Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Kick the stuffing out of cancer!

I hate cancer.

I really do.

I hate how it strikes when you least expect it.

I hate that my cousin's four year little boy has to have shots three times a week to keep it at bay.

I hate that my good friend's Dad left us much to soon.

I hate that it took my Grandma Kimball from us this year.


I hate that I randomly cry every few days because I miss her so much.

Cancer is an ugly disease and I hate it.

So I am going to do something about it.

I am joining with runner's all across Utah to Kick the Stuffing Out of Cancer on Thanksgiving Day.

The Huntsman Cancer Institute is sponsoring 5Ks across Utah to raise money for cancer research. My dear friend Melissa told me about it and is also running with her own family.

I signed up the same day and can't wait to run in honor of my Grandma Kimball. My entire immediate family is joining me and we are making it a new Thanksgiving tradition.

This is big for me. I am NOT a runner. Neither are most of my family. But my Grandma Kimball was passionate about being active and serving others. It is the least we can do in her honor.

I feel like it is a privilege to give back to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. My Grandma Kimball was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and, at most doctor's appointments, her time left was measured in months. To have her with us for two more years was a blessing.



Because of modern medicine, and the grace of God, she was able to hold my little boy and see him take his first steps.

She was able to spend a precious few weeks with my brother when he returned home from his mission.

She was able to see several grandchildren married.

She was able to whisper words of advice and encouragement into my ear as we sat side by side so many nights.


And so I am going to fight. I am going to fight for myself and those who have lost loved ones to cancer. I am going to run for those still fighting and those who love them and care for them.

If you would like to donate money to this amazing cause and support me as I run to Kick the Stuffing out of Cancer - you can do so at this link.



God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He wrapped his arms around you,
and whispered, “come to me.”

You didn’t deserve what you went through,
So He gave you rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
He only takes the best

And when I saw you sleeping,
So peaceful and free from pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.

(Anonymous)

5 comments:

Victoria Blanchard said...

Way to go! My husbands' family does the Susan G. Komen 5k every spring in SLC because my mother in law is a two time survivor. One year when I was running it, I was seriously hurting because I wasn't prepared for it physically, and every time I thought of stopping I thought about how hard chemo was on my mother in law and realized that if she could do that every week for so long, I could keep running.

Hilary said...

You are so good! Such a good cause. Much love and thanks to you....and good luck running! (Very impressive.)

Emily Hamilton said...

You're amazing!! I wish I could participate with you, that's such a good idea. I really want to find a race like that to do out here in DC. You've inspired me. I'm sorry about all the great people in your life that it have effected by it.

Andrea Lee U.R. said...

Very sweet post. I have seen too many people suffer because of Cancer.
I did a cancer run a few years back. It was awesome! You will enjoy it.

Julie Carlile said...

What a sweet poem. I agree with you. I hate cancer as well. IT has taken way too many people from me as well. You will do great on your run. I never was a runner then within a matter of 3 months I trained for a half marathon. You for sure can do 3 miles :) Just think if you are in pain that it doesn't compare to all the pain your grandma suffered and you will endure and make it to the end.