I know that I have introduced my friends Cheryl and Renae before, but I haven't yet told you the strong connection they each have to my TNT training. The three of us have been friends since elementary school.. I introduced Cheryl's daughter, Lindsay, on a previous Thursday TNT post here. She was the beautiful 17 year old who was diagnosed with AML, which took her young life just 3 months later. 
Today I am going to 'introduce' you to Renae's mom, Barb.
(Here is an picture of Barb in 1955) Renae and I met when I was just 4 years old and we lived just a house apart until after we graduated from high school. During those growing up years, Renae's family was like my own. I spent almost as much time at her house as I did my own. I went on many of their camping trips and Renae came with my family every summer for several visits to our cabin. I know part of who I am today is because of the influence she had in my life.
Fast forward now to this picture taken in 1999. It is Renae and I and our moms. (I'm sitting with Barb and Renae is by my mom). It will be the last picture that I have of myself with Barb. At this point she was not doing well, and doctors couldn't quite figure out exactly what was wrong. In March of 2000, Barb passed away and it was determined that she had died of lymphoma that had gone undetected. 
And so I run in honor and memory of my second mom - Barb.
I run in the hopes that with added research there will be easier ways to detect and cure Lymphoma and Leukemia. I run because I think she would be proud of me and I know that she'll be there with me in spirit as I cross the finish line, cheering me on. Thanks, Mom.
(Barb- November 1999, just 4 months before she passed away.)
Until Next Time....
3 comments:
Sounds like Barb was a very special lady! Thank you for sharing these stories with us. :~:
Sounds like you definitely have some inspiration!
Absolutely she is proud of you. I lost me Dad 3 years ago to lymphoma...it hits quick and hard once detected. I believe it ook them 4 years to finally diagnose correctly, and I am in the medical field with the knowledge to ask the right questions, just didn't get the right answers. Running is hard, I don't know of anyone who likes it, but running for a cause makes the blisters go away just a little more quickly. Keep up the good work.
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