Wrapping Up DFMC 2014

Until tonight, I hadn't been sure of where to begin my final post for the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge 2014 season.  It has been an incredible journey over the last 2 years full of tears and smiles.  Words absolutely cannot express the gratitude for the support of all of you as I have run mile after mile, asked for donations to support innovative cancer research and continued on this journey to the finish line that was much longer than anticipated.

When I started this blog in December of 2012, I titled it "Journey to the Finish Line".  Indeed- what a journey it has been.  First came the realization that I signed up to run a marathon that required a winter training regimen…in Boston.  Yes, I know, the Minnesotan should be prepared for this, but I was used to being on an ice rink in the winter not out running double digit miles in the snow and cold!  Early on the training tested my physical strength and discipline to stick to the training schedule our DFMC coach Jack Fultz provided us.  Next came the challenge of raising the minimum of $4,000 for charity.  That's where all of you wonderful people come in.  What first seemed like an impossible goal was easily surpassed by the time I crossed the starting line on April 15, 2013.  You all helped me raise over $5,000 to support the Claudia Adams Barr Program at Dana-Farber- I was left speechless by your generosity.  I was at the starting line that day thinking the hardest part of my journey was complete.  No one could have anticipated the tragic events that occurred that day and those memories and emotions will forever be a part of me.  

There was no doubt in my mind of what I had to do next.  I accepted the entry given to me by the BAA for not finishing the marathon, but I also applied to be a part of the DFMC 2014 team as well.  I had a race to finish and the only way I wanted to get there was to be a part of the group that got me to the starting line.  You all supported me along the way and helped me raise nearly $10,000 in total between my two seasons with the DFMC- wow!  What an incredible difference you have all helped make in the fight against cancer.

I am pleased to announce that the 2014 DFMC team raised over 8 million dollars to directly fund innovative cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  Yes, you read that right- 8 MILLION DOLLARS!!! Again, words cannot express how thankful I am for all of you and your generous donations.  Together we all truly make a difference with every single donation!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Now, I know some of you are wondering how the actual run went.  The atmosphere at the Boston Marathon this year was indescribable.  As many have said, we took our race back.  From the start to the finish the crowd was amazing.  Signs reading "Boston Strong" lined the streets and spectators cheered us on the whole way.  The spirit behind the marathon was there beyond anything I have witnessed at a road race before.  As I turned down Hereford nearing Boylston Street (where the finish is), I had to slow down because I was tearing up due to a combination of sadness thinking of the year prior and happiness because I was so close to the finish line.  A lovely gentleman caught my eye and saw my struggle and started a slow chant "Sarah…Sarah…Sarah…".  Soon, about 15 people had joined in chanting my name- of course I started tearing up even more, but I picked my speed up and made my way to that left turn on to Boylston.  What a glorious site Boylston street is when you turn left and see the finish line downhill in front of you.  It didn't seem real- that finish line, the end of a two year journey, months and months of training….all about to be over.  A sense of relief and accomplishment washed over me as I crossed that finish line.  I had made it. 

Nearing the finish...

Made it!

 I couldn't have done it without the support of all of you.  Whether you donated, cheered me on, ran with me, cried with me or just liked a Facebook status, you all helped me make this dream of mine to run the Boston Marathon come true while raising funds to help continue the fight against cancer.  While I will not be running next season, I hope to be on the sidelines cheering on the runners and volunteering for Dana-Farber.  My life has been changed by this organization and I am so honored to be a part of the DFMC family.  

Thank you all again for helping us come closer to a cure and following me on this journey!  See below for more pictures from the race and check presentation :)

-S

My dad was able to come cheer me on in person this year!

Pre race in Hopkinton

Ready to run!

  

They had the Red Sox World Series trophies and ring at our check presentation- I couldn't resist trying it on!

Marathon Weekend

In just 16 short hours I will be returning to the starting line of the Boston Marathon to complete the journey I began last year.  This year's race brings forth a lot of emotion, strength and hope.  I am looking forward to completing the final leg of this journey with the support of all of you.  

This afternoon was the pre-race pasta party for Dana-Farber, which once again had wonderful speeches and reminded us why we are all running with the organization.  Our team has raised over 6 million dollars this season to support innovative cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute- what an amazing impact all of your generous donations have made!  Thank you so much!!

I am going to keep this short as I need to get rested up for the run tomorrow, but remember I have all of your loved ones on my mind as I make the trek from Hopkinton to Boston tomorrow.  Together we are making strides towards a world without cancer.  

Enjoy the pictures below and thank you again!  This journey would not be possible without all of you.

Happy Easter!

-S

Finish area

Front of my singlet

All my donors should take a look for their loved ones ribbon on my singlet!

DFMC Pasta Party

Finish area

Race expo

It's not too late to donate if you still wish to contribute!  www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah

1 Week To Go!

With just one week to go until race day, the excitement has been picking up in Boston.  They have begun to set up the finish line area and Sports Illustrated came to do their cover shoot over the weekend!  They invited the Boston area to come out and be a part of the cover shoot at the finish line- I headed out bright and early Saturday morning to be a part of it.  I was able to get to know some other charity runners while I was there (we were out there for over an hour!).  It was a great experience and I can't wait to pick up the new issue this week- be sure to check it out!

At the cover shoot

At the cover shoot

A church that was there was handing out these scarves- it is a part of the Marathon Scarf Project 2014.  Scarves were made from all over and the church received over 6,000 in total which were to be given out to those running the Boston Marathon.  Mine was made by Dee from Easton, MA- If she happens to read this:  Thank you Dee!! The scarf is beautiful!  The back of the yellow tag also reads "This scarf is interwoven with love and courage."  

I have completed my last double digit run of training and have just a couple short runs left to go!  I'm looking forward to completing my journey to the finish line in a week- it has been a longer journey than originally anticipated, but it has become more meaningful each and every day.  I am incredibly honored to be able to run this race for all of your friends, family and loved ones.  Running with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge has allowed me to combine philanthropy with one of my passions.  I am proud to say that in my 2 seasons with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge you all have helped me raise over $9,000 in total and all to benefit innovative cancer research!  I am blessed to have the encouragement and support of you.  Together we truly are making a difference in the fight against cancer!

I have a lot to look forward to and be thankful for this coming week.  It will be busy with final race preparation and family getting into town to support me on my run, but I will make sure to keep you up to date with all of it with more frequent updates!

For those who still wish to donate, please visit www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah.  We have raised just over $3,500 so far (including mail-in donations not yet posted)!!  Your generosity brings tears to my eyes as we work together to stride towards a cure for cancer!

Thank you all again!! :)

-S

We Hit the $3,000 Milestone!!!

Just 2 weeks to go until Marathon Monday and we have surpassed the $3,000 milestone!!  Thank you all so much for your generosity and support- every single dollar raised goes directly towards funding innovative cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  I will be running in honor of you, your loved ones and all of those battling cancer on race day.  Running with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge has made my marathon journey incredibly meaningful and I am blessed to be a part of it!

For this week (now through April 13) I will add in an additional $2 for every person who donates.  Please consider a donation today and become a part of my journey and the fight against cancer!

Last week, I was featured in my hometown newspaper- the Blaine Spring Lake Park Life.  For those of you who receive it- take a look in the sports section!  You can also check out the article here:  http://abcnewspapers.com/2014/04/03/blaine-grad-ready-to-finish-run-in-boston-after-raising-funds/.  The donation link does not work from the article, so please continue to use www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah to donate :)

The last two weeks of training will test my patience and discipline as I enter into the heart of taper.  My weekly running mileage drops down and anxiety creeps up as thoughts of "Am I ready?  Do I need to run more miles?" run through my head.  I plan to use this time to focus on the reason I am running the marathon- in honor of all of those who have battled or are currently battling cancer.  Running a marathon is a trivial battle compared to what they have been through.

As excited as I am to run this race, I am more excited to reach my fundraising goal and make an impact in the fight against cancer!  Since I began this journey with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge in December of 2012, you all have helped me raise nearly $10,000 to support the fight against cancer.  Without all of you, none of this would be possible.  Words cannot express my gratitude- thank you, thank you, thank you!!  Marathon Monday will be here before we know it and I can't wait to share it all with you!

Have a great week!

-S

www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah

3 Weeks to Go- Longest Training Run Complete :)

It is hard to believe the race is just 3 weeks away-  The city of Boston painted the finish line downtown last week which has boosted the excitement and anticipation of Marathon Monday!  I also received my runner's passport and bib number in the mail this last week, so final race preparation has begun.  This also marks the start of tapering down for the race as we all have completed our longest training runs!  It is always a challenge to run less after months of building up the miles as the race approaches.

I am incredibly honored to once again be running with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge and able to represent them during the race wearing the fantastic racing singlet they designed for us this year.  With the help of all of you, we have raised over $2,300 for cancer research this season!  Every donation that has been made and will be made makes such an impact in changing the lives of others.  We have all been affected by cancer either directly or indirectly- this is a great way to help out with the race to find a cure.  

To make a donation, simply visit www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah or contact me personally via a comment to get the mailing information for check donations.  Your support is greatly appreciated!!

As we approach race day, we are all also remember the tragic events of last year and reflecting back.  A year has flown by quickly.  Boston and the running community have pulled together in an incredible way over the last year and have worked hard to overcome both physical and emotional challenges to get to the starting line again on April 21, 2014.  We will all be running, cheering and watching with a "Boston Strong" mentality in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned in the coming weeks for more updates as the race approaches!  For now, I want to share my fundraising video once again.  Enjoy!

Music: "All You Need Is Love" the Beatles

Have a great week!

-S

28 Days To Go!

We have passed the $2,000 mark with donations- thank you so much for your support!!  To date, the donations total $2,104 with more donations in the mail as I write this!  I am so blessed to have the support of all of you as I take on this journey to the Boston Marathon once again while trying to make a difference in the fight against cancer.  I couldn't do it without you all!

Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.

— Margaret Mead

For more information on the Claudia Adams Barr Program follow this link.  Every single dollar raised goes directly towards funding innovative cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.  The donation process is quick and easy, please consider supporting this cause and helping hard working researchers bring us closer to a cure!  To donate: www.runDFMC.org/2014/sarah

Training has been going well and it is getting close to taper time with just one long run remaining!  As the race draws near, a lot of my preparation has been mental as reminders of the tragic events from last year return and the anxiety for race day increases.  I have no doubt that this year's marathon will be an amazing experience and full of more spirit than ever before.  I am fortunate to have a wonderful support system backing me throughout all of this and will have family in town from Minnesota here to cheer me on during the race! 

Here are some pictures taken throughout the last few weeks of training…

Evening run along the Charles River

Evening run along the Charles River

St. Patty's Day 5K

 St. Patty's Day 5K

Taking a break from running to cheer on the Wild when they played in Boston :) 

I'll be updating more frequently as race day approaches, so stay tuned!  Words can't express how grateful I am for the support you all have given me on this journey- thank you, thank you, thank you!!

Have a great week! :)

-S

A Few Words From Amy

My wonderful friend Amy put together a few words for my blog post today- she has been one of my biggest supporters throughout the years and I am so blessed to have such an amazing friend!  Thank you Amy!  :)

I'll leave you with what she wrote...

Hello! I have known Sarah since our hair could be put in ponytails. It has been really awesome to have such a lovely friend for so long. We have both become “runners”. We have both moved to the East Coast. We have both been dramatically and irreversibly effected by our loved ones having cancer. Sarah was there for me a year ago as I cried and cried when I lost my beloved aunt at age 47 from a horrible fight with bladder cancer. I am so proud of her efforts to use her body as a tool to raise money for cancer research. Every dollar we give is not only in memory, but in honor of all of those who will get a cancer diagnosis in the future. Let’s do everything we can for each other today to make for ourselves a better tomorrow.

Now, a little story.

A few weeks ago I was part of something truly awesome. I am a nurse and work in a family practice office that also does in-office minor procedures because the doc likes scalpels. That means that I get to assist in his little surgeries. So this is what happened- 

We cut cancer out of a woman’s forehead. 

Yes, it’s true. It was incredible. I got her all comfy in a big chair and put a sterile field over face and we cut out a suspicious looking skin growth and sent it to the pathology lab. A few stitches later and she was on her way. 4 days later I get a one page report on my desk: “squamous cell carcinoma confirmed: borders clear.” BOOM. That means we cut out all the cancer and she’s cured. Note: squamous cell is not a terrible type of cancer but it is malignant. 

So what does this really mean? 

1. It’s not really that simple, but it can be. 

Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could just cut out all cancer? The gravity of the situation is not lost on me as we sent this woman home with peace of mind and a warning. This means that she was incredibly lucky and that she must also be equally as vigilant. The truth of cancer is that we cannot always just cut it out. Most often it is too far advanced, too invasive, too dangerous to just yank it out of our bodies. I know that in watching my loved ones suffer and eventually pass away from their invasive and tortuous tumors that I wanted badly to find a way to just take it out. So here comes the painful and powerful lesson. Cancer sometimes can be cut out…if you find it early enough. Which leads me to my second point. 

2. Early Detection is a Key to Prevention

This woman came to her doctor and said, “I have this weird spot, can you check it out?” YES, yes, yes, yes, yes. We will NEVER say no to checking out weird spots, moles, bumps, lumps, and freckles. Why?? Because that’s how we find cancer. Most of the time it will be nothing, but please don’t feel silly for asking. My beloved aunt that passed away from bladder cancer had been to the emergency department twice for blood in her urine. They assumed a UTI and she was treated and sent on her way. By the time she was treated she had Stage 3. Please don’t wait for symptoms to be so bad that they cannot be ignored. A polyp is the beginning of a tumor in the colon and can be snipped away in a nanosecond during a colonoscopy. Early detection always, always, always, means easier, safer, and more treatment options. 

I get the rare and special privilege of asking every woman who in our office a few important and extremely intimate questions about her body. The most important being: “do you perform self breast exams?” 9 times out of 10 the answer is “ummmm, I know I should but I don’t”. My response? “Get to know your own boobs!” They are right there in front of your and everyone else’s face all day. I would much rather get a million mammogram reports on my desk that read “benign” than one that says, “biopsy”. Simple, monthly breast checks can save so much worry and doubt if a woman knows what bumps are normal for her. It is these simple tasks that can literally save lives. 

Actual things you should do to take charge of your health:

1. Breast checks- start in your twenties so you’re good friends with yourself by your 40s. 

2. Regular gynecological visits according to your doctor and your risk factors. 

3. Get a colonoscopy if you are over 50 or if a first degree relative has had colon cancer.

4. Know your history. Take a medical family tree and know your risks.

5. If you have fair skin: Do a body check every time you change the oil on your car. Bonus points- have a special someone do your body check because they can see your back and scalp. 

6. Stop smoking or using tobacco. That’s just important for life in general. 

7. If you experience symptoms such as chronic fatigue, unusual bleeding, pain without injury or activity, shortness of breath, a suspicious change in bowel or bladder habits, or a strange lump, bump, or bruise please go see your doctor. 

Cancer is not simple or easy but with vigilance and a few uncomfortable but easy actions you can potentially prevent your own diagnosis. This does not mean there are always signs or that those with preventable cancers did something wrong. It does mean we have every responsibility to everything we can to take care of ourselves. 

Blessings, 

Amy

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