Well, October 9th is now just moments away! The Chicago Marathon begins Sunday at 7:30 AM.
To say I’m GIDDY is an understatement! While there are a few ounces of fear left, I must say that the training really helped work nearly all of it out of me. At this point the only fear is not knowing when the knee pain will set in. And that, well, is silly. What will be, will be. I’m ready and will get through whatever the universe delivers!
Thank you all who have supported me on this journey. Your positive energy, enthusiasm, and encouragement have been felt and have meant the world to me! It has been an incredible learning experience for which I am grateful.
On Sunday morning, I welcome any positive energy you care to share…especially in the late morning as I near the end of my journey. If you do care to track, my bib is 26951…don’t expect speed….it doesn’t really go with the outfit. The pink sparkle skirt glistens perfectly in the sun at a nice even, steady pace.
And finally, an update on Imerman Angels: As you may know I have chosen to run this marathon to support Imerman Angels, an organization that matches people recently diagnosed with cancer with those who have overcome a similar diagnosis. I am pleased to say that just yesterday I received a call from Imerman Angels asking me to be a mentor angel for a woman living in Chicago who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. It is my sincere honor to be this person for her. I am grateful for the opportunity to support her through her fear and hopefully help her realize that the other side has great things in store!
These pairings are possible because of generous donations made to Imerman Angels. I am inches away from my goal and am so thankful to all who have contributed. You are making a difference for people all over the world! Thank you! Thank you!
“Walk on through all the fears and pain in this life. Walk on, following your heart and trusting in the power of awareness. Walk on, one step at a time, and you will know a freedom and peace beyond all imagining.” - Anonymous
All is as it should be!
Love,
Carolynn
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July 17, 2011
Celebrate life with me!
On October 9th, I will be taking on the greatest athletic challenge of my life by running the Chicago Marathon with my Sister Sue. Over the years, I’ve daydreamed about running a marathon, but I’ve always let my fear stop me. Well no more playing small – this is it!
As many of you know, in the past few years my family has had to face the fear of various health issues square in the eye. Four years ago, Mom, Sister Sue, and I were all told we had various degrees of cancer – all different stages and types, with a range of recommended treatments, and each with unique factors that played into our individual decisions. While the family pulled together to support one another, there were times I felt that I was very much on my own. I wanted to speak with someone who had experienced specifically what I was going through, someone who understood my situation.
I wish at that time I knew about Imerman Angels, an organization that provides free 1:1 cancer support by connecting people recently diagnosed with those who have overcome the same challenges. The role of the Imerman Angel is to listen, support, and share his/her experience in the cancer journey. It is a cancer organization whose mission is to connect people with people. This is beautiful!
As a way of paying it forward, and thanking all who have helped me, I have become an Imerman Angel and have chosen to celebrate life by running the Chicago Marathon for this organization. I wish to create the possibility of connectedness for more people in the world.
Will you celebrate life with me? If you choose, here’s what you can do…
1. Consider making a donation to Imerman Angels to help people find the 1:1 support they need during one of the biggest challenges of their lives.
2. Share your positive energy with me to enable me to push beyond fear and face this challenge with strength and courage.
3. And most importantly, trust in your own spirit and those around you by taking on your own personal challenge. Is there something you are putting off because of fear? Throw your hat over the wall! You can do it!
“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
Our mindset and connectedness to others will pull us through whatever challenges we face. We simply have to choose the possibility of goodness – even in days of darkness. If you know anyone who is touched by cancer, please send them to http://www.imermanangels.org to get connected. I sincerely thank you for your positive energy, encouragement, and enthusiasm on this journey!
Love,
Carolynn