Run for the Cure

Running and I have never been the best of friends. I never found the exercise relaxing or fun. So it surprised me when last year my friend Julie (who also isn’t friends with running) suggested we run the Rex Lee Race for the Cure 5k and I agreed. I should explain that our motivation was not for the healthy benefits from the activity, it wasn’t the fact that it was for a good cause, it wasn’t even that we thought it would be fun, we did it all for the cute pink and brown t-shirt. Pathetic? Maybe slightly BUT I finished the race and became a big fan of 5k’s, not running but racing. This could be my competitive nature coming out. So a year and several 5k’s later I decided to run the Rex Lee again but not just for the t-shirt. All proceeds from the Rex Lee races go towards the Rex Lee Foundation to try and find a cure for cancer. So for this year’s race I ran in honor of my two Aunt Diane’s who both battled cancer. It made the race so much more memorable and meaningful.

My dad’s sister Diane died over ten years ago from cancer. I didn’t know her very well because we lived far apart and I was really young the few times I did get to meet her. From the stories my family tells and the memories that I do have of her I know that she was an incredible mom, daughter, wife, sister, aunt, and friend.

My mom’s sister Diane is another amazing person who battled breast cancer several years ago and has been in remission. Aunt Diane has always been the relative that remembers how to spell my name, remembers my birthday and age, knew what grade I was in, and what I was usually involved in.

I love them both and was proud to run with their name on my back. I also want to say how grateful I am for all my other relatives that have battled cancer. I think you are amazing and I love you. As for running and me, we’ve become more acquainted and I think there is a friendship just waiting to bloom.


All the girls before the race


Julie and Me


Here we are again ...


Showing the names of who we both ran for


The whole group ... we just added Ryan


p.s. Did everyone notice the hideously odd number I have?!? It was rough but I was able to run with it still. :)