I sort of have to.
It was Monday a few months ago. I had had a great run on Sunday. One of those perfect weather, perfect outfit, perfect Stratton days when everything comes together and it's just a great run from start to finish. And so on Monday, when I saw the email about a team forming from the hospital for the ING Hartford Marathon, inspiration hit. We should form a team from our own department and not only invite staff to participate but patients and families as well. And we should make it a fundraiser.
"That's a great idea!' my boss said. "Make it happen."
>Gulp<
Sidebar: I love my boss. Dr. Hyams is an amazing, awesome, world renowned gastroenterologist. He is an expert in his field. He takes excellent care of his patients and does cutting edge research. He travels the world and gives lectures to other doctors. He literally wrote the textbook on pediatric gastroenterology. Dr. Hyams was also my daughter's doctor until two months ago when she finally got too old and had to "graduate" from his practice. He diagnosed her with Crohn's disease when she was 14. He said he would do everything in his power to get her healthy and keep her healthy. And he did. He took amazing care of her. And I am forever grateful.
So, the fundraising marathon is happening.
I can do this. I know I can do this. I have been here before. And it was a full marathon, not a half. Of course, that was before my legs fell and before I had angel wings. Before my bones started making funny creaking noises. Before it took me two tries to get out of my little red car. Before I hit that magic birthday number. But still, it happened. I did cross that finish line. So I can do this. Right?
I can do this because it is for a cause I really, really care about. Crohn's disease is yucky. It just is. Nobody should have to deal with it. Think back to a time when you had an upset stomach or some kind of bad food reaction and couldn't get out of the bathroom. Now, multiply that by a thousand and add a bunch of other symptoms like canker sores, achy joints and constant fatigue just to name a few and you have Crohn's disease.
Dr. Hyams and the other doctors I work with are determined to find a cure for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. The research they are doing is truly amazing. I honestly believe they will find a cure in my lifetime. I want a cure for the sake of all the kids I see everyday bravely battling these stupid diseases while trying to live normal kid lives. They shouldn't have to deal with what they have to deal with. I want a cure for Christie.
So I am running a half marathon.
And I am coming right out and asking for donations. If you already have donated, THANK YOU!! If you haven't donated yet, now's your chance.
http://www.crowdrise.com/CTChildrens/fundraiser/petraamrein
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Thank you.
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