As I sit here icing my shins and left knee, I’m mulling over the decision I’ve made to run in next year’s Race for the Cure in Seattle. So often, when I think of something like this to do — a noble idea, to be sure — I’ll dismiss it with a figurative wave of my hand. “It’s a wonderful thing…for those who can do it.”
But this…so far…is different. Cancer has touched me personally, and I want to do whatever I can to beat the monster back. You see, my husband has cancer. It’s not breast cancer (though men have been known to get it), which is what the money raised by Race for the Cure goes to finding a cure for. Lonnie has multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that begins in the marrow (it’s a cancer of the plasma cells, to be more exact). You can learn more about it here. To learn a little more about when he was diagnosed, etc., see my about page. Eventually, I would like to run a race through the MMRF, the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, if one ever comes to Seattle.
As far as breast cancer goes, my grandmother had it (she’s passed away now, but was actually a breast cancer survivor), two friends currently have it, and a couple more friends are in remission.
Cancer frustrates me. No…it infuriates me. It could make me feel helpless if I let it. But I can do something about it by taking part in the Race for the Cure, and so can you. Start training now if you aren’t a runner (which is why I started today), and take part in a few other races between now and when the Race will be in your area.
Even now, as my knee, shins, and ankles ache, it’s a good ache. I feel like I just kicked cancer in the face a little, just by starting this.
Look into the Race for the Cure and start making plans today. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, pledge. Do something!
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