It’s been my goal for quite some time now to do something that I not only thought was impossible, but that I would have, at one point, considered insane. I will run 100 miles on August 27 and 28 during the Lean Horse 100 mile Ultramarathon in South Dakota. It is a challenge that I would like, more than anything, to associate with something significant. This year, on July 26,  my daughter Hannah celebrated her 10th birthday. When Hannah was diagnosed with Rett Syndrome the Neurologist told us there was a real possibility she could be in a wheelchair by the time she was 10 years old. She isn’t. Hannah has come such a long way over the last ten years, and has overcome many obstacles. One thing she has never been able to do, however, is run. Not once in ten years. So, on August 27 and 28 I will run for Hannah. Every step. Every mile. All in honor and celebration of her accomplishments thus far. I know I will experience pain at certain points during this challenge, and that there will be times I will struggle. Mine will last for no more than 30 hours. Hannah’s struggles will continue. I hope to use her strength and spirit to help me, as I use this opportunity to help other children like Hannah. If you would like to make a donation to Rett Syndrome research in her honor, perhaps we can help children worldwide, like Hannah, to more fully live their lives…and maybe even run. We appreciate your support and prayers.

Emily and Hannah