On February 17, 2008, I ran the inaugural "26.2 with Donna - The National Marathon to Fight Breast Cancer." On that day one very special person was at the finish line cheering for me. For those of you who have followed this blog it was Donna Nelson. The picture of us at the finish line is still the "inspiration" for this blog. Donna could not run in 2008 as she had been diagnosed with breast cancer in November of 2007. I remember her telling me that she would be running the race "next year" and I could be waiting for her at the finish line. Thankfully, she completed her treatments and was able to resume running.
Fast forward to Sunday, February 15, 2009, Jacksonville Beach, FL. Donna is ready to run the race that had eluded her last year. She would have a friend and breast cancer survivor, Jodi, running with her today. When I finished my run one of the first people I saw was Donna's husband Fred. He had received an update on Donna's progress and we knew when to expect her at the finish. As the runners came across the finish we got our first glimpse of Donna and Jodi. Our smiles of joy turned to tears, then back to smiles. As Fred did last year, he took the camera and snapped a 2009 version of "Inspiration". What a difference a year makes.
2 comments:
There aren't many folks in this world who leave me speechless, (Just ask Fred). But somehow you always manage to do it. It felt so great to come across that finish line and see you and Fred (sportin' his pink bandanna) cheering me on with tears in your eyes. You two make a great support team. Running with my co-survivor Jodi made the race even more special. She really helped me out on parts of that course, which by the way was a pretty tough little course. Well, just think, only 368 more days till the next 26.2 with Donna. I think I'm ready!
How I wish I could have been there! Donna is a true inspiration, as are all those who have dealt with this terrible disease. Thanks for the photo and post!
Post a Comment