4.27.2009
It's over already.
The race went fantastic on Saturday morning. I didn't run as fast as last year and it was a little warm, but I had so much fun all the same! Besides, the gift above that's going to Gilda's is way bigger news than me finishing the race! HAVE I MENTIONED HOW INCREDIBLE YOU ALL ARE?!?
THANK YOU for SO much SUPPORT!! The feeling is completely indescribable, but my best try is that I felt like I was doing something to change the world. You all made me feel like I was somebody THAT important and I was doing something no one in history has ever done before! You can imagine what that might do to a person's ego! :)
I had my Mom, Lea, and Anthony there to cheer me on all the way. Anthony ran miles 4-8 with me which helped me keep a good pace in the middle of a long way to go, and Lea was back again, talking me through, encouraging me and literally fueling me with her words all the way across the finish line, our hands held and high in the air!
It was also special that in the past 4 years, this was the first time my Mom's been able to see me at the finish!
The only thing that makes me sad about it all is that there is one person I couldn't call up to let him know how everything went and tell him about this gift going to Gilda's- He'd think it was all crazy! And yet, I can hear his voice saying to me "Wow, Kim! No kidding? This is really outstanding,...good job".
I really can't say thank you with the right words. I am in tears because I know that is exactly what my Dad would say to me if I could call him up and it wouldn't have been possible without all of your kindness. I owe you all my sincerest appreciation and gratitude for what you've helped me accomplish. I hope you all can understand what your gift to Gilda's means to me.
With love and gratitude,
Kim
4.24.2009
Tomorrow's the big day! I went with 2 friends to go pick up race packets yesterday and it only made me more excited about all this!
Thank you for all the kind words, expressions of love and encouragement you've all sent my way!
and a little note to those of you who have been so kind to send donations to Gilda's... LOOK WHAT YOU ALL HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO!!!
Thank you to everyone, sincerely from the bottom of my heart all the way to the tip top! love to you all!
Kim
4.20.2009
Mindset: Ready, anxious, feel like a kid waiting on her birthday party to happen...
Heart: Completely overwhelmed and full of gratitude. YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING!!!
4.6.2009
WOW...that's all I can think to write right now. I've been gone all day for a work event and just got back to check e-mail and my fundraising page. I'm almost tempted to up my goal amount now but there is a significance to the original number. So, even though I've met my goal, please don't hesitate to send Gilda's a donation if you were thinking about doing so. THANK YOU SO MUCH!! :)
4.2.2009
OK, I'm finally technologically hooked up! :)
You'll see my original letter below. Same message. Same mission. Just a cooler and easier way to do this.
Still appreciate all the support!
with love, Kim
To my dear family & friends-
That’s right, it’s ½ marathon time already!! I can’t believe it will be my 4th year to run. It should feel like an old gig by now, but I’m still nervous!
I almost didn’t want to send my fundraising letter out this year, I just felt too “tired”. But I had a good run last week, have been more excited about the race finally and have been reminded of the personal importance of my “mission”.
I want to share with you all a quick story about something that happened to me two days ago. I happened to win 2 passes for a local music festival going on this week. I called/e-mailed a few friends, trying to give away these passes because I couldn’t go. I even posted an ad on Craig’s List trying to sell them. None of my friends could go and no one was responding to my ad….until the end of the day. A woman e-mailed me wanting to buy these passes. At first, I was excited about the thought of having some extra money but it only took a quick moment to decide that selling those passes really meant that I’m $120 closer to my goal. The money was never mine to begin with so I’m not losing anything. Plus, you can imagine how happy the woman was to get a deal and then even more so when she found out what I was doing with her money.
I’m not sharing that with you all to act as if there’s money everywhere or to make it seem like I’m that selfless all the time, because neither are true. It was just a simple realization that I am blessed and that money will be used for something greater now. It wasn’t mine and I didn’t need it. Someone else does. I am aware of the blessings in my life even through everything difficult my family has been tested with lately. Through my dad’s long struggle, and now my mom’s health, I am still aware that there are several things that have been brought to me and us even through all this- we have each other; many, many loving friends and family; my mom is in her recovery and although there are ups and downs involved, all of her current scans and tests have been clear; I was promoted to a new department here at Vanderbilt in an economical time where employment is unstable (but am still able to keep in contact with the special people at my old job who became my extended family); I have many plans for the year ahead; the list goes on.
Every year I’ve done this, I’ve raised money for Gilda’s Club. Not as a part of Gilda’s Gang, but on my own. The events happened somewhat out of order- Most people get introduced into a world with cancer- either because they have it or someone they love does- then start going to Gilda’s club for support and education. For us, my dad had just gotten through Round 1 and we started going to Gilda’s because dealing with “life after cancer” can be more difficult than you’d think. Very soon after, Gilda’s Club became a comfort zone for my mom, sister and me. A safe place to laugh and cry and just be. Even though I don’t go there as often as I’d like, it’s one of my favorite places to be. The house and the staff who run it are very special and everything they offer is free. They never ask for anything and giving them a gift like this, to me, is a gesture of thanks for everything they’ve provided to my family and to others who have lived with and through the C word.
My goal, like last year, is $400. I understand that everyone is affected by what’s going on in the economy and there isn’t much money to spare these days, but as I’ve always said, I would not ask if this weren’t one of the most important things that I do in my life. If you can send me $1, then I’m $1 closer to my goal! I can’t give Gilda’s this kind of gift all on my own, so I’m asking each of you to help me out. If you feel comfortable forwarding this to people you know, please do so. If everyone can share my purpose with at least one other person, who knows how much I could end up with. Past experience has taught me that people are generous beyond anything I can anticipate!
If you want to see where your donation is going and for what types of programs, check out:
This year, I will run in honor of my wonderful Dad and Lesley, Marc Brisebois’ sister. Our good friends (who are really family), Marc and Janine and their family are dealing with a great loss at this time. I’ll be running for my Mom, Stephanie, Heather, Tonna, Trish and Julie- 6 exceptional women in my life who teach me all the time that life after cancer can be happy and fulfilling and never to waste any moments on the things that do not really matter. (I may not spend enough time with each of you as I would like, but BELIEVE ME!! YOU ALL ARE IN MY HEART!!) I’ll be running for anyone you know who is living with cancer, losing their fight to cancer, didn’t make it through cancer, living after cancer, and anyone taking care of someone they love who has been affected by cancer. My heart goes out to all of these people and what I am doing is only a small symbolic gesture of support and encouragement to them. I wish I could do more.
I run because I can.
Sincerest thanks to all of you for your support.
With love,
Kim