Well, we did it. I had no internet access (without a large cost) in NYC except for Rachel's IPOD so after returning and trying to sleep off jet lag for the past day and a half, I am updating as promised.
There were so many emails from everyone - Believe me I read them all. I wasn't able to type out everything that happened on each email. I believe I used the word 'amazing' over 1,000 times alone. But you were all referred to my website blog and I will try to capture what I felt was one of the most amazing (1001!), incredible, fully exhausting, emotional things I have accomplished.
On my last entry I think everyone knew a little of my emotions. I was excited and a bit afraid, nervous of the unknown. I arrived in NYC at 11:00 pm Friday, Oct 31. I got in my first (and last) cab ride from JFK Airport to Manhattan at the DoubleTree Hotel. Rachel had arrived a few hours earlier and after a quick hug we pretty much headed to bed. A hotel room in NYC is full of sound all night. I am used to the 'city' sounds of sirens and horns but Rachel, coming from a quiet farm in Alberta didn't sleep as well! Annie had been heading in overnight on Greyhound from Ottawa in the meantime. Rachel and I met her in the lobby with Starbucks in hand. All three of us set out to the Expo to pick up my marathon entry package. I mentioned that JFK was my first and last taxi ride because the girls took over with subway mapping and, besides walking, the subway was our main transportation mode. We made it to the Javits Centre and after picking up my entry package and a few Marathon souvenirs hopped on a free bus to the Farmer's Market. Marathon entrants were offered a free lunch at some places as well as a commemorative pin from the Empire State Building on Saturday. After lunch we toured the Empire State Building and then took the Subway back towards Grand Central Station, walking to our hotel to meet for dinner. Rachel and Annie at this point decided to try out two for one transport on the subway. I won't say more as it could be incriminating but we later found out that there can be a heavy fine for doing this (it seemed funny at the time, who knew?).
We had a good laugh after a group of young girls enlightened us with the cost of their fines for a similar incident and decided (after one final attempt) that we would look blank if stopped and either say "I am Canadian" or have Annie speak French. Luckily we did not have to try this out.
We met our group and walked a distance through NYC to the dinner. On this trip we had a real chance to see the city, whether running the marathon or just doing all the walking that we did. The streets are clean - we met no panhandlers. There were less homeless sleeping around the subway stations than I have seen in Vancouver. The stereotype that I had of NYC was completely false. It is a clean, safe city. The dinner, unfortunately, was a little disorganised. Without getting into negatives, there was a kitchen problem. Annie had her dinner at 6:30. At 8:00 Rachel was fed. My dinner didn't show along with half of the group. I finally left after eating a salad but the girls kept everything positive. We grabbed a milk steamer along the way at Starbucks and I went back to the room to set everything out. Rachel and Annie were in charge of waking me at 0300. I slept well from 900 pm till every alarm in the room went off. We had also faced daylight change that night so all clocks had to be reset. The girls had both their cel phones, the hotel wake up call, the in room alrm going. It was great. I got up, stepped into my race clothes and bagged my breakfast, 'throw away' clothes and headed down to the lobby. Rachel and Annie came down in pajama pants and the Run for Joy t-shirts. Most people in the lobby looked pretty exhausted, but excitement was everywhere. I was asked how I slept and my response was 'Excellent'. Unfortunately not everyone else had the same story; they woke constantly checking they hadn't missed the alarm. If I hadn't had the girls with me, it would have been the same for me. Rachel was albe to commiserate with many of them. Annie and Rachel hadn't slept well either making sure they got me up. After a group photo and quick hugs to family we started the walk to the bus for Staten Island while the girls headed back up to the room to grab a few more hours sleep. We stood in line and jumped on a bus, driving approx 45 minutes to the Army base at Staten Island. It was set up with giant tents and coloured balloons ands signs advising entrants where they were to go for their start 'wave'. I found a spot behind a tent, wrapped myself in a solar blanket, etc with my pillow (gift from Sylvia - thank you!!!) and tried to rest. The wind was pretty biting when it blew past. It was still very dark and volunteers started handing out large garbage bags. Myself and one other girl (the only English speaking girl around me) grabbed two and they were so big we climbed inside like a sleeping bag. I managed to doze off a bit. Everytime I woke there were hundreds of people tight around me, every language being spoken. Lines for tea, coffee or bagels snaked back and forth in the crowds. I was actually pretty relaxed; the race was finally here. The loud speaker constantly announced start wave times, UPS truck pick ups, etc in several languages. It was somewhat like an outside convention of the United Nations. Some of the late arrivals around 8:00 am were showing up in just shorts and tank tops. I gave my solar blanket to a young fellow who was shaking with cold, bent over, trying to stay warm. After almost 5 hours my wave start was called. I headed with thousands of others for the walk to the Start. I stood beside a 'pace bunny'. These are men or women that have a sign saying 'PACE' with a time ie 4 Hr PACE, 4. 15 PACE. They run a set pace to help runners keep their times, especially for those trying to gain entry into time qualifying races like the Boston Marathon. The start cannon sounded and a huge cheer went up from the crowd. The start took us over the first bridge leading out of Staten Island. Frank Sinatra's version of 'New York, New York' played over all the speakers and we began our marathon. There were hundreds of volunteers collecting clothes at the start as we began shedding our warm 'throwaway' outfits. There were thousands in front of me running and then I realized that there were thousands on a deck below running as well as thousands running in a simalr cloverleaf below to my right. It was like a twisting of roads, with thousands of bobbing heads, the smacking sounds that you realized were footfalls all heading to one converging spot down the road. People were taking pictures and there was a general excitement and hum; at the beauty of the view off the bridge as well. Volunteers stood on cement dividers, cheering us on but nothing prepared you for the crowds and welcome as we all converged onto the roadway ahead. People were lined up on the roads. Young children in mittens and winter jackets stood off to the side holding out hands for high fives. People read your shirt or entry and shouted your name. I was wearing my marathon shirt and if someone yelled "Run for Joy!" I called back 'thank you!" One man put it in better perspective. Unless you were the elite runner or trying for a qualifying time this was not a race for your personal best. This was something to never forget. We ran through 5 boroughs and over 5 bridges. Sometimes it felt like 5 countries. We ran from Staten Island to Manhattten and every corner was something new. They had bands playing in different areas. One area was mainly African American. Everyone was dancing to the loud music, continual shouts of 'You go, girl' or "Run for Joy, Baby!" Lots of us ran over high fiving all the little kids as we went! We ran through an area in Brooklyn that is mostly Hassitic (not sure of spelling) Jews. The men had the long hair and curls on either side of the head, black hats and long coats. Most of the women had long woolen jackets, skirts and tams. It seemed like stepping back in time except many of the men had briefcases or blackberry's in hand. This area was different for fans as well. Here many of the men walked along the sidewalk, watching as they went on their way. One or two of the women were at the side of the road with their families but there was no cheering or handing us fruit, candy etc in this area. The runners carried on.
There was a large Spanish contingent at one point, fantastic music, lots of cheering and of course there were always thousands of volunteers at the water stations. First the gatorade. As you ran, you grabbed, drank and threw the cups. The road surface became extremely stickly with our shoes making sucking nosies as you ran over thousands of cups left from those running ahead. The water offered next cleaned the road and your shoes somewhat; then you ran on again.
Along the route their were markers stating miles or kilometres and the time elapsed. I had been watching a runner ahead of me; an elderly man in shorts and a singlet. He was a bit bent over as he ran but I remember thinking how good a pace he was running. Around 15 miles I noticed him again but he seemed to be bending slightly forward at the shoulders. It was odd as he bent more and then started to pick up his running pace. I remember thinking 'Is something wrong? Why is he running flat out and starting to bend over?" Then the unimaginable. He fell in to my left, face first, right into the road. There weren't as many spectators in this area. Many people gasped or yelled. Another woman and I ran over; a man cheering from the sidelines was there and rolled this fellow onto his back. The spectator said 'Lets get you over here to sit down'. I thought the older fellow appeared to be coming around. A woman yelled 'Call 911" and I turned and ran a few paces back shouting to a group, 'Call 911'. I turned to them and said "Are you okay, then?" They had the fellow off the road and we began to run on. About a kilometer further was a medic station. Another woman and I ran in there. She was pointing back; I ran to a male and said " A man collapsed back there about a kilometre!" This medic started running back. We continued on. As we entered Manhatten I came around the corner and the crowds were fantastic. I had told the girls I run on the left but over to the right I thought I heard my name, yelling above the rest "Run for Joy, Jan!". I turned my head and didn't see them but it was Rachel and Annie.
Eric was tracking me on the computer with the Athlete 'alert' on my racing chip. He was texting the girls and my Dad who was phoning Sandra. Ralf was tracking my progress as well and the girls were jumping on and off the subway following me! What an amazing thing to hear later. Dad said he was Communications Central with texting flying back and forth.
We were coming off yet another bridge (5 in all) and there was a downhill with some uneven, rough asphalt. I fell beautifully! Others had fallen earlier and the gasp of the crowd and the embarassment on others faces said it all. I felt myself falling. I put out my hands (thanks Dad for telling me to wear my leather palmed biking gloves!!!!!!) and landed on my right knee, rolling onto my right side. It was the perfect shoulder, barrell roll!. I landed on my back facing the hill and two other racers came up on either side of me, holding out their hands. I grabbed them both, jumped to my feet, said 'thank you boys' and carried on.
I had worried this might happen with my right leg so I definitely slowed my pace to work on keeping my right foot and leg going. But what a blessing! That I wore those gloves (tore the leather away- imagine my hands), that I had long pants on and just scraped my knee, not my whole lower leg, etc. etc. I stopped briefly at the next medic station to inspect the knee; minor! It really could have been the end of my race. So I kept running.
They asked me later if I hit the 'wall' during the race. I felt pretty good, obviously exhasution sets in and I definitely wanted to make sure after my fall that I didn't fall again. I saw the signs for Central park and I think for me the hardest part of the race was the last 3 miles. They went on forever! I just describe fully the mind games needed sometimes to keep running, especially if someone is walking faster than you run!! I was sure the girls would be near the finish; I found myself scanning through all the faces to my left as I ran. People saw this and were cheering me on. By now I was not high fiving so much as concentrating on getting to the finish but still called out my thanks to many who yelled 'Run for Joy'. The miles never seemed to shorten; but suddenly I heard my name. I looked up and it was Rachel and Annie against the fence to my left. They were wearing their grey Run for Joy Shirts and I had been emotional looking for them over the last two miles. Now I found myself breaking down and I ran over to them, crying. Rachel had a big smile, "Mom, keep going!!" But I couldn't. I needed to hug them both. I gave them a huge hug and inspired pulled out my necklace with mom's ring on it and ran the last 300 metres. 5 hours and 7 minutes, running all the way. I had finished.
Imagine the feelings. I was very tired but euphoric. They moved us along, photographers took the pictures as we posed with our medals, we grabbed our food bags and moved to the end. Unfortunately, they had everyone file into a narrow chute and we came to a shuffling standstill. After all that running the last mile took one and a half hours to walk out. People were definitely feeling the effects around us. I was feeling a little nauseated as well but again, with my medal and my solar blanket around my shoulders I carried on to meet the girls. There was a delay while we found each other and the euphoria I felt when meeting them was as high as the one I felt finishing the race. The rest of the trip was sightseeing and is perhaps only important to me and my family as the race was over and that's what you want to hear about.
Rachel and I took Annie back to the Greyhound station at 11:00 pm after a special dinner together that night. It was hard to say good bye. Rachel and I did the most amazing sight seeing tour Monday and on Tuesday met with Jason, (see his website wheniwalk.com) for a great hour to talk about the race and meet one another.
One sad note was to find out the fellow in front of me died from cardiac failure (as well as another man that we passed later in the race.)
But I am home again and I don 't know how many times I have said this; this was truly a moment in time for us. I am getting final tallies in but believe we made our goal of $10,000 for the MS Society of Canada. We made friends on the trip, other marathoners who stated they will be back to run. Other people asked if I will do this again. I am ready to do another race. I am healing from the few bumps and bruises but who knows what the future holds. I can't lie when I say I am feeling a bit of the let down you experience when something planned, organized and worked for has 'ended'. But my next event may be Mount Kilimanjaro. One of the ladies in the group said she had done that last year and she was in her 60's.
Hmmmm, Climbing for Joy?
Well, you never know.
Thank you all and God Bless
Jan
p.s. And before I forget - Happy Birthday mom. You were with me all the way.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Tuesday, Oct 28
5 days left.
I get an email update and countdown from the NYC marathon and I waiver between excited and scared to death. I have one bag packed (for carry on) and a list of things to bring. I still need to pick up a 'throwaway' winter jacket and blow up chair to sit in (for the 5 hour wait from 5:00 am bus shuttle drop off til race start at 10:00 am). Everything has to be left at the side of the road when we start.
I picked up my American money today (ouch!!). Wish I had done that earlier. Oh well...
I ran my last long run today and I am ready (I think) for whatever comes. The Leader photographer took some pictures today for an article. I am excited and scared to death about that as well. I don't take a good picture but always remember my mom ducking out of photographs and saying that to everyone. Thus, we don't have too many photographs of her.
So I grin and bear it but can't believe I really look like that when I see the final photos.....
Good news from the neurosurgeon (got to drive to Vancouver for that today).
I will update everyone when I am done this marathon - one thing at a time.
And we are so close to our goal - I hope with the article in the paper that it will put us over the $10,000 mark!! Several donations have come in this past week.
And, please, keep sending all the wonderful notes and emails. Uplifting words, personal stories and crazy poems (thanks Shirley). I really love to read them and have been saving them all.
I am not sure if I will be able to update the blog before I leave on Friday but will keep everyone posted when I am done the marathon or at least when I arrive in NYC.
One final note: I read a book sent to me on Canadian marathons. Some amazing stories including a man who had a lung transplant and ran for charity. They all talked about the importance of spectators cheering them on and different motivations. The fellow with the lung transplant wrote the names on his hand in black markers of all who had died waiting for a transplant. Looking at that motivated him when he tired during his run. When mom and dad married, mom paid the 'crown' to split a 1959 half dollar. My parents both wore them on a necklace; now Dad has both halves. He brought me moms' ring and half dollar to wear for inspiration. It will be a definite motivator.
If you are looking for me when they televise the marathon, I am on the left and wearing the red hat....lol.
But above all, please take a moment to remember us on the 2nd!
Talk to you soon.
I get an email update and countdown from the NYC marathon and I waiver between excited and scared to death. I have one bag packed (for carry on) and a list of things to bring. I still need to pick up a 'throwaway' winter jacket and blow up chair to sit in (for the 5 hour wait from 5:00 am bus shuttle drop off til race start at 10:00 am). Everything has to be left at the side of the road when we start.
I picked up my American money today (ouch!!). Wish I had done that earlier. Oh well...
I ran my last long run today and I am ready (I think) for whatever comes. The Leader photographer took some pictures today for an article. I am excited and scared to death about that as well. I don't take a good picture but always remember my mom ducking out of photographs and saying that to everyone. Thus, we don't have too many photographs of her.
So I grin and bear it but can't believe I really look like that when I see the final photos.....
Good news from the neurosurgeon (got to drive to Vancouver for that today).
I will update everyone when I am done this marathon - one thing at a time.
And we are so close to our goal - I hope with the article in the paper that it will put us over the $10,000 mark!! Several donations have come in this past week.
And, please, keep sending all the wonderful notes and emails. Uplifting words, personal stories and crazy poems (thanks Shirley). I really love to read them and have been saving them all.
I am not sure if I will be able to update the blog before I leave on Friday but will keep everyone posted when I am done the marathon or at least when I arrive in NYC.
One final note: I read a book sent to me on Canadian marathons. Some amazing stories including a man who had a lung transplant and ran for charity. They all talked about the importance of spectators cheering them on and different motivations. The fellow with the lung transplant wrote the names on his hand in black markers of all who had died waiting for a transplant. Looking at that motivated him when he tired during his run. When mom and dad married, mom paid the 'crown' to split a 1959 half dollar. My parents both wore them on a necklace; now Dad has both halves. He brought me moms' ring and half dollar to wear for inspiration. It will be a definite motivator.
If you are looking for me when they televise the marathon, I am on the left and wearing the red hat....lol.
But above all, please take a moment to remember us on the 2nd!
Talk to you soon.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Returned from Alberta
Well we are back. Had a great week in Alberta visiting Rachel, Travis and of course, Julia.
Julia is walking now - actually full tilt 'running' and arms straight up for balance. She also climbs; if you don't keep her socks on she can pull herself up and over the back of the leather couch in minutes. With her socks on she just slides......Ralf was reading books to her all weeks. She was fascinated with the pictures. Rachel showed us how Julia plays a computer/tv interaction game. When told to 'push the button' to make things happen - she is quck to smack away at it. Amazing to see how much she has grown in even a few months.
I kept up with my training - ran around the lake/pond in Camrose for an hour - in the freezing weather got a good case of 'frost balls' in the nose. If you have never felt that sensation before I won't get descriptive; unfortunately I have felt that before. Luckily the weather warmed up during the week and I ran the wheat fields in back of the house with my nose left unscathed although I had two doggy companions who kept leaping around me. Julia got some spoiling from the grandparents (us) who fed her some of the candies we were decorating her birthday cake with. She even got a taste of the piped icing - like a little bird - she loved it. Too bad poor Rachel had to deal with her at 0100 hrs that night. Who knew? We sure had a great time - it was hard to leave.
Unfortunately we also had some bad news while away; a dear family friend passed away suddenly Tuesday night. Otto signed my marathon shirt and led the supper prayer at the benefit dinner in September. He gave the Bridal toast at our wedding as well as our 25th anniversary party. Otto and Vi celebrated their 50th anniversary together with friends and family this past August. He was a good man, one of my father's best friends and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Otto's wife Vi, sons Glen, Lorne and their families at this time.
I don't have too much to add - the NYC marathon is sending me a countdown. 12 days to go in case you didn't know - actually 11 now. (just looked at the time).
I got a letter last week with a nice medal enclosed. Apparently I placed first in the Masters Division for Women at 'Jog for the Bog'! There was a slight route mix up on the race day but my thanks to the Race Coordinators. It is a lovely keepsake.
I will keep everyone updated on the countdown and results.
Regards
Jan
Julia is walking now - actually full tilt 'running' and arms straight up for balance. She also climbs; if you don't keep her socks on she can pull herself up and over the back of the leather couch in minutes. With her socks on she just slides......Ralf was reading books to her all weeks. She was fascinated with the pictures. Rachel showed us how Julia plays a computer/tv interaction game. When told to 'push the button' to make things happen - she is quck to smack away at it. Amazing to see how much she has grown in even a few months.
I kept up with my training - ran around the lake/pond in Camrose for an hour - in the freezing weather got a good case of 'frost balls' in the nose. If you have never felt that sensation before I won't get descriptive; unfortunately I have felt that before. Luckily the weather warmed up during the week and I ran the wheat fields in back of the house with my nose left unscathed although I had two doggy companions who kept leaping around me. Julia got some spoiling from the grandparents (us) who fed her some of the candies we were decorating her birthday cake with. She even got a taste of the piped icing - like a little bird - she loved it. Too bad poor Rachel had to deal with her at 0100 hrs that night. Who knew? We sure had a great time - it was hard to leave.
Unfortunately we also had some bad news while away; a dear family friend passed away suddenly Tuesday night. Otto signed my marathon shirt and led the supper prayer at the benefit dinner in September. He gave the Bridal toast at our wedding as well as our 25th anniversary party. Otto and Vi celebrated their 50th anniversary together with friends and family this past August. He was a good man, one of my father's best friends and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Otto's wife Vi, sons Glen, Lorne and their families at this time.
I don't have too much to add - the NYC marathon is sending me a countdown. 12 days to go in case you didn't know - actually 11 now. (just looked at the time).
I got a letter last week with a nice medal enclosed. Apparently I placed first in the Masters Division for Women at 'Jog for the Bog'! There was a slight route mix up on the race day but my thanks to the Race Coordinators. It is a lovely keepsake.
I will keep everyone updated on the countdown and results.
Regards
Jan
Monday, October 13, 2008
October
Happy thanksgiving everyone!
What a busy and amazing month.
I finally sent out the thank you/update letters following the fundraising dinner and emailed the extended family. In the letters we advised everyone that we had reached the $6500 mark but in the past two weeks we received almost $1,500 more in pledge donations with more on the way. We have raised nearly $8,000!
I find myself repeating this line over and over but what an absolute honour this fundraiser has become for me. Thank you for the support you have shown for what I am trying to do. Thank you for the honour you are showing my mother, my grandmother and all those who have dealt with M.S.
I have also been blessed by many people who have taken a moment to share a personal story with me; thank you for the emails, letters and cards as well. I have put them all together for a special 'memory' box that will hang on my wall when the marathon is finished.
So what else is happening in my life? Well I am running.. a lot. My treadmill motor finally gave out but the upside of that is that the weather has been nice for running outside and some people have commented on my tan face! Besides Iuliana my dad has become my other 'trainer'. We set up for my long pratice runs on the Tsawwassen dykes with Dad riding behind me on his bike. We have become very official! He will ride ahead and hand me a water bottle (which I get to drop) so that I don't stop and keep me updated on interval times. I have two 30 km/~ 3 hour practice runs under my belt; my remaining runs will be limited to 10 or 15 km until the marathon.
I can't lie - the runs went fine but I am feeling a little pressure right now to 'excel' on this run (that competitive Fox gene). I am still working through a sciatic nerve problem. So a warning to the three people that read this blog; don't be surprised if my times are (waaaay) over the 4 hour mark. I will use the excuse I have used quite well recently, I am old!! :)
Other than that my big excitement is heading to Alberta with Ralf on the 14th to visit Rachel, Travis and Julia. We will help Julia blow out her first birthday candle - where did the time go?
Eric and Annie had a great Thanksgiving in Ottawa. Between classes Eric made his first turkey dinner with all the fixings for his sister and she was very impressed.
Everyone else is doing fine. Ralf didn't spend his usual Thanksgiving weekend fishing, but he was at the Vedder on Saturday long enough to rescue a young woman who fell out of her kayak. Fishermen were yelling and Ralf waded out, barely catching the edge of her sleeve as she went past. He pulled her to shore and thankfully she was okay but badly shaken after being swept down the river. So he is my hero (and most likely hers!)
So take care everyone - next update later this week. Feel sorry for me as I run the secondary highways out by Tofield all this week - too many big rigs..and please, let there be no snow!!
Talk to you soon
Jan
What a busy and amazing month.
I finally sent out the thank you/update letters following the fundraising dinner and emailed the extended family. In the letters we advised everyone that we had reached the $6500 mark but in the past two weeks we received almost $1,500 more in pledge donations with more on the way. We have raised nearly $8,000!
I find myself repeating this line over and over but what an absolute honour this fundraiser has become for me. Thank you for the support you have shown for what I am trying to do. Thank you for the honour you are showing my mother, my grandmother and all those who have dealt with M.S.
I have also been blessed by many people who have taken a moment to share a personal story with me; thank you for the emails, letters and cards as well. I have put them all together for a special 'memory' box that will hang on my wall when the marathon is finished.
So what else is happening in my life? Well I am running.. a lot. My treadmill motor finally gave out but the upside of that is that the weather has been nice for running outside and some people have commented on my tan face! Besides Iuliana my dad has become my other 'trainer'. We set up for my long pratice runs on the Tsawwassen dykes with Dad riding behind me on his bike. We have become very official! He will ride ahead and hand me a water bottle (which I get to drop) so that I don't stop and keep me updated on interval times. I have two 30 km/~ 3 hour practice runs under my belt; my remaining runs will be limited to 10 or 15 km until the marathon.
I can't lie - the runs went fine but I am feeling a little pressure right now to 'excel' on this run (that competitive Fox gene). I am still working through a sciatic nerve problem. So a warning to the three people that read this blog; don't be surprised if my times are (waaaay) over the 4 hour mark. I will use the excuse I have used quite well recently, I am old!! :)
Other than that my big excitement is heading to Alberta with Ralf on the 14th to visit Rachel, Travis and Julia. We will help Julia blow out her first birthday candle - where did the time go?
Eric and Annie had a great Thanksgiving in Ottawa. Between classes Eric made his first turkey dinner with all the fixings for his sister and she was very impressed.
Everyone else is doing fine. Ralf didn't spend his usual Thanksgiving weekend fishing, but he was at the Vedder on Saturday long enough to rescue a young woman who fell out of her kayak. Fishermen were yelling and Ralf waded out, barely catching the edge of her sleeve as she went past. He pulled her to shore and thankfully she was okay but badly shaken after being swept down the river. So he is my hero (and most likely hers!)
So take care everyone - next update later this week. Feel sorry for me as I run the secondary highways out by Tofield all this week - too many big rigs..and please, let there be no snow!!
Talk to you soon
Jan
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sept 19
The fundraiser is over, now the real work begins, lol!
On the night of the fundraiser the weather was beautiful, the dinner was delicious and with a near sellout crowd, everyone was having a good time. There were lots of door prizes and silent auction items ( please check and support the sponsors on our list!) and the staff at the restaurant were terrific (thanks Lousie et al) . We turned in all pledges and fundraiser money this past Monday and have raised approximately $6500 towards our goal of $10,000.
We have more pledges and donations being sent daily - so thanks to everyone who was able to come out for the dinner - as well as a big thanks to all those who have supported us both financially and emotionally. It was a very busy time. And surprisingly still is.
We want to keep the momentum building. Thank you notes and follow up letters will be out there shortly so look for them!! We want to keep everyone updated on the progress we are making. I am constantly approached by people who let me know about someone in their life who has been diagnosed with MS. Three people in the past week have told me about the loss of a father, the diagnosis of a mother as well as a positive result where the health problem was thought to be MS but proved to be unrelated. There are so many new treatments available but so many u/k factors as well. It has been somewhat humbling to see what so many others have gone through. Along with the empathy and understanding there has been a bonding with people I have never talked to or met before.
I am continuing to train daily. I run along streets in North Delta with my 'Running for Joy' shirt and now get the odd honk or wave. I can't tell you how encouraging that is. My treadmill finally gave out so it is roadrunning, rain or shine. Let's all hope the weather holds!
Thanks again to everyone - you have been such a great support. We will be uploading some pictures from the fundraiser in the near future (I need tech support for that!) when I coordinate with my 'Web master' Annie.
Take care
Jan
The fundraiser is over, now the real work begins, lol!
On the night of the fundraiser the weather was beautiful, the dinner was delicious and with a near sellout crowd, everyone was having a good time. There were lots of door prizes and silent auction items ( please check and support the sponsors on our list!) and the staff at the restaurant were terrific (thanks Lousie et al) . We turned in all pledges and fundraiser money this past Monday and have raised approximately $6500 towards our goal of $10,000.
We have more pledges and donations being sent daily - so thanks to everyone who was able to come out for the dinner - as well as a big thanks to all those who have supported us both financially and emotionally. It was a very busy time. And surprisingly still is.
We want to keep the momentum building. Thank you notes and follow up letters will be out there shortly so look for them!! We want to keep everyone updated on the progress we are making. I am constantly approached by people who let me know about someone in their life who has been diagnosed with MS. Three people in the past week have told me about the loss of a father, the diagnosis of a mother as well as a positive result where the health problem was thought to be MS but proved to be unrelated. There are so many new treatments available but so many u/k factors as well. It has been somewhat humbling to see what so many others have gone through. Along with the empathy and understanding there has been a bonding with people I have never talked to or met before.
I am continuing to train daily. I run along streets in North Delta with my 'Running for Joy' shirt and now get the odd honk or wave. I can't tell you how encouraging that is. My treadmill finally gave out so it is roadrunning, rain or shine. Let's all hope the weather holds!
Thanks again to everyone - you have been such a great support. We will be uploading some pictures from the fundraiser in the near future (I need tech support for that!) when I coordinate with my 'Web master' Annie.
Take care
Jan
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Sept 2, 2008
Long time since my last post but I have been busy! I took Annie on her promised Whistler trip and we spent the day hiking around the lake and exploring Whistler. We stopped at the pub for lunch and then played some games set up at various kiosks. I had to laugh; we had lunch in th pub and Annie never got carded. Considering everyone always gets her age wrong it was no surprise when she was told she was too young to spin the wheel at some of the kiosks. Annie was very nice when I laughed! Anyways, we had a great day but too soon it was time to pack up Annie and send her off to Ottawa. She was all ready and this time she took Benny - (the 5 pound poodle). He was quite excited and made the trip in one piece. He has settled in quite nicely according to Annie - she has walked him all over the sites in Ottawa. He defintely hasn't enjoyed the recent thunder storms. Annie set up her SKYPE camera and he was quite happy to see us and bark!
Once Annie settled in, Eric flew out to visit. At least I hear he did. I really only caught a brief glimpse of him as he passed in and out the door on his way with friends. But the flip side is Rachel also flew in with Julia so we have had some fun playing with the grandbaby! Time is flying by so quickly right now. My days are spent dropping off tickets, picking up or asking for donations and running back and forth. It cuts in on 'visiting' time but everyone has been jumping in to help with all the organizing. Ralf missed out on fishing as Wayne's boat has been docked with repairs but managed to go for a few hours with the kids on ours and pick up some crab. We also spent a day with Great Oma at the PNE and Great Grandpa in Vancouver. So we have squeezed in some 'quality time'. Countdown to the big dinner - 4 days and counting. Only a few tickets left and more prizes coming in. Everyone keep hoping for the predicted hot weather and we will see you there!!
Jan
Long time since my last post but I have been busy! I took Annie on her promised Whistler trip and we spent the day hiking around the lake and exploring Whistler. We stopped at the pub for lunch and then played some games set up at various kiosks. I had to laugh; we had lunch in th pub and Annie never got carded. Considering everyone always gets her age wrong it was no surprise when she was told she was too young to spin the wheel at some of the kiosks. Annie was very nice when I laughed! Anyways, we had a great day but too soon it was time to pack up Annie and send her off to Ottawa. She was all ready and this time she took Benny - (the 5 pound poodle). He was quite excited and made the trip in one piece. He has settled in quite nicely according to Annie - she has walked him all over the sites in Ottawa. He defintely hasn't enjoyed the recent thunder storms. Annie set up her SKYPE camera and he was quite happy to see us and bark!
Once Annie settled in, Eric flew out to visit. At least I hear he did. I really only caught a brief glimpse of him as he passed in and out the door on his way with friends. But the flip side is Rachel also flew in with Julia so we have had some fun playing with the grandbaby! Time is flying by so quickly right now. My days are spent dropping off tickets, picking up or asking for donations and running back and forth. It cuts in on 'visiting' time but everyone has been jumping in to help with all the organizing. Ralf missed out on fishing as Wayne's boat has been docked with repairs but managed to go for a few hours with the kids on ours and pick up some crab. We also spent a day with Great Oma at the PNE and Great Grandpa in Vancouver. So we have squeezed in some 'quality time'. Countdown to the big dinner - 4 days and counting. Only a few tickets left and more prizes coming in. Everyone keep hoping for the predicted hot weather and we will see you there!!
Jan
Monday, August 11, 2008
august 11th
What a day. What a week. What a month. It has been a hard block at work, there were some very serious files these past few days and one in particular has been on my mind.
The 'Run for Joy' campaign is still keeping us busy. Annie and I have spent my days off going door to door in every business from Scott Rd to Tsawwassen Ferries. It is undeniably one of the harder things I have done. I don't find it easy to walk into each business asking for support but a special thanks to the many people I talked to that have made this easier. I have been picking up some great prizes with the promise of many to phone and follow up on - I am almost sleeping through the night again... almost. :)
We have had a flurry of ticket sales this week as the big day approaches - we are fast approaching a sell out and from the bottom of my heart, thank you all! I have organized small fundraisers in the past; through school PACs, church functions, etc. but this has been something different. It started out as a small idea and it has become so much bigger than I first envisioned . When I walk around and see my mother's face in posters on businesses around Delta and Surrey, I can't tell you what it means.
My day started by sending out an email at work after I was given the okay to set up a 50/50 draw. Thanks to co-workers who jumped in to help with advice and ticket sales. I had to drop Annie off this morning in Tsawwassen so after a few hours sleep (night shift last night) I parked my car, gathered my posters and courage and finished canvassing Ladner village. I came away several hours later with a big smile buoyed by all the positive comments and support from shop keepers.
I drove back to Tsawwassen and sat down with a coffee to wait for Annie. I was thinking that today we had caught up with everything we needed to; we had finished the mailouts and emails to media, canvassing most of our targeted businesses. We had followed up on emails and phone calls, updated our website and this was a quiet moment where I didn't have to check my list for the next appointment, the next area to canvass or the next call to make. I looked up and noted one of our posters taped in the window of the coffee shop and then picked up a newspaper on the table, the South Delta Leader from last week. This was one of those rare moments of serendipity with the Leader cover story about Jason DaSilva, a former SDSS grad, who recounted his diagnosis and struggle with M.S. The article gave some background on DaSilva; Jason is a filmmaker, currently living in New York, with a solid repetoire of films to his credit. He has chosen to make a film about his life with M.S. titled "When I Walk'. I called my sister to tell her to check out his website. When I got home my sister called me back, asking if I had a chance to view the trailer for the movie on his site www.wheniwalk.com . I can't tell you the rush of emotions as I sat watching the trailer for his film. I found myself thinking back to two young girls standing with their Dad while their mom lay in a hospital bed. The three of us were all crying, having been told her diagnosis but my mom did what she always did. She shrugged it off as if it was nothing, smiled at us and passed us a Kleenex box. So tonight, I sit here and encourage anyone reading this (I know at least two people actually read my blog) to check out his website. For those families who deal with M.S., you will understand my emotions. For those people unfamiliar with M.S., you will gain understanding.
I will close by saying my entry today has obviously taken an emotional turn. It would be an understatement to say I am tired tonight, but in a good way. I am looking forward to September 6 and trying hard not to think about all the details still to be taken care of as the date draws close. I continue to keep my marathon training light for now (still have hip muscle issues) but it is going well. I have promised Annie a 'day off' tomorrow to thank her for all her work. It's a chance for us to spend the day together wherever she would like before she leaves for Ottawa. So I will end this by promising another entry soon. And please check out Jason DaSilva's website and join me in continuing to work hard at funding a cure for M.S.
One odd thing came to mind when I read the name of Jason's film. He calls it 'When I Walk' and he is pushing himself to the absolute limit just to keep walking. He has reminded me again of the reason that I am running this marathon. Because until there is a cure 'Running for Joy' is something most people with M.S. (like Jason) simply can't do.
Take care
The 'Run for Joy' campaign is still keeping us busy. Annie and I have spent my days off going door to door in every business from Scott Rd to Tsawwassen Ferries. It is undeniably one of the harder things I have done. I don't find it easy to walk into each business asking for support but a special thanks to the many people I talked to that have made this easier. I have been picking up some great prizes with the promise of many to phone and follow up on - I am almost sleeping through the night again... almost. :)
We have had a flurry of ticket sales this week as the big day approaches - we are fast approaching a sell out and from the bottom of my heart, thank you all! I have organized small fundraisers in the past; through school PACs, church functions, etc. but this has been something different. It started out as a small idea and it has become so much bigger than I first envisioned . When I walk around and see my mother's face in posters on businesses around Delta and Surrey, I can't tell you what it means.
My day started by sending out an email at work after I was given the okay to set up a 50/50 draw. Thanks to co-workers who jumped in to help with advice and ticket sales. I had to drop Annie off this morning in Tsawwassen so after a few hours sleep (night shift last night) I parked my car, gathered my posters and courage and finished canvassing Ladner village. I came away several hours later with a big smile buoyed by all the positive comments and support from shop keepers.
I drove back to Tsawwassen and sat down with a coffee to wait for Annie. I was thinking that today we had caught up with everything we needed to; we had finished the mailouts and emails to media, canvassing most of our targeted businesses. We had followed up on emails and phone calls, updated our website and this was a quiet moment where I didn't have to check my list for the next appointment, the next area to canvass or the next call to make. I looked up and noted one of our posters taped in the window of the coffee shop and then picked up a newspaper on the table, the South Delta Leader from last week. This was one of those rare moments of serendipity with the Leader cover story about Jason DaSilva, a former SDSS grad, who recounted his diagnosis and struggle with M.S. The article gave some background on DaSilva; Jason is a filmmaker, currently living in New York, with a solid repetoire of films to his credit. He has chosen to make a film about his life with M.S. titled "When I Walk'. I called my sister to tell her to check out his website. When I got home my sister called me back, asking if I had a chance to view the trailer for the movie on his site www.wheniwalk.com . I can't tell you the rush of emotions as I sat watching the trailer for his film. I found myself thinking back to two young girls standing with their Dad while their mom lay in a hospital bed. The three of us were all crying, having been told her diagnosis but my mom did what she always did. She shrugged it off as if it was nothing, smiled at us and passed us a Kleenex box. So tonight, I sit here and encourage anyone reading this (I know at least two people actually read my blog) to check out his website. For those families who deal with M.S., you will understand my emotions. For those people unfamiliar with M.S., you will gain understanding.
I will close by saying my entry today has obviously taken an emotional turn. It would be an understatement to say I am tired tonight, but in a good way. I am looking forward to September 6 and trying hard not to think about all the details still to be taken care of as the date draws close. I continue to keep my marathon training light for now (still have hip muscle issues) but it is going well. I have promised Annie a 'day off' tomorrow to thank her for all her work. It's a chance for us to spend the day together wherever she would like before she leaves for Ottawa. So I will end this by promising another entry soon. And please check out Jason DaSilva's website and join me in continuing to work hard at funding a cure for M.S.
One odd thing came to mind when I read the name of Jason's film. He calls it 'When I Walk' and he is pushing himself to the absolute limit just to keep walking. He has reminded me again of the reason that I am running this marathon. Because until there is a cure 'Running for Joy' is something most people with M.S. (like Jason) simply can't do.
Take care
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