I'm A Marathoner!!!

I did it!!!  I ran my first marathon and I did it for Mommy and the rare disease, MDS!

Thank you to all my friends and family who have supported me these last several months as I trained for the LA Marathon, my first.  Together we raised $2,881 dollars for the MDS Foundation in memory of the greatest women I ever knew, my Mommy.  On Sunday, all our hard work came together as I ran and completed the LA Marathon for MDS and Mom.  I could not have done it without all your encouragement, love, and support during my training and during the marathon itself.  Thank you for your generous donations towards this cause, which, as you know, means so much to me.

I had one anonymous donor, and I wish I knew who you were to thank you personally, but since I don't know who you are, thank you with all my heart for your generosity.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you everyone.  Mom was with me every step of the way on Sunday, and I know she is SO proud!!!!!

PS-A full recap with LOTS of pictures will come soon!  Stay tuned!

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!!!