Run 4 My Boys

~Run 4 My Boys~

I have been asked several times why I run marathons. The simple answer to that question is that I run them… because I can. On days like today, when I sit at a funeral service for a 17 yr old boy who battled leukemia for over 3 yrs, I feel guilty. Why God allowed me to survive cancer and chose to take home so many of the kids that I came to love on the Oncology floor is something that I don’t think I’ll fully grasp until eternity. These kids have inspired me to do great things with my life, they’ve given me a gratitude for the small things, and they’ve put into perspective the unimportant things that just don’t matter.

On March 1st, my friend Carly and I will be running the Gasparilla Marathon. While this started out as just another running endeavor, we feel that we could not lose this opportunity to run with a greater purpose. We will be dedicating every 26.2 miles to 3 boys who have touched our lives and ask that you come along side us and enable us to raise funds for Parker’s Pals, an organization started by Aaron and Jamie Underwood which assists families who have young children walking through a cancer diagnosis. Please take a few moments to read their stories and consider how you might be a blessing to similar families facing cancer.

Camden Kibler: Camden was one of the youngest patients I’ve taken care of at APH. He was diagnosed with AML, a very aggressive leukemia, at only 5 months of age. From the first day that I took care of him, I developed a bond with his parents, Stephen and Jannae. From the get go of Camden’s diagnosis, they were ready to fight with all they had and their attitude and love for everyone around them made me look forward to coming to work every day so we could get rid of the cancer invading Camden. Its amazing how many lives he touched in such a few months of living; Camden passed away on August 5th, 2008 in the arms of his loving mother. For more on Camden’s story you can visit www.camdensjourney.com

Parker Underwood: Parker also was diagnosed with AML at 19 months of age and won the record at APH for longest stay. During that time, everyone on our floor fell in love with Parker and the entire Underwood family. Parker could bring tears to your eyes in the way he would still say “please” and “thank you” in the sweetest voice even on his worst days. I had a special connection with Aaron and Jamie because I soon found out that they were also Christians. I was so grateful for the light that they shed on the oncology floor. Even after Parker passed away, they pointed to Jesus Christ as their hope and strength in the midst of very dark circumstances. Jamie has worked very hard to start Parker’s Pals and has reached out to many families who are facing cancer. Parker’s sites and story are www.parkeru.org and www.parkerspals.org

Sabastian Marquez: Sabastian was one of the first kids I ever took care of as a new nurse. Sabastian had the same type of leukemia I had and we formed an instant friendship over a common bond. Sabastian went into remission and was doing very well before he relapsed with a new form of leukemia, AML. He went on to receive a Bone Marrow Transplant. He did great for awhile and was so happy to live a normal teenager life, making plans for his future. Unfortunately, he relapsed again. This past Tuesday, I held his hand as he struggled to breath and told him I loved him and would tell everyone I knew about him. Tears rolled down both our faces as I sang him the song I used to sing with my dad while getting procedures, “ I cast all my cares upon You, I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet. And when I don’t know what else to do, I will cast all my cares upon You.” That night, I watched Sabastian take his last breath and go home to the One he had put his trust and faith in. His website is www.thafuzz.org

My heart breaks wishing that Camden could have grown up to play baseball and maybe even become a firefighter like his dad, and I wish Payton and Paige Underwood would be able to grow up playing with their brother, and I wish Sabastian could have realized his dream of becoming a doctor. But I know that God has and will continue to use their lives to bless others. These 3 boys are why I continue to run and why I am asking for your support. I understand everyone’s budgets are being pulled in a hundred different directions right now so all we are asking is for each donor to give $26, one dollar for every mile we will run. The gifts are tax deductible and will go completely to Parker’s Pals. Checks can be made to Parker’s Pals and please put Run 4 My Boys in the Memo Line.
Checks can be mailed to:
Parker’s Pals
685 Winterberry Trail
Deland, FL 32724

OR You can also donate online using PayPal at www.parkerspals.org

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!

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