Reason #2 and DNation Kick-Off TONIGHT!!!

Hunter!

I feel pretty lame this morning while I skip the gym to push out a blog. But I have a valid excuse, ready for it?? There is an insane storm outside, like cats & dogs and potential hail/60 mph winds. Now, you wouldn't want me to be on a treadmill in the middle of my stride and the power goes off and I FLY off the TM into the wall and break a leg.... would you? Ok, a little bit over dramatic, but it could happen! Or am I just lazy and wanted to enjoy my coffee with my puppy (look at that cuteness!!)  in my lap while listening to the hard pounding of rain and thunder?!?!

Reason #2 (note: my 26.2 reasons are not in numerical order) for running!

I met Daniel at my first survivor's dinner in Effingham Cty as a staff partner. I have a special place in my heart for children with cancer and was immediately captivated by his wit and personality! At every Relay, Daniel brings his POV of choice! The first year it was a small 4-wheeler then he upgraded to a trike... just a few days ago, when I popped into Relay (to see Mr. Daniel & $upport my old volunteers and ACS) he had a brand new bike and was pedaling around! He was so proud of his bike!!! Going from a 4-wheeler to a bike for this handsome 14 year old may not seem like a big deal for some.... but here is just a glimpse at Daniel's story!

At age 4, Trowell was diagnosed with leukemia. He underwent chemotherapy and went into remission, but his kidneys failed from infection. His doctors gave him a 20 percent chance of living. He spent the next seven years of his life on dialysis.

“I asked why (the transplant operation) was so difficult, and they said because in most cases like him, most didn’t make it,” said Lisa, Daniel’s mom.

In 2008, he received his transplant. He is now able to eat without a feeding tube and swim in pools, things dialysis prevented him from doing before.

“It’s amazing how much the little things are just as important as the big things,” said Lisa.

About a month after his transplant, Daniel’s grandmother died of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The two of them used to Relay together, and Daniel remembers how he used to stay with her.

“One time, I just took off and left everybody, like fuoom,” he said, mocking the speed with his hand.

Daniel is in fourth grade now, and his teachers come by three times a week. He loves math, Nintendo DS and wants to be a chef.

“I’m working on Taylor Swift right now,” said Daniel of his would-be girlfriend.

(Arnold, Calli. "Keeping the Beat." Effingham Herald 8 Apr. 2010.)

Daniel and I (RFL 2011) Check out his NEW Bike!

Also, Daniel is a fifth grader this year at school 4 days a week and loving it!! He is still working on getting Taylor Swift to be his girlfriend- I will keep you posted on his progress. 

Thank you Daniel for making me smile :)

I will run for you, Daniel.

Speaking of run.... something I did NOT do this morning! TODAY is our FIRST DetermiNation Kick-Off/Info Session!!! 6pm at Fleet Feet!!! WAHOOO!! AND my friend, Kerry is DONATING CUPCAKES!!!! Check out her site! Our theme is "A World with Less Cancer, is a World with More Birthdays!".... plus when you run a lot, you can eat cupcakes!!

We will go over the program, announce some fun runs, and meet & greet!