Run Because You Can

RUN

Run with the confidence

that comes from being loved.

Run away from the confusion

and the noise.

Run toward the peace that comes

from giving your best.

Run through the pain

and loneliness.

Run with the memories

of your heart.

Run beyond the boundaries

your mind tells you are there.

Run for those who can't;

for those who wish they could,

and for those who never will.

RUN BECAUSE YOU CAN.

-Denise Jackson

Photo credit: KaTrina Anderson

A fun day with the girls. Here we are
BEFORE the race, and BEFORE the color.

Love this woman. Thank you for peer-pressuring us all to run with you. Well, technically, I ran BEHIND you, but that's just so you know, "I've got your back."

Getting colored before the race.

Tucking a phone under my shirt didn't protect it from the colors,
but it was worth a shot. This old hiker isn't much of a runner,
but I managed to run more than half of the 5K. Go, me!

Why do I run?

Why would a non-runner run a 5K? I run for family members. I run for lifelong friends. I run for friends I've never met. And I run for myself, not that I am a cancer survivor, but because cancer has touched my life, and I want to try to make a difference.

I ran in memory of Grandma and Grandpa, and others in my life I have known and loved. I ran in support of my friends, who are fighting the good fight, and continue to live as survivors and heroes.

Corey, Leslie, Tania, Dillon, Elisabeth, Yuriko, Erin, Victoria... you inspire us all with your lives. Thank you for giving the world a reason to believe in heroes.