One Year + LA Marathon for MDS and Mom!

This week has been a crazy one, emotionally and mentally especially.

Wednesday marked one year since my Mom passed away.  I still can’t believe it’s been a whole year.  Honestly, it still doesn't even feel real, until those moments hit when reality slaps me in the face.  I miss her tremendously and my heart hurts like hell, but I’m in a really good place.  My husband, dad, brothers, cousins, aunt, uncle, sister-in-laws, friends, coworkers, readers on my blog, and my community have been so incredibly supportive and loving, and have helped me get to where I am today.  And since mom’s passing last year, I have helped raise more than $20,000 for the AA&MDS International Foundation! (I follow in my mommy’s footsteps in many ways, especially with  volunteering/advocating :) ).

And this Sunday I am running my very first marathon, the LA Marathon, and I’m so excited because I’m running it for the AA&MDS International Foundation in memory of my mom!  I didn't even plan that my Marathon for Mom would be around her Angel Anniversary, but it worked out beautifully.  I feel ready.  I have been training for months, and despite going into the race with a couple injuries (ankle & IT band), I know my mind and heart will give my body the motivation to push through any pain.  I only have two goals:  1) to finish, and 2) to have fun!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me along this journey.  Your love and encouragement has been to inspiring and motivational.  Thank you to everyone who donated to the Foundation to fight MDS.  It means the world to me.  If you have not yet donated but would like to, there is still time, just click this link!  Every dollar counts towards a cure!

Time to rock LA!!  My first 26.2 miles!!  This one’s for you Mommy!!!