The Childhood Cancer Blog
Does it seem like the sport of running has become super popular lately? It appears as though everyone knows someone who is training for a marathon, half marathon or even a 5K to stay in shape (or perhaps prepare for the upcoming holidays and the onslaught of sweets). Some of these runners, like our Team Lemon members, take part in races not only for exercise, but also to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. We refer to it as "running for a reason." We recently received a note from Samantha, who participated in the Marine Corps Marathon last month as part of Team Lemon, who describes the range of emotions she felt as she crossed the finish line knowing that she not only accomplished an athletic feat, but also made a difference for kids with cancer:
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| Samantha at the finish line |
...When I saw the marker for mile 26 I knew had to gut it out and finish strong. It was only a quarter mile, and my run felt like barely more than a shuffle at that point. The crowds lining the street were getting thicker, and the atmosphere was, like all race finish lines, magical. I wanted nothing more than to walk, and at that moment I thought of Alex Scott. I thought of this little girl who wanted to help others, a little girl who will never know what an impact she has had on the lives of so many. I was in pain, and I wanted to quit. As I neared the finish I saw there was one last hill. After swearing under my breath I thought there's no way I'm walking up this hill. I would finish strong for Team Lemon. I was at a near sprint as I ran past all the other runners walking up the hill and pushed hard to the finish. As I crossed the mat I felt a sob well up in my chest and had to use all of my self control to contain it. There's no way I'd let a bunch of Marines see me cry. But I had finished 26.2, and I'd finished it for a reason. Read the rest of Samantha's blog.
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| Even the youngest ALSF supporters got in on the fun during the Kids' Dash! |
Among the day’s highlights were a number of inspiring hero families honoring their childhood cancer heroes, as well as a kids’ 100 meter dash held prior to the 5K. Liz Scott, Alex Scott’s mom, presented awards to the fastest race finishers in each category and recognized the top fundraising teams. Brian Riggs, dad to childhood cancer hero Payton and the leader of Team Payton, spoke about how important support is for childhood cancer research in light of his daughter’s battle with neuroblastoma, which she fought at just 8 months old and who currently remains cancer free. |
| Brian Riggs and his wife Jennifer with daughters Payton and Jordyn. |
Feeling inspired yet? Tie up those laces and pound the pavement for kids with cancer!
Learn more about Team Lemon or The Lemon Run. November 15, 2013
