At this point in time along my journey to 26.2, I am compelled to stop and write about some things I'm feeling especially grateful for. Regarding the alien living in my abdomen, I discovered that the tumor continues to grow, and am grateful to have it removed tomorrow. I am truly thankful to live within walking distance to the best medical care in the world. I am confident in my surgical team, and thankful to be here.
Being in this situation makes me think of my family, who are always there for me, and vice versa, no matter what. We don't see each other as much as we'd all like, as we all work and are always running around after our kids, but we all know, we're always there. I'm thankful to live so close to my beautiful family, as my Mom is coming out to stay with my boys while I'm in the hospital. Thank GOD for that! What would I do without her. As I type, she's home in Leominster making soup, sauce, meatballs, etc - preparing to help her Grandsons while I'm out of commission. Hoping for a speedy recovery - how can I go wrong with Mom's Chicken Soup in my corner!!
I'm very thankful for the progress I've made toward my marathon, both in mileage and fundraising. I've worked up to about 6 miles - was to be at 13 by December, but that is on hold right now due to surgery tomorrow. I do still plan to run 26.2 on April 15 - just a little more interesting of a journey now. I'm thankful, as I've posted before, that in addition to my family, one constant in my life has always been exercise. In addition to being an athlete myself, it is my life's work, my passion, and I'm grateful to have realized it early on in college.
Related to fundraising for THE Marathon, 2 major events occurred last week, that also cause me great appreciation. I had my first meeting with Meg Vallaincourt, Gena Borson, Ania Burke and fellow runner Justin Prettyman of The Boston Red Sox Foundation. We were up in a boardroom at Fenway Park, overlooking the beautiful, historic baseball field that is so precious to my family. Talking about where our money will be going that we raise for running the marathon. I could not be more proud to run for this team and it's arms of charity outreach. The Jimmy Fund, Red Sox Scholars, Home Base program for Veterans, and Dimock Community Health Center. All these programs touch my life in a very meaningful way.
My first fundraiser was a great success! We hosted it at the Nazzaro Center in the North End, which is the site of election polling in the North End. On election day, we sold coffee, pastries from ALL our local bakeries (Mikes, Modern, Parziales, Bovas, Maria's) and Regina Pizza during the dinner hours! And so many home made items as well! Flora Matarazzo, for one, kept sending over fresh hot homemade biscotti and other baked goods to sell. We raised
$2,000 that day (toward my goal of $5,000-$10,000), which I'm so thankful for. And so appreciative to Carl Ameno, for obtaining all those donations, and allowing me to use his venue for fundraising. So appreciative to all those who contributed, baked, and volunteered to help me. This neighborhood is second to none when it needs to accomplish a goal together. And I hope you enjoy this picture - how's that for NORTH END!:
I am grateful to have discovered today that my dear friend, Kim Walker is training again for the Lavaman Triathlon which is next May. Kim COMPLETED her first Lavaman last year, overcoming the obstacle of having a STROKE the year before. This year, she is running for her Mom, who is now ALSO battling with cancer. I will be adding her Mom to my list of people who inspire me to keep running. It's WONDERFUL to have such an inspiring ray of light from California to train with, raise money with, and encourage. Love that our races are one month apart :). Go KIM !!
So, now I have to deal with this tumor, and face a bump in the journey to 26.2. A few steps backward. But I'm running this. Rosanne will be there the whole way with me - I feel her presence, I know she's my biggest cheerleader now. So with her, and my sons and family, Carl, and so many amazing friends (like Kim), we're going to get through tomorrow, raise money that our charities desperately need, and run 26.2 together. I'm appreciative for the strength of the very rich friendships in my life, the old friendships and newer friendships. How lucky can one girl be??? See you all on the other side of surgery, and THANK YOU for all your love, cheers and support! I'm grateful to be surrounded by so many wonderful souls. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and your families.
