I had a million reasons to skip this morning’s run. Raw temps with biting winds, fatigue after yesterday’s speedwork, I’ve been neglecting the weights, the dogs consumed an entire box of 64 Crayolas and excreted a spectrum of ‘treats’ for me on the carpet, pick an excuse any excuse.
But today more than ever, I needed the roads to serve as my therapy couch.
Yesterday after school, Things, 1, 2, dogs 1, 2 and I set out in the neighborhood selling Thing 1’s Girl Scout cookies. When our neighbor opened the door, there stood Alex, their oldest child. This shocked me because Alex should be back at school, in her second year at the University of Illinois. “Extended holiday break”? I asked as I noticed how swollen and out of sorts she looked. I soon learned that Alex is taking a semester off from school because she suffers from Lupus, an autoimmune disease. She was diagnosed as a kid and has had a rough time controlling the flares since she went off to college last year.
This sweet teenager should be thinking about what party to go to on Friday night or whether she wants to join a sorority. Not wondering how badly her Lupus flare will be or about the side effects of her meds. Life is such a mystery sometimes.
So, as if fighting the bitter winds would help ease Alex’s pain and/or help her recover, I ran. I ran hard into that nasty wind. It felt effortless. And I cried angry tears for the unfairness of it all. For everyone who suffers or who loves someone who does.
Thinking of all Alex goes through everyday makes my quest for a race PR or a negative split or another BQ seem selfish and trivial. That’s why I’m dedicating my efforts at this year’s Chicago Marathon to the Lupus Foundation of America. I’m going to run this one for Alex. She’s my girl. She’s everyone’s girl.
I'll be running Chicago this year as well. If you're setting up a page to collect funds please let me know… I'd love to help. If there is anything else I can do just let me know!
-Stephanie
That is so sad and also wonderful that you are running for the Lupus Foundation. Good luck and I really hope Alex starts doing better real soon.
Very noble that you are running for the Lupus Foundation. I hope that Alex starts feeling better very soon.
You rock, Teamarcia!
So many are affected by Lupus. I think it's wonderful you're running for this cause.
what a great thing to do! good luck to you and alex
This is an amazing post. First I laughed out loud at the thought of dogs eating a box of crayons, but I was really moved by the end of it. Good luck!
So sad! But I'm so glad you found a way to honor her with your run!
I also find myself feeling a little selfish worrying about getting in a training run when the people in Haiti are suffering so badly. It definately gives you a huge appreciation for each day that we get to enjoy.
That's such a neat thing to do, let us know what more we can do to support your run.
So your dog eats crayons and you get rainbow poop? That's better than my Daisy who eats Brie and gives us…oh, never mind.
Hi Marcia,
I love your kind heart and think what you are doing by running for your neighbor girl is priceless! You are a good person:)
What a great thing for you to do, and a great cause. 🙂
We need more people like you so that the world can become a better place to live! Good luck to Alex and yes to the charity marathon!
I was very touched by your post and would like to be involved somehow. If it is possible to make a donation for your run, please let me know.
I would love to help!
This is a touching post. I feel the same every day as I watch the Haiti catastrophe.
It's not fair. 🙁
That is so unfair. Sometimes the things that people have to deal with seem so overwhelming. The Lupus Foundation is an excellent focus for the Chicago Marathon.
Please keep us posted on your fund raising efforts. I would be happy to contribute.
Kudos to you for doing this. My cousin-in-law had lupus and it was brutal to see what it did to her. It isn't fair…
What a great post, gave me goosebumps.
it does seem unfair that some of the sweetest people are afflicted with diseases and pain. Glad you are doing this!
Lupus is a difficult disease. I know two ladies locally who have it. At times, things a fine and then in a blink they are not. They are both strong people.
Life is full of crosses some people bear heavy ones. Give thanks to whatever you believe in if yours is light today.
I am also running Chicago in 2010. I would love to contribute – let me know if you set something up.
You are an amazing woman – we are so good at getting wrapped up in our own little worlds that we forget that others have it so much worse. Thanks for sharing, I'll keep her in my thoughts. Let us know when you put up a donation page 🙂
That's really cool of you. I knew a girl a while back who had Lupus. It caused her alot of pain. She eventually passed.
She'll be in my thoughts. God be with her.
autoimmune stuff sucks! i have a few AI 'issues' myself, it's no fun. (i'm certainly not putting down non-AI conditions, those stink too!)
that's awesome of you to dedicate your chicago race for alex. will you be fundraising? DEF LET US KNOW!!
Good for you! That's great.
Lupus is tough. My aunt has it and, ugh, it is a rough one. My thoughts are with Alex! And you!
What an awesome thing to do; dedicating your marathon to Alex. Chronic diseases are terrible and it is especially bad when they affect young people.