Wow, what a journey the last three fundraising years has been for me! Over those years, "I" have helped raise over $6000. That is absolutely incredible. I put "I" in quotations intentionally because YOU have been generous and YOU have supported me to help reach goals for St Jude Children's Hospital. Initially I chose to be a St Jude Hero because I knew I needed something greater to run for, than just me. I have struggled with mommy guilt for the last 7yrs and making time for me wasn't easy to do. Being able to train and run and race, knowing children and families are being helped, well it helps me tie my shoes and get me out the door.
My first year as a St Jude Hero was for the Inaugural Dopey Challenge in 2014. I reached my fundraising goal about the same time I found out I was pregnant with Isabel. Unfortunately I got sick the week leading up to the challenge and was only able to complete 3 of the 4 races while 18wks pregnant. While I know this was a smart decision to not complete the last race, I felt like I had unfinished business. I decided to register for a second year as a St Jude Hero, but took it down a notch to the Goofy Challenge in 2015 which is only two races in two days. Little did I know had a stow-a-way on board for those 39.3 miles! With our third child on the way it seemed only fitting to go for a third year of fundraising as a St Jude Hero. Our third daughter, Estella, was born in August leaving minimal time to train, so I kept it really low key "only" running the marathon in 2016.
Since the 2016 Walt Disney World Marathon in January, I knew I had to go for a fourth year. I wanted to run four races in four days to celebrate a fourth year of fundraising, like I said before I still have unfinished business. I love running as a St Jude Hero. It helps me stay thankful for our THREE healthy daughters. It lights a fire inside me on days I don't want to train. It gives me confidence knowing each of you believe in me enough, no matter how crazy, to financially support St Jude Children's Hospital through my fundraising efforts.
Thank you for your support over the years. I'm anxious to see how much we can raise leading up to the 2017 runDisney Dopey Challenge!
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