Walk/Run for Cancer

My aunt and uncle invited us to participate in a fundraiser for cancer research this past weekend in Santa Barbara. We had a really nice time. It was just a 5K, and you could walk or job, so I walked the first two miles with my aunt, then jogged the last mile by myself. The past mile was a lot of hills, and kind of difficult, and I found myself thinking about the people in my life who have been affected by cancer. I became emotional as I ran, but it inspired me to push myself. I thought about my grandma, who battled breast cancer twice, and had both breasts removed eventually. I thought about my dad, who also had breast cancer. He underwent intense chemotherapy, which thankfully helped fight the cancer, but left him with severe nerve damage and pain, called neuropathy. He was in a wheelchair for about six months, and was unable to walk or work. He is now able to walk and he works full time as a chaplain for hospice care. He is still in moderate pain all the time and takes a lot of medication to help with that. He rarely, if ever, talks about it or lets you know he's in pain unless you ask. It was so hard to watch both my dad and my grandma go through these battles, but I am so thankful that they both survived. I realize what a blessing that is. Last year, a friend of ours from church passed away suddenly. He didn't even know he had cancer. He left behind his beautiful wife and four children, all of whom I love dearly. His only son was six months old at the time. He will never get to know his amazing dad. 

I'm sure that everyone reading this has been touched or affected by cancer in some way, directly or indirectly. It is a terrible disease, and it just seems to be getting worse. I know that cancer research has come a long way, and I hope and pray that someday, cancer is not something to be feared, but a thing of the past. 

On a MUCH lighter note, it was a beautiful day in a beautiful place. After the race there was a complimentary breakfast, and we had a great time.  I felt especially thankful for my family and the fact that right now, everyone is healthy. That is not something I take for granted anymore! 

Here are some pictures...

Jon was a volunteer, so I stopped to give him a little love. 

My mom and my aunt Beezie, my mom's best friend. This was the first time my mom has done anything like this, and she did a great job. She has lost 45 pounds in the past 6 months. Yay Mom!!! I am SO proud of her.

Madeline had a great time being pushed in her awesome jogging stroller. 

Check out the hair. It does that all by itself. :)

My sweet grandparents with their first great-grandchild. They love her so much, and I am so thankful that they are able to know her.

My adorable dad...a survivor

My aunt and uncle who invited us to do the race. They also gave up their house and went and stayed somewhere else so that we would all have somewhere to stay!