Cancer Isn't Fair

Cancer isn't fair.

It doesn't choose delicately.
It doesn't play nice.
It doesn't accommodate timing.
It doesn't feel pity.

But

It doesn't steal hope.
It doesn't break bonds.
It doesn't take memories.
It doesn't extinguish love.

It cannot extinguish love.

I'm having a really hard time - physically, but mainly emotionally. Running has fallen to the side. I coordinate a program that starts this weekend. I am emotionally drained. I'm stretched thin. I've got so much to do. I've got no energy. I've got no time.

But I've got my health. Which is more than so many people who fight cancer every day with no energy, no time, and so much to do.

So today I will run. Because I can. And they can't. And they deserve someone on their side.

4 miles down

I started my training on Friday with a 4 mile run. It wasn't my best run, but it's a good start.

I am so grateful for all of the support on social media and for the donations that people have so graciously given. When my sides were cramping and I felt like I might not make it to 4 miles, it made it so much easier to remember that just as Taylor didn't go through this alone, those same people and new faces are joining together to support this cause.

I won't let you down, Taylor

Officially official

Today I officially registered to run my very first half-marathon. And to be really honest, I'm terrified.

I have never been the best runner and the thought of running for over 2 hours straight is really scary, but I know that Taylor will be watching over me as I train and prepare myself for the race. Taylor has taught me strength and perseverance as she and our family never gave up hope.

Taylor and her mom, Shawnee.

So if she had the strength to have faith, then I will too.

I start training tomorrow!

Taylor's Story

My cousin, Taylor, was a normal 12-year-old until she began having headaches in December 2012 and an MRI revealed a brain tumor and stage IV brain cancer.

Taylor immediately went into her first brain surgery and we hoped and prayed. Things looked hopeful as a year of chemo and radiation went by and things seemed to be getting better.

Until late April when she began to have intense headaches and pressure and the doctors did scans and determined that they was nothing more they could do for her and sent her home on pallative care (hospice). Taylor's mother and my cousin, Shawnee, is the strongest person I've ever met. She lived every day and moment for Taylor and gave her everything she could have ever wanted or needed.

When we lost Taylor 3 weeks ago, I felt so helpless. I am over 1000 miles from our family and felt like there was nothing I could do to help or show my love and support. After weeks of grieving, I came up with something that I could do, even if it's small. The doctors and nurses at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital fought for Taylor every day and are only able to do so because of the support of the Children's Miracle Network.

So I decided that I would train for and run a half marathon in Taylor's memory and raise money for this amazing organization that supports so many children who are fighting for their lives, just like Taylor.

If you have the ability and desire to help me to keep Taylor's fighting spirit going and to support the children fighting their own battles in all of the Children's Miracle Network hospitals across the country, please consider donating to my fundraiser.
All of the donations go directly to the Children's Miracle Network and not through me at all so the donation is completely secure (read more about it here!).

And I will update my progress through my training here so you can keep up and we can all remember Taylor together.