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June 13, 2006
Race For The Cure 2006
This past weekend (June 10th, actually), Megan, Jonah, our child-in-waiting and I participated in the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's Race For The Cure. The Race is something that is near and dear to our hearts, since Megan's Mom and Aunt both had breast cancer. We have raced in our hometown, and in Megan's childhood home in Pennsylvania. We take part in the Race every year, because we don't want to see any more suffering thanks to breast cancer. I never got the chance to meet Megan's Mom, or her Aunt, but through stories, I really feel as if I have known them as long as I have known Megan. Megan's Mom Nancy sounds like the kind of Mom that Megan is turning into. Somewhat of a free spirit, but not a loose cannon; a loving and devoted person, but willing to give space when needed. Loyal and independent, kind and generous, open-hearted and sensitive. Aunt Betty sounds like everybody's Aunt, and if the stories I have heard about Aunt Betty are accurate, then Abby had a great Aunt to learn from. From what I can gather, Aunt Betty was always ready to take over when Mom needed a rest, always there to be close to her sisters, (and in Abby's case) Megan, their brother Keir, and their families. Ready to spoil our kids endlessly, and keep them in sugar and candy when Mom and Dad won't allow it.
I wish I had gotten the chance to meet Mom and Aunt Betty. It is for them that this post is dedicated, and to their memories. There are tons of good memories, and I look forward to hearing more as Megan, Jonah and our newest travel through life together.
So, here are some pics from the race...
Before the race, several companies that donate products or services set up tents, and hand out goodies. We got a lot of goodies, like key chains, Sunchips, towels, bagels, water, animal crackers and so on, and so on, and so on. No, the free stuff isn't really why we take part in the Race For The Cure, but it doesn't hurt!
So we wandered around collecting stuff, waiting for the race to start. Jonah, trapped in his stroller, began to melt down, so I snapped a couple of photos before we let him out of his stroller to do his own wandering...
After a while, we started to look for members of Megan's team. These are folks who she works with who also participated in the race. But we didn't see much of them, as most of our time was spent chasing our son down, who we let out of his stroller. (Notice the child-in-waiting poking out...)
This chasing thing went on right up until the time Megan and I had had enough. So, ever resourceful, we gave the boy a bottle of water to drink...
And of course, the water didn't end up IN the boy, it ended up ON the boy, and in a most unfortunate place. The sad thing is, this makes us look like bad parents on many different levels. First, who the heck gives a 17 month old a bottle of water to play with? Second, it looks as if we haven't changed his diaper in weeks. But in the end, it's still super cute, and Megan accurately pointed out that it would dry quickly. And it did. (Of course, no one stopped him...I was too busy laughing and taking pictures!
So we cleaned him up as best as we could, strapped him back in, and headed over to the starting line for the start of the 10th Annual Race For The Cure!
At this particular event, there are several races. There is a one mile walk, a fun run, a competitive 5K run, and of course, the 5K walk. It's called The Race For The Cure, even though Megan and I don't really race. We do it because we want to find a cure for cancer quickly. So, while Megan and I were Racing For The Cure, Jonah was Relaxing For The Cure...
Okay, so he was Flopping For The Cure, but soon after, he righted himself and relaxed for the rest of the Race...
All along the race route, neighbors come out to support the Racers. This group sang to us as we walked by...
And some more super friendly folks provided support in the form of a sign urging us on...
And providing the Racers with misters, to keep us cool along the way. This Race is 5 kilometers, or 3.2 miles. Not a huge distance, but it can take its toll, so the misters, squirt guns and cups of water are greatly appreciated ...
And lets not forget the sacrifices made by these neighbors. They cannot park on the street like they are used to. They cannot hold yard sales on a beautiful Saturday morning. Some would get angry, but most take it in stride, knowing that this happens just once a year. To all the neighbors and supporters along the way, thank you for playing music, handing out water, singing to us, and keeping us motivated!
All along the Race course, pink ribbons like this one were everywhere!
And since we took our time, I cannot report how long it took us to walk the course. Trust me, it was a long, long time. But it was fun, and I look forward to walking next year, with an even bigger family!
When you register for the Race, you get a t-shirt. It looks like this from the front...
And like this from the back...
But this year, Megan and I decided to do something a little different with our shirts. This year, we had her Mom's name and her Aunt's name embroidered on the sleeves. It was our little way of saying that they are not, and will not ever be forgotten.
And, fittingly, at the end of the Race, I took a picture of this sign. It says it all...
If you would like more information on the Race For The Cure, or if you want to help raise money for this very worthy cause, please go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's website at: www.komen.org
Posted by Jon at June 13, 2006 07:20 PM