So something really fucking awesome happened three days ago.
I GOT ACCEPTED BY THE DANA FARBER CANCER INSTITUTE TO RUN THE BOSTON MARATHON.
I know, I just told you last week, that I didn’t get accepted…
If you are new here, last April I ran the Boston Marathon. It was my fourth marathon, but my first Boston Marathon.
And it was life changing.
And so I applied to run for charity again this year.
But I got rejected.
And then three days ago I got another email.
Susan –
We’re thrilled to let you know that you have been selected for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge team in the 2016 Boston Marathon®!
I have no idea why or how the decision was made, who changed their mind, or what happened. But I don’t care.
Because I’m in. And I am over the moon.
So what does this mean? What the hell is the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute?
To quote them, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has been the top ranked cancer hospital in New England by U.S. News and World Report for 15 consecutive years, and is the only cancer center in the country ranked in the top 4 for both adult and pediatric cancer programs.
In Not Your Average Mom words?
The DFCI kicks ass at helping people who have cancer and finds innovative ways to save their lives.
And running as part of their team, I am obligated to raise $5000.
But I want to raise more than twice that.
Why?
Well, if you’ve been around here a while, you know my little brother died from leukemia when he was three. I was sixteen. It really fucking sucked.
And 100% of the money I raise goes to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Every single penny.
So the more money I raise, the more money a really freaking smart scientist or doctor at Dana Farber has to find better treatments for leukemia. And that means another sixteen year old girl out there won’t have to say goodbye to her brother when he is just a baby.
I really wanted to run this marathon. But now I know I am supposed to run this marathon.
Do you know how I know?
Like I said before, my application was originally rejected.
And then I got that second email.
Do you know the date I got that email?
December 16.
Do you know why that date is significant?
December 16 is the anniversary of my little brother’s death.
He died on December 16, 1985.
And on the thirtieth anniversary of his death, I got that email.
I think he sent it to me. I really do.
And so, I am going to run the fucking shit out of that marathon.
Because my little brother wants me to.
And I’m going to raise more than double what I’m required to raise.
Because I don’t want another big sister to ever have to go through what I went through.
I’d love for you to “run” it with me. In spirit. I’d love for you to contribute. Even $5 will help. Click here to do that. Please.
You can make it your random act of kindness for the day. The perfect way to pay it forward. The ultimate Christmas gift.
Let’s get rid of fucking cancer and let’s cross that finish line together.
I hope you are ready to take this journey with me, because I’ll be documenting it. A lot. Because I’m pretty sure my brother is watching from somewhere.
And I fully intend on making him really, really proud.
Dear Susie, your post yesterday literally brought me to tears. Yes I do believe that your little brother had a hand in this. I lost my husband of 43 years to cancer just 2 months ago, My daughter’s friend lost her battle just this last Sat and leaves behind a 3 year old who cannot quite fathom why his mommy won’t be here for Christmas. So for all of us who have felt our hearts shatter into thousands of tiny pieces I wish you well. I hope you run like you’ve never run before and I am sure that you will. I hope you raise a gazillion dollars and I hope they find a cure for this most hideous of diseases. So no more little ones have to hurt,either from the ravages of the disease or that prospect of so many more Christmas’ without a mommy. They will be the wind at your back.
Absolutely a sign that you were meant to run and represent your little brother and all those who are battling cancer with their loved ones. You go rock it, girl!