Hope, Steps, & A Cure 5K and Walk

Last weekend I ran and walked for Mom as part of Team Pat Reep at the Hope, Steps & A Cure 5K Run and Walk for Aplastic Anemia and MDS.

I am still completely blown away at the turnout we had for Team Pat Reep.  We had more than 50 people show up and they all were wearing the shirt I designed.  I’m getting goose bumps thinking about it.  It was so moving to see so many of mom’s friends come out in her memory.  I know Mom was with us and smiling.  Together, our team raised more than $15,000 for MDS, and the event overall raised a grand total of $72,474!!  Amazing!!

It was the most beautiful day we’ve had this year and a perfect day for our race and the Walk.  The day began with a 5K run at 8:00am, which some of my family, few friends and I did.  It was really fun running along the beach, and it ended up being more like 5 miles than 5 kilometers.  It was their first 5K (they’ve done the 1-mile walk event in the past, but this was the first 5K run), so of course hiccups are to be expected.  The hiccup here was that there was no turn around point so everyone just kept running.  Finally we all just turned around and ran back.  It was still fun!  My bro won 1st place in his age group and my cousin won 2nd in his age group!

Then the main Walk began at 9:30.  It’s a 1-mile loop along the shoreline.  This was incredible.  The event drew 200+ people, 34% more than last year, and we were a sea of red all walking for aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndrome.  It was so powerful to see.  Here are pictures from the day:

Hope, Steps, & A Cure walk

We love you Mommy!!!

Team Pat Reep (there were even more people for TPR that aren't in the picture)

5K course

Me and Lisa running the 5K

Post 5K family

My cousin and big brother

My mom's best friend and her daughter

Me and my Aunt

Me and my cousins

Big bro, hubby, me, little bro

With my brothers, Daddy, Uncle, and Aunt

Me and my cousin

Jay, Me, Koko

Little bro and cousin won first and second place!

Friends :)

Love

For you, Mom!  I love you!

Some of our team

Team Pat Reep

My hubby and mother-in-law

The Walk

Such a beautiful sight

Big bro: "Go Team Pat Reep!!"

The Queen Mary

I loved seeing the shirts and Mom's "Rockstar" picture

After the run and walk we went to the BBC (Belmont Brewing Company)
for beers and lunch :)

The day was beautiful and filled with lots of laughter and tears.  Great stories were told and memories remembered.  Team Pat Reep will be back next year, and we hope to double our fundraising efforts for 2013!!  Mark your calendars to come run and walk with us:  April 27, 2013!!