"The Hopis consider running a form of prayer; they offer every step as a
sacrifice to a loved one and in return ask the Great Spirit to match
their strength with some of His own." -Christopher MacDougall, author of Born to Run
And it begins again. 18 weeks of raising funds. 18 weeks of training. 18 weeks of getting closer to a cure by raising at least $20,000 for cancer research. 18 weeks of many, many steps offered in honor of Molly, Mary, and John.
Monday was Day 1 of the training plan for the 2012 Boston Marathon. I love having a plan. A plan means motivation and direction. It means checking off the days and the workouts and know that the training will prepare me to run 26.2 miles in April. I like the feeling of completing longer and longer runs, in turn feeling stronger (and sometimes even a little faster). Putting together a schedule forces me to think about my personal goals and what I hope to acheive: for the marathon, for raising money for cancer research at Dana-Farber, for my own personal well-being through running.
I also feel a stronger sense of purpose when the time for kicking off my fundraising for Dana-Farber begins. Over the past couple of years, given the circumstances that have surrounded my family, I've become more and more committed to helping to find a cure for cancer. This time of year is when I get to jump in and do what I can to advance the research. I've again set my goal at $20,000 but hope to exceed that goal. The network of people who have supported this cause and our family has grown tremendously over the past couple of years, and it is because of this generous network that I can continue these efforts. I am planning some ways to honor and remember your family and friends who have been affected by cancer, and to help spread the "Be good. Be strong." mantra that has become the rallying cry of these efforts. Stayed tuned for details on that....coming soon!
While the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge website keeps me accountable in terms of reaching my fundraising goals, I am also going to making an effort to be accountable in my running. I am going to (try to) post my weekly workouts so if (and likely when) I feel like slacking, I will have to write it out. This may be of interest to some of you, maybe none of you, but knowing that it is "out there" means I am more likely to get it done. This will likely include weather updates, since I can't seem to stop obsessing about winter. I'll track my progress in reaching both of my goals. Join me for some runs...mock me for slacking...offer advice. Whatever it takes, I ask you to come along for the ride and provide support!
And so the time is now. Training is kicking off, and so is the challenge of raising vital funds for cancer research. Given the statistics, we will all benefit either directly or through someone in our families. It's a challenge bigger than a marathon, and one that will continue long after April 16, 2012 has come and gone. But it is up to us all to rise to the challenge. And to start now so someday this Marathon Challenge will only have to provide care and support to cancer survivors...because that will be the only outcome after a cancer diagnosis. No other options. None.
I've said before that cancer can make you feel helpless and when I first
signed up to run for Dana-Farber, it was during a time when I felt like
there was nothing else I could do. There are a lot of times when I
still feel that way, but I know that this effort by the DFMC is a big
something, and it is making a difference. Please consider supporting Dana-Farber with a gift in honor of the the marathon team.
Click here to make a gift.
Be good. Be strong.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Toeing the Starting Line
Last week was the first Runners Meeting of the season for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge. It's always so motivating and inspiring to gather with many teammates to get prepared for the upcoming training season. There were so many people attending this meeting that they had to move it to a bigger room to accommodate all of the runners. That's the first time in the 4 years I've been on the team that this has happened, and I hope it is a sign of a very successful year. It's such a supportive group, with so much more to offer than a training plan.
The meetings are usually a combination of running and fundraising information. The goal of the DFMC team is first and foremost to raise research funds for the Barr program at Dana-Farber, the means of doing that is the running part. There is a personal connection for each of the runners to cancer and each has their own reason for running. At the meeting, we were treated to a show by two young boys whose dad is running. He was a member of the team a few years back, running in honor of his wife. This year, he is back running in memory of his wife and the mother of these two boys. One day this summer, the boys came up with the idea to do some fund raising of their own. They set up "drums" on their driveway....a bucket, a megaphone, a tamborine, etc. The younger boy, about 5 or 6 years old, sat in a small Radio Flyer wagon and played the drums and the older brother, maybe 8 or 9, held up a sign that said they were raising money for Dana-Farber Cancer Research. A drum show instead of a lemonade stand. To raise money for cancer. For their mom. These impressive young men reenacted their show for us, and then told us all about it. One person gave them a check for $40. Lots of people stopped and listened. At the meeting, they presented the DFMC a check for over $130 to kick off the season. And they signed autographs. That'll get you fired up.
After running a half marathon in October, I had been feeling a little unmotivated to run, and took some time "off." I'd go out for some shorter runs when I felt like it, but didn't look at what I should be doing or any sort of plan for about a month. It felt good. Last week, the motivation to run came back. I felt like going a little further, a little faster, and ready to start building up. I got out for regular runs at a decent pace and it felt good. Yesterday, I pulled out all the articles and books and training plans I have been collecting, and have started to put together my training plan for the next 21 weeks. I am ready to get started.
And I'm back to writing more, and have started to put together my other plan....making this year another productive, maybe record setting year raising valuable, important funds for Dana-Farber. Each year the support has been tremendous, and I am excited to get started again. I'm ready.
It's November 15 and it is 60 degrees at 6:30 a.m. Can't beat that. I've been enjoying every last minute of these higher than normal November temperatures, all the while preparing for the winter that lurks behind these treasured days. I'm ready for it...well, ready as I can be. Ready to run. Ready to remember. Ready to break new records. Ready to keep running the race against cancer.
Be good. Be strong.
The meetings are usually a combination of running and fundraising information. The goal of the DFMC team is first and foremost to raise research funds for the Barr program at Dana-Farber, the means of doing that is the running part. There is a personal connection for each of the runners to cancer and each has their own reason for running. At the meeting, we were treated to a show by two young boys whose dad is running. He was a member of the team a few years back, running in honor of his wife. This year, he is back running in memory of his wife and the mother of these two boys. One day this summer, the boys came up with the idea to do some fund raising of their own. They set up "drums" on their driveway....a bucket, a megaphone, a tamborine, etc. The younger boy, about 5 or 6 years old, sat in a small Radio Flyer wagon and played the drums and the older brother, maybe 8 or 9, held up a sign that said they were raising money for Dana-Farber Cancer Research. A drum show instead of a lemonade stand. To raise money for cancer. For their mom. These impressive young men reenacted their show for us, and then told us all about it. One person gave them a check for $40. Lots of people stopped and listened. At the meeting, they presented the DFMC a check for over $130 to kick off the season. And they signed autographs. That'll get you fired up.
After running a half marathon in October, I had been feeling a little unmotivated to run, and took some time "off." I'd go out for some shorter runs when I felt like it, but didn't look at what I should be doing or any sort of plan for about a month. It felt good. Last week, the motivation to run came back. I felt like going a little further, a little faster, and ready to start building up. I got out for regular runs at a decent pace and it felt good. Yesterday, I pulled out all the articles and books and training plans I have been collecting, and have started to put together my training plan for the next 21 weeks. I am ready to get started.
And I'm back to writing more, and have started to put together my other plan....making this year another productive, maybe record setting year raising valuable, important funds for Dana-Farber. Each year the support has been tremendous, and I am excited to get started again. I'm ready.
It's November 15 and it is 60 degrees at 6:30 a.m. Can't beat that. I've been enjoying every last minute of these higher than normal November temperatures, all the while preparing for the winter that lurks behind these treasured days. I'm ready for it...well, ready as I can be. Ready to run. Ready to remember. Ready to break new records. Ready to keep running the race against cancer.
Be good. Be strong.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Simple gifts
In the wide world of Facebook this morning, there have been such big, strong emotions shown for Mary, for our family, for her friends. I hate seeing them and love it all at the same time because of the emotions it stirs up. It makes me feel so overwhelmingly sad, yet comforted to know just how amazingly strong the bond is between us all. It allows the opportunity to "be together" in our sadness, and to share our thoughts with each other. To be closer and less alone. To feel the love and support and strength and familiarity of friends and family near and far.
Mary left an enormous legacy by showing us how to live a meaningful life. How to be a good friend. The importance of family. What it means to be an authentic, honest person. Words like "wonderful soul" and "strong spirit" and "amazing woman" are used to describe her, and Mary certainly left an impression on an immense number of people who were blessed enough to know her. Today, she is so deeply missed.
I love this picture from her birthday last year. You can feel her happiness and joy, and I know how good it was for her to laugh hard with her friends. For a brief period of time, she was given a new lease on life and she embraced each and every day. Like a birthday present you get to open a new each morning. She left us all many gifts...what was your favorite?
Happy birthday, M. Whipped cream, birthday crowns, a full moon dance party, and a whole lot of laughter. I'm smiling through the tears.
Be good. Be strong.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
4.5 million steps closer
On a personal level, I surpassed my original goal by more than double to raise $47,721. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! This effort is not a solo one, and there was certainly a great deal of help along the way from many, many people, including the "Friends of the Firths" in Chattanooga who organized the Ride for Life to bring over $12,000 to this cause. Additionally, more than 300 different people made contributions starting at $10 and going up from there showing that every dollar and every donation makes a difference. We together are making a huge impact. I can't write a check for $47,000, but my role as a member of the DFMC team is to bring together a group of people who care about this cause, and who can collectively give $47,000 or more. And we did that, together, for which I am incredibly grateful.
In the past 3 years of running for the marathon from Dana-Farber, I have helped to bring gifts over $82,000 to the Barr Program at Dana-Farber, along with all of you: supporters, friends, cheering sections, family members, co-workers, gift givers, kind word sharers, readers of this blog, sharers of this story, neighbors, running partners, etc.. It is certainly way beyond what I could have imagined when I first signed up. These funds are a gift for all of those who may face a cancer diagnosis in the future and all those who have reaped the benefits of the innovative research already conducted. It will make a difference.
The new running season is upon us, and the DFMC is gearing up for Boston in 2012. I am going to be back out there, logging a lot of miles between now and April, to get me from start to finish. And I'll again be running in a Dana-Farber shirt doing my best to help get the deserving and dedicated researchers at Dana-Farber the funds they need to find a cure.
Thank you dearly for your support and friendships. Thank you for supporting my family during some years that still are unfathomable. Thank you for being a part of this team that together is fighting to cure cancer.
http://www.runDFMC.org/2012/jennies
Be good. Be strong.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Connecting the dots
"You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future. You have to trust in something — your gut, destiny, life, karma, whatever. This approach has never let me down, and it has made all the difference in my life."
~Steve Jobs
I started writing this last night as soon as the news hit my computer about death of Steve Jobs...the news of another life lost to this terrible disease called cancer. Stupid, stupid, crappy cancer. There seems to be almost a sense of surprise that someone like Steve Jobs, who knew great success, was susceptible to cancer just like anyone else. I just keep thinking this loss is a vivid reminder that cancer knows no boundaries and does not discriminate. It doesn't matter if you have a brilliant mind like Jobs or if you struggle to read. It doesn't matter if you have a billion dollars or not enough to pay the bills. It doesn't matter if you have kids, or if you are just a kid yourself. It doesn't matter if you've got a new job or are planning a dream vacation. No rational decision to strike is made based on who you are or what your situation, and we don't get to pick who it hits or why. We don't get to pick who responds to treatment and who doesn't, who becomes well and who loses their life. Cancer doesn't play a fair game and there are few rules. For me, since about 10 years ago, there hasn't been a day that has passed when I have thought about cancer, yet I know that isn't the case for everyone. However, it is news like this about someone who has had great influence in many, many lives reminds us of this, and just how far we still have to go to combat cancer in its many forms.
One of the most repeated phrases I've heard since the news was announced is that Steve Jobs "changed the world." And he did for millions of people. His ideas altered the way we interact with each other, the way many students are now taught in school, the way we listen to music, the way information is shared and stored, the way we play games, the way we shop, the way we find our way from one place to another. There's an app for about everything. And while not everyone has the far-reaching effect on others like Jobs did, I can't help but think that every single person has changed the world. Just being born changes the world for someone else. We make someone a parent or a sister or brother or aunt or uncle or grandparent. We build friendships. We work. We teach. We are neighbors. We play. We see and know others. Even the negative changes, things that are not always be for the better, are change nonetheless. It's all too simple to go on about our day without realizing the effect we can have on others. Each in our own way, we are changing the world, a little by just living and a lot more by how we live.
Steve Jobs encouraged people to envision change. To know your dream and follow your heart. There are too many people I love that have been affected by cancer and that has profoundly and deeply changed my world. I don't have a piece of technology to remind me of that, but I do have pictures and memories and an altered outlook on how to live well and to recognize what is important in my life. I want to connect the dots and be proud of the picture I see.
I wish peace, strength, and healing to the family and friends of Steve Jobs.
Be good. Be strong.
~Steve Jobs
I started writing this last night as soon as the news hit my computer about death of Steve Jobs...the news of another life lost to this terrible disease called cancer. Stupid, stupid, crappy cancer. There seems to be almost a sense of surprise that someone like Steve Jobs, who knew great success, was susceptible to cancer just like anyone else. I just keep thinking this loss is a vivid reminder that cancer knows no boundaries and does not discriminate. It doesn't matter if you have a brilliant mind like Jobs or if you struggle to read. It doesn't matter if you have a billion dollars or not enough to pay the bills. It doesn't matter if you have kids, or if you are just a kid yourself. It doesn't matter if you've got a new job or are planning a dream vacation. No rational decision to strike is made based on who you are or what your situation, and we don't get to pick who it hits or why. We don't get to pick who responds to treatment and who doesn't, who becomes well and who loses their life. Cancer doesn't play a fair game and there are few rules. For me, since about 10 years ago, there hasn't been a day that has passed when I have thought about cancer, yet I know that isn't the case for everyone. However, it is news like this about someone who has had great influence in many, many lives reminds us of this, and just how far we still have to go to combat cancer in its many forms.
One of the most repeated phrases I've heard since the news was announced is that Steve Jobs "changed the world." And he did for millions of people. His ideas altered the way we interact with each other, the way many students are now taught in school, the way we listen to music, the way information is shared and stored, the way we play games, the way we shop, the way we find our way from one place to another. There's an app for about everything. And while not everyone has the far-reaching effect on others like Jobs did, I can't help but think that every single person has changed the world. Just being born changes the world for someone else. We make someone a parent or a sister or brother or aunt or uncle or grandparent. We build friendships. We work. We teach. We are neighbors. We play. We see and know others. Even the negative changes, things that are not always be for the better, are change nonetheless. It's all too simple to go on about our day without realizing the effect we can have on others. Each in our own way, we are changing the world, a little by just living and a lot more by how we live.
Steve Jobs encouraged people to envision change. To know your dream and follow your heart. There are too many people I love that have been affected by cancer and that has profoundly and deeply changed my world. I don't have a piece of technology to remind me of that, but I do have pictures and memories and an altered outlook on how to live well and to recognize what is important in my life. I want to connect the dots and be proud of the picture I see.
I wish peace, strength, and healing to the family and friends of Steve Jobs.
Be good. Be strong.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
2012 DFMC Application is ready for you to complete!!
I've been quite negligent of this blog over the summer but am planning to start back this week on a regular basis. In the meantime, I just wanted to put out there that the applications for the 2012 Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team are available. It's an amazing experience with an inspiring and motivating group of people. Think about joining the team! I am planning to be back out there again this year and would love to have friends or family join in. The team will fill quickly so if you are interested I would encourage you to apply soon. Let me know if you have any questions!
Click here to apply or to learn more!
Be good. Be strong.
Click here to apply or to learn more!
Be good. Be strong.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Ride for Life
The Ride for Life will be held this weekend on Signal Mountain, TN. All proceeds will benefit the Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This was an idea thought up by my sister, Mary, who devastatingly is not with us to see it through. It has, instead, been carried out by 9 of her friends who call themselves "Friends of the Firths." They are amazing friends and we are lucky to know them. If you are in Chattanooga, please think about getting out and joining them on Saturday morning.
Mary's friend, Claire, wrote this article about the ride and why they have organized this event. It's a great tribute to Mary, her friend and my sister.
http://chattanoogapulse.com/pulsefeatures/beyond-the-headlines/beyond-the-headlines-finding-a-way-to-be-good-be-strong/
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