for the rest of 2012!

Inspiration Updates - Part 2

Julie’s Update: Julie’s story is a happy one.  Julie has always been the one prepared but being prepared for her own breast cancer diagnosis was not something she even saw coming.   However, when she detected a lump she was prepared, having been to the surgeons and the oncologists with Charmaine all of these years.  Nothing was beyond the realm of possibilities.  After chemotherapy, radiation and reconstruction, I am happy to say that Julie is approaching the 4 year mark of remission.  She continues to work, visit her boys at school, and enjoy life and travel with my brother-in-law Tom.  

Julie continues to be my inspiration everyday and its mostly because of the small things she does:  challenging herself to drive on expressways, being there for my daughters’ recitals, running a 5k (2011 F.A.B. 5k) and continuing to help Charmaine’s kids by being their aunt, friend and advisor when they need it most.  Julie is a one-of-a-kind sister and I am extremely proud to say she is one of mine.

Janet has celebrated 8 years of remission from breast cancer! She celebrated her remission and 70th birthday by cheering Melanie and me on at the 26.2 with Donna Breast Cancer Half Marathon in Jacksonville, Florida.  She stood on the side of the course, proudly wearing her survivor bib as participants cheered her on as they ran past. She has enjoyed watching the F.A.B. 5k and basking in the feelings of love and support for her and others who are fighting breast cancer. It was her first 5k ever and enjoyed every minute of it! She remains vigilant about her mammograms and periodic check ups, but doesn't dwell on what  might happen. She enjoys working as a tour guide at a plantation outside New Orleans, spending time with friends and my dad, and enjoys her "grand babies" as much as time and distance will allow. She has always been a source of inspiration for me and I have learned the true definition of perseverance from her. 

Inspiration Updates – Part 1

Because the energy of the F.A.B. 5k is driven by all of our inspirations both past and present, we wanted to provide some quick updates on these wonderful women.  Read on!

Tiffany Majors

I was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago around my 29th birthday. The last two years have been a somewhat of a blur, with 4 surgeries, various embryo banking/IVF procedures, 5 months of chemo and 33 radiation treatments. As tough as the last two years were though, I somehow feel extremely lucky. I feel lucky that I was able to overcome such a difficult time. I feel lucky that I got (and still get) to see the absolute best come out in all of my friends, family, colleagues and other supporters. And most of all, I feel lucky that I was able to realize what’s really important in life. I’m happier today than I have ever been and plan to continue smiling for many years to come.  Thank you ALL for your support, especially my wonderful friend, Heather!

From Heather Albright, Tiffany's friend:  I cannot comprehend everything Tiffany has gone through over the past two years and is still going through, but as a friend it is so wonderful to see how she has been able to put the experience behind her and move on with her life.  Tiffany has always been someone who lights up the room when she enters it and who people gravitate towards, and it is such a relief to see that breast cancer did not change that one bit! Love you Tiff!     Christine Campbell

My Mom is a three time breast cancer survivor over the course of now 20 years, with her last treatment for Invasive Ductal Carcinoma completed in Spring 2010. Since that time, Mom has been on the road back to health – ramping up her walking routine, joining the local gym, growing out her beautiful blonde locks, tending to her vegetable and perennial gardens and enjoying the early years of semi-retirement with my Dad.   I know Mom is so happy to feel healthy again, but I realize for her there is always a slight undercurrent of ‘could this happen again?’  I can tell that Mom does not let this thought bother her, though, because she lives her life full steam ahead! 

I do have a great story to share.  Since her last treatment two years ago, Mom and Dad have been able to fit in three awesome cruise vacations.  One of which was to celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary on a 10 night European Cruise.   On one of their shore excursions, Mom and Dad were walking in some of the village towns on the coast of Italy.  The sidewalks and paths are not too smooth and as a result Mom took pretty brutal fall – enough to have the bone break through skin on her hand.  A rather ugly injury for a vacation in a foreign country.  Mom and Dad made their way back to the Cruise ship hospital.  Once the doctor examined it there, he was surprised they did not try to find onshore hospital because of the extent of the injury.  Mom and Dad did not want to miss a minute of their vacation and besides, what is a little hand injury compared to cancer – Nothing.  Mom was raring to go see the Vatican the next day – there was nothing that would stop her from seeing that.  A part of me has to think that her experience with Breast Cancer has given my Mom more of a ‘can-do’ attitude – which is awesome and I admire that.

Mom will be joining us again the 3rd annual F.A.B. 5k – taking her 7^th grandchild for a 5k stroller ride. Here’s to many more beautiful cruises, Mom….I love you!

Understanding the importance of one another...

This entry needs an introduction. Christine is in my book group and I've discovered the she has an "army" of people who love her. They are fighting hard right along side her. Her husband called me out of the blue one day (unknown to Christine) and said he wanted to be a corporate sponsor for the F.A.B. 5k. His devotion to her was evident in his voice when he asked about helping us out. Her friends have formed a team (with great t-shirts, I hear) and will walk with her at the F.A.B. 5k. Her family and friends have formed a formidable army to help Christine through this journey. They're as much about lifting her spirits as they are about helping her heal physically. I am so inspired by Christine and these people who love Christine. So, read the following entry from Christine's Sister-in-law and be inspired. 

It was one of those dreary January days.  I had just finished brushing the snow off my car and as is my habit called my mom.  I was driving to pick up my 7 year old from school and would take these few minutes to share the trials of my day with my mom.  However,  today was different.  My mom interrupted me with, “Christine has breast cancer”. “Christine who?”  I replied.  “Your brother’s wife, Michelle!”  In my head this was not making sense.  We spoke for a few more minutes, stunned and then I called Christine. Forever, this would change our family…

Today, however is different.  Mother’s Day 2012.  Christine and I are sitting on the deck at the lake and we are watching my dad string a fishing pole for my nephew.  My daughter and her cousin are playing on the edge of the lake with a pirate ship.   My husband and my brother are sharing a laugh as they watch the girls play.  We are relaxed – lazy even. My mom is in the kitchen cutting up some fruit for lunch.  So, as we sit watching the scene I ask her to tell me the whole story…

“For well over 6 – 8 months I had ignored breast changes in “Lame Lefty”.  I even spoke to some friends who all said they had discharge after breast-feeding.  This made sense to me.  I continued to ignore more warning signs. 

My book club was reading a book about breast cancer and as I finished reading the book  I noticed in the endnotes that the author said she had wished her mom had listened to the warning signs maybe she would be here today.  As a result, I decided for 2012 to take my health more seriously and at 38 would go to my doctor and share my concerns.  At that appointment my doctor was unable to hide the shock on her face about the issues I’ve been having and immediately sent me for a mammogram.  I was scared but still felt that it was nothing.  I was 38!  The mammogram results found a “spider web” of calcifications throughout the left breast.  The first biopsy was negative.  However, the doctors decided to go for a more invasive biopsy a week later.  The second biopsy indicated that I did have cancer cells and my diagnosis was DCIS, Ductal Carcinoma In Situ.  My world was crashing down around me.  How is this possible?  In addition, I was receiving conflicting information from the doctors who thought that perhaps the symptoms were not consistent with the diagnosis!  It was a daily roller coaster that my family started to grasp onto the fact that it is cancer.

Later in the month, I went to genetic counseling and genetic testing.  This is when I found out that my aunt had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and that my family history is checkered with cancer primarily on my father’s side.  However, the genetic counseling added a whole new layer of anxiety to our lives.  We were unsure of the results and constantly spoke of “what if”.  What will this mean for my children, my niece, nephew?  What will this mean for me?  The test results were returned and as a result the decision to have a double mastectomy was made in part because of my family history of breast and prostate cancer. 

As the plethora of testing began for scheduling the surgery and follow-up care I found that my husband, Bryan, was a great source of strength.  I relied on my family and friends and was amazed by their level of support.  Today, I’m still amazed by the tremendous support of my family & friends.  I’m not sure that emotionally I could have managed without my support network.  Anyway, after surgery the breast tissue was sent for extensive testing.  The result of the testing was Atypical Ductal Hyperplasia in my right “healthy” breast which is considered pre-cancer and would have increased my risk of developing breast cancer 4 to 5 times over the average life-time risk if not removed.  In addition, the doctors felt  they had succeeded in removing all the cancer in the "Lame Lefty" and the three lymph nodes came back negative, as well.  I felt like I had the winning lottery ticket having made the decision to have the double mastectomy! Who would have thought that someone would be happy to find more cancer cells!  I was just so glad to be rid of them!” 

As we sat together looking at the lake we realize that our lives have changed.   I’m not sure if we will ever go back to that group of people who did not have cancer touch our lives.  We understand the importance of each other.  We are more present, more in the moment and so much more appreciative of each other.  Lots more hugging, more laughing and of course, some tears.  Christine's journey is not over but we are all better able to handle the trials as they lay before us as a stronger family! Perhaps that is something that Cancer left us with.  God Bless!  

Inspiration

Inspire: Arouse by divine influence

Inspire: To breath life into, to inhale. 

Inspire: To stimulate action

Inspire:  My wife Jan and I are breast cancer survivors.  I can say that right? I mean, If Jan can claim that WE mulched the yard and WE moved all the heavy landscape rocks from the front of the house to the backyard then WE are breast cancer survivors.  Our 3 kids were 8 months, 2 & 4 (now 7,9 & 11). How did WE do it? Who took care of Jan all day while I went to work? The baby? Got the kids ready for school and picked them up? Groceries? Laundry? How long did we need help? 

Strength, Courage and Faith. Breast cancer is a battle that no one should go through alone.  WE needed each other.....WE needed family, friends, neighbors. Some "perspective" I now realize is that people need people during turbulent times.  WE needed everyone that supported us....many of which I did not even know. Our experience does not define us, but reflection does give us perspective. Some day you may need support or be needed by your family, friends or neighbors.  You may be needed now. Many great woman, young and old; moms; daughters and sisters have and will battle breast cancer. For those that leave us too early, let their exhale be the breath of life we inhale and inspire us to support others in their loving spirit. Fight for those that need help fighting. Be the footsteps in the sand. You may find perspective in the process and may just be inspired.  Jan and I (WE) were meant for each other. I really don't see getting through that time possible with anyone else. She inspires me with her strength, her beauty, the twinkle in her eye, her capacity to give...Jan is Genuine ( t-shirts to follow). So yes, WE are breast cancer survivors and WE did mulch the yard. It is in giving that you will receive. Hope to see you at the F.A.B. 5K.

Mom: A True Warrior

As we celebrate my mom’s 76th birthday & Mother’s Day this month, I realize what a survivor she is of breast cancer without ever being diagnosed.  Being the mother of 5 girls she has watched us all battle bullying, heartache, happiness, pregnancy, miscarriage, sickness and worst of all breast cancer.  I am a mother myself of two daughters.  Young as they are now its hard for me to step back and let them fight their own battles, deal with their friends and basically grow up.  I admire my mother because she is still standing even after losing my sister Charmaine over 2 years ago and she is still waging a war on Breast Cancer.

Have you seen her at the water station every year?  That’s my mom, Carol.  Her blue eyes sparkle on the corner where I grew up as she passes out the water to those running and walking in honor of her daughters and the others in our community fighting breast cancer.  Her eyes should be a beacon for those who are in the throws of cancer especially the mother’s of those who suffer or those who are suffering.  Think of the band aid you are constantly at the ready with and now imagine their is no band aid to take away what is happening to your own child.  Like entering motherhood, there is no training or true book to tell you how to handle things when breast cancer invades your family so my mother did what she did best she kept everything normal.  Having teenagers at home she made life “go on.”  Sure being a true Irish woman, our house was spotless during Charmaine’s first diagnosis.  She continued to work and in so doing she set an example for me.  I realized that I had to keep going. I couldn’t let my grades slip or fall into bad habits.  When is was her turn to battle the beast of cancer, Non-hodgkins Lymphoma she did the same thing.  Life went on and so did she.  She could take the chemotherapy and radiation because her daughter did.  Not only has my mother seen the ravages of breast cancer take one daughter, but she has seen the triumph of remission in another and in herself.  

I don’t always tell her but I am in awe. My mother is a fighter.  Her tiny stature holds a warrior to be reckoned with.  Yes, she has had her moments in which Charmaine’s, Julie’s and her own diagnosis have weakened her resolve but yet she bounces back.  We joke with her about her compulsion to return everything (ask her about the 9 couches sometime) or her sweatshirt that says, “its all about me!”  which is her mantra, but she deserves to have what she wants and to make it all about her.  She’s 76 , grandmother of 13 and great-grandmother to almost 5 (one is due in July) but she has waged a war and I hope that the F.A.B. 5k can make her triumphant.  She smiles, laughs and enjoys life because well that is what Charmaine did and so that is what my mom will do.  If you are on the course of the F.A.B. 5k and see her (though its hard because she is so petite), say hi and realize you are in the presence of a warrior in the Fight.Against.Breast cancer!

The Team's Top Ten Reasons to Sign up for the F.A.B. 5k

10. The opportunity to show breast cancer survivors how much we love and support them by coming out and showering them with all the positive energy to be had at the F.A.B. 5K. Just ask anyone who's participated before - it can't be beat!

9. The right to wear a very cool looking t-shirt we have designed for 2012!

8. It is a great excuse to buy a new pair of Running Shoes – check out our new sponsor – Dick Pond - for these!

7. Awesome pink ribbon Wrightsocks.

6. Witness for yourself the 100 best 5K volunteers in the world (by our estimate) who make the F.A.B. 5k possible! Over 100 people come out to help us on the day of the race and approximately 3/4 (or more) of the volunteers have been with us since the first year.

5. Running or walking a 5k is a great fitness goal. It is also a wonderful opportunity to share the benefits of an active lifestyle with your kids.

4. Hot Lou Malnati’s Pizza at the Finish line!

3. Fantastic race day raffle prizes!

2. A chance to spend time with your friends, family and neighbors on a beautiful Sunday morning in June.

1. To make an impact in this battle, carrying the hope that one day there will be a cure by raising funds for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. It’s just one small thing we can do to feel ‘in-control’ of an ‘out-of-control’ situation.

Join us on June 10th!

Why, you ask?

Believe me, I've asked myself that same question about this same time for the last three years. Why all the time spent meeting, getting sponsors, food, raffle sponsors and even participants? I always come up with the same answer. I do for this for my MOM, Bonnie's SISTERS, Kelly's MOM, Lesley's MOM, SARAH and so many MORE! I do this because I don't want anyone else to have to go through what we've all experienced. The pain, heartbreak, the feeling of being able to do nothing but watch. There has to be something we can do and that is what the four of us are doing. WE are raising money for the foundation we believe, and Sarah believed, can make a difference. Even if it's ONE person, ONE life at a time.

The four of us were brought together for a reason. We became running partners for a reason. We all went throught watching a loved one battle breast cancer for a reason. This is what the four of us were meant to do together.

I kind of look at it like this. People always say that after having one child why would you ever do that again. Endure pregnancy and labor and delivery. The answer is because the outcome far out weighs anything else. After each race the outcome is way too awesome to not do it again. So, here we are doing it again and again the outcome is going to be awesome!

Unless Someone Like You Cares A Whole Awful Lot...

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing's going to get better. It's not. ~ Dr. Seuss

As we look for our inspirations in 2012, I would like to tell you about my inspirations this year. Yes, my sisters Charmaine and Julie will always inspire me as well as my good friend Noreen but this year I want to tell you about three inspirations that have motivated me since before 2010 and the race: My F.A.B. 5k Team.

KELLY: She inspires me to be a better a runner. She checks in on me when I am missing my early morning runs. Makes sure I know when they are heading out at 515a (yes like most children the F.A.B. 5k was born at an ungodly hour) so that I don’t miss out. Gets me a new pair of socks to keep me running in the winter and shares her wisdom to keep me interested in the sport. These are the things she does for the F.A.B. 5k. She makes sure we are on task with our goals and plans. Double checks everything to make sure we are doing it the best we can; she dots the “i”s when maybe I forgot to cross the “t”s. When I need a little boost to get motivated again Kelly unknowingly sends an email that re-inspires me.

LESLEY: She inspires my momentum for running. She gets my heart rate up when she is talking about a passionate subject because she can’t help herself and I pant along trying to keep up so I can hear how the story ends. When I get behind she is always sure to check that I am still there, even if it is several blocks behind. She always makes me laugh especially with her traveling stories. Lesley gets the F.A.B. 5k up to speed especially when she has something exciting to tell us. She lightens the mood when things get tense. She offers to help when one of us might be struggling with a task. When Lesley is excited she inspires all of us to be excited.

MELANIE: Melanie inspires me to keep going especially when it feels too hard. We’ve suffered injuries on the running track at the same time. Hers being far more serious than mine kept me motivated because she kept moving. We have both recovered and can’t stop. Doctors have told us to take it easy but we can’t, we are runners and we keep moving. Melanie and I are kindred spirits having only started our friendship and running partnership right before our lives were turned upside down by the passing of my sister and her mother only days apart from one another. Sometimes, I think our friendship had a divine intervention. I enjoy sharing the positive and fulfilling cathartic journey of the F.A.B. 5k planning with Melanie. Her mother’s battle and my sister’s struggle with breast cancer will not be in vain because we keep moving. We are runners and thats what we do: keep moving.

I would be remiss if I also did not mention our husbands and our children as inspirations as well. These men & children know where they will be every second weekend in June. They are as dedicated as their wives and mothers and help out whenever possible and are the best cheerleaders when we need them. Our F.A.B. 5k team would not be complete without the love and support of Eric, Brian, Todd and Kevin and the helping hands and hearts of Owen, Finely, Jack, Charlie, Danny, Tyler, Reese, Hannah and Sammie.

My F.A.B. 5k Team inspires because simply they do care; they care a “whole awful lot.”

Getting the word out....

Last week was my annual mammogram. For better or worse, my OB/GYN recommended annual exams due to my Mom’s history of breast cancer occurrences. Stepping into the imaging machine, helps to remind me why we work so hard on the F.A.B. 5k. It is so that at some point in the future, those women receiving calls with questionable results after a week or two of their mammograms know that their problem is solvable and all will be well. I truly hope it is in our lifetime.

The F.A.B. 5K Team has been working diligently over the last few winter months. Registration is open; our fliers are being printed; the 2012 T-shirt is designed and recruitment of sponsors is in full swing! Our goal this year is continue to grow the race while maintaining the same level of quality and meaning this event has for us. This year we are adding some enhancements - the first 400 participants will receive T-shirts and we are adding race timing. We have a few more things in the works, too!

So, friends, I have a favor to ask of you. We are at the point in our planning where we need to kick the publicity into high gear. Can you help us get the word out? Send the link to our online registration (https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/81730/) to your group of friends and family – who cares if they run or walk - an invitation is all it takes to do something beyond our normal boundaries. Post something on your twitter feed or facebook that you will be joining us on June 10th and you want to help make an impact. Extend those invites and we want to hear the stories of who you were able to convince to toe the line on June 10th!

"It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich"

"Life begets life. Energy creates energy. It is by spending oneself that one becomes rich."
— Sarah Bernhardt

I love this quote. Whenever I need a "pick me up", this quote helps. I have it in my arsenal, but haven't seen it in awhile. It came across in an email to me this morning. Is it coincidental that it was the same day I needed to publish a blog post? I wonder. Ever since the first F.A.B. 5k, my life has been full of these happenstance instances. Almost two years ago to the day, the idea of the F.A.B. 5k was born.

In less than 3 months following Barb and Charmaine's deaths in 2010, an event that drew 350 people and raised over $15,000 for Sarah's charity of choice (The BCRF) came to fruition. Kind people offered time, money, and resources in an effort to show their love and support to Sarah's, Barb's, Charmaine's, Kelly's, and my families. Not to mention all those in similar circumstances that came out to "feel the love". Girls Scouts and Daisy troops offered to have a lemonade stand and memory wall at the finish line. The Indian Guide's head Chief asked all his little Indian Guides to come out and walk. He provided all of them with a patch for their efforts. How great is that?! Then, there's the white dove (and I am not kidding - I have witnesses) sitting on the side of the road as the four of us drove our car around the course at daybreak to put up inspirational signs and mile markers on race day. The dove sat calmly watching us as if to say, "You're doing the right thing, it will be fine". What about the storm that rolled in literally 10 minutes after we wrapped up? Not just any little storm, but one of those fierce, quick storms that makes sure you're paying attention. It held off until the perfect time. Everything in the world told us that this would not be the only F.A.B. 5k.

Last year, as we started to be concerned about whether we could have the same kind of success, companies like Wright Sock offered to help provide socks to participants. People didn't just offer to sponsor, but offered two-fold of what we were expecting. Some provided raffle prizes without being asked. Potential participants started contacting us to ask if they could form teams and raise MORE money! Someone took Sarah's story and spent hours creating a beautiful painting, and just offered it (called me up and said, "I'm doing this") as a silent auction item. The race happened to fall on what would have been Sarah's 40th birthday. Over $21,000 went to The BCRF and we had 500+ participants and over 100 volunteers.

Is it coincidental that registration opened today, in the very week that will mark the anniversary of Barb and Charmaine's passing? I swear it wasn't planned. We were supposed to open a bit earlier, but it was delayed. Or, that after a recent meeting where we discussed how we're going to continue to exceed what we've done in the last two years, a seemingly impossible feat, we get good news from two past sponsors?

Something is driving this and it isn't the four of us. Four people alone cannot do this. It takes hundreds of people. Willing, loving, and very kind people. Every time I come around a bend, something falls into place that tells me this is the right thing to do. There is an energy that drives this event. It's love, passion, kindness, the memories and spirits of Sarah, Barb, Charmaine, all of our inspirations, and others' inspirations.

This is an exciting and stressful time for me. I want to do better than the last two years. I want people to participate and volunteer. I want people to enjoy themselves. I want the momentum to continue. I want our money to be the money that causes a scientist to discover the right drugs, treatment, and cure. There are a lot of things out of our control when it comes to breast cancer. But we can create an event that's driven by positive energy of people who want to do what they can in the face of something that seems so out of control. The energy and time the four of us have spent on the F.A.B. 5k is one of the richest blessings I will ever encounter. That's why I'm doing it again. I hope you'll come be a part of the energy this year.