Running for Research

I've been amazed over and over again by how great my blog pals are.  You are talented, thinking, generous people who have been such a network of support and encouragement to me and to others in our own spheres of influence.  I've been so encouraged and amazed by the kindness shown me in the last year I wanted to try to pay it forward a bit by trying to help another blog pal in some of his efforts.

Van Kapeghian and his fiancee Abbe Meck have been in training to run in the Disney Marathon on January 8, 2012 and the Goofy Challenge the day after.  They are doing this in order to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to support research and treatment of blood cancers.

Now don't let the names Disney and Goofy make you think this is an easy thing.  A marathon is 26.2 miles...and any marathoner will get all over your case if you round down to a mere 26 miles.  I know.  Mr. Lime has run two marathons.  After the first one he said, "If I ever say I want to do that again, shoot me."  When he said he wanted to do it again I asked, "Where is your ammo?"  It's no small matter to run a race like that.  MONTHS of training go into it.  Oh, and the Goofy challenge....that's another half marathon, 13.1 miles for the math impaired, the VERY NEXT DAY.  Are you kidding me????  The thought of that much running makes me want to cry....like a baby....for hours...sucking my thumb....rocking in the corner.

Why are Van and Abbe doing this?  Well, Abbe's cousin Alayna was diagnosed with Leukemia almost an year and a half ago.  She's been going through treatment all that time and is now in remission.  Better than that, she has been inspired to start running and swimming to keep up with Abbe.  Here's a half minute thank-you video she posted for Abbe and Van.



How cool is that girl?  Does she not rock the known world?

Now Van and Abbe already impress me for being willing to train hard, run hard, and work hard to raise the money for research.  They are caring people who give to their family and community in so many ways.  In case you still don't think they are cool enough to consider, last year they ran just the marathon and Van dyed his hair purple (his whole head, not just a stripe like I did!) because it's Alayna's favorite color.  Oh yeah...and at the end of the marathon he dropped to his knee and proposed to Abbe who accepted.  Here's the evidence.

All kinds of awesome in action

Van and Abbe run for Alayna.  Van wrote her name on his running shoes.  There are  people in my world who have also been touched by leukemia and lymphoma.  A dear friend and coworker lost her son to lymphoma.  You may recall how our office banded together to get her through an anniversary of his death.  Perhaps you recall one of my Aunt Bee stories or recipes, well...she was diagnosed with Lymphoma about a year ago as well.  She has opted not to treat it because she is 89 and would prefer to live her remaining days feeling reasonably well rather than undergoing treatments which will make her feel completely rotten. Van has very kindly said he'd write Aunt Bee's name on his shoes this year and carry her along in spirit. I also have a blog pal Phaedrous who has been fighting Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma for over 15 years.  He's got a zest for life that puts most folks I know to absolute shame.  These are all people who matter to me.  I would not be surprised to learn several of you have been touched by someone in your lives who has had Leukemia or Lymphoma.


So anyway, now that I've run a marathon with words, which is about the only kind or marathon I am capable of, I'd like to ask a favor.  As of the writing of this post, Van and Abbe are only at 58% of their fundraising goal.  They have until December 16 to reach their goal or they wind up paying it out of their pockets.  Abbe recently found out the store where she is employed will be closing permanently.  So that kind of hits the wallet hard by itself.  Van works like a dog as a self-employed computer/coding/webpage designing guru.  These are terrific people who have a wonderful sense of community and service and generosity.  If you are able and willing I'd be ever so grateful if you'd consider making some small donation to their cause, even if it's only $5 because it all adds up (but hey, I know no one will mind more than $5)  You can do so here. It's easy and painless, unlike running a marathon.  If you're not able but still want to do something I'd love if you'd spread the word and share their link.  If you're not able or willing, well that's your choice and I'm not here to guilt anyone. I still thank you for taking the time to read this post.