Today we ran from Nashville, TN to Knoxville, TN.
My running partners were Sarah and Bethy. To start off the
day we had to drive a little bit to get to roads we could run on outside of
Nashville. Our van had a permanent driver so the rotation was different than
normal because the running groups never had to drive. Having a driving helps us
finish our miles faster. I was glad for that because it was getting very hot.
The humidity in this area of the country is difficult for some of the team
because they aren’t used to it. Luckily, at home I trained in very similar
conditions.
After running we bought ourselves some food before driving
the rest of the way to our host – The Episcopal Church.
Bethy, Myself and Sarah |
There were 3 women that cooked us dinner. Everything made
from scratch – stew, pasta salad and bread, cupcakes and angel food cake with
fruit for dessert! YUMMY!
Total Miles: 213
Total Miles: 213
My Aunt Theresa was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer
when she was 23 years old. Ovarian cancer is rare among women younger than 40,
so this was a surprise to everyone. We don’t have any history of ovarian cancer
in our family – why would such a young member have such a terrible disease?
Theresa was then living in Roanoke, VA. The moment we heard
the news, mom and I drove down to VA. I’ll never forget getting to the hospital
and going upstairs to see Theresa. She had to have a full hysterectomy in order
to remove as much of the cancer as possible. Mom, Theresa and some of her
sisters talked about options. It turned out that in order to be closest to some
family and still receive good medical care, it was best for Theresa to move in
with my family and go to the UK Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, KY.
Theresa lived with us for 2 years while she went through
treatment.
As a teenager, it was hard to see someone in so much pain.
She would have good days and bad days. I still remember when we shaved her hair
off; my dad shaved his too. And we went wig shopping soon after. It’s hard to
look back and remember things having been a third party. Mom would go to
doctors’ appointments with Theresa like she was her own child. Theresa was
basically an older sister to us four kids.
Since Theresa moved out, she has lived in a couple places
but has found her way back to Roanoke, VA. She is healthy and in remission.
I love you Aunt
Theresa. Even though I didn’t quite understand what you were going through years ago, I now know more. I am impressed by your strive to fight and win and I'm proud of you!
No comments:
Post a Comment