Life is a succession of moments. Sometimes, little moments piece together to form a beautiful story. Sometimes, big moments take you by surprise and force you to choose a different path. For me, the story of my involvement in the Race for Hope was a combination of both types of moments.

I had my first real experience with cancer when I began grad school in 2007. There was a wonderful woman on the faculty who had been fighting a brain tumor for three years. I got to know this courageous, inspirational woman in the too brief time she had left with us. I vividly remember having a conversation with her, where she spent the entire time talking about the horrors parents who have children suffering from Autism face. The whole time, I remember feeling overwhelmed by the amount of concern she had for these unknown others, while she was suffering so much herself. Sadly, she lost her battle with brain cancer on April 29th, 2008. I only had the opportunity to spend a very brief amount of time with her, but she touched my life.

I began to become involved in cancer advocacy with other Cook fans. I met beautiful women who became my fellow advocates and sisters. I felt a new kind of peace, knowing that my small efforts were doing something to rid the world of this horrible disease. I was already trying to work out the logistics in participating in the Race for Hope when we heard of David's involvement. I now had the opportunity to honor the friend I had lost in conjunction with the fans I had met and learned so much from over the past year. I watched in amazement as the community pulled together; as the thermometer continued to fill; as David revised his goal again and again; as fellow fans shared their support and loses they had endured. My heart filled to overflowing before the race ever happened, and many grateful tears were shed.

To show up on race day and see all the faces of fellow advocates and supporters is a feeling I can't ever hope to describe. To share the joy in the hope for a cure, and the tears for those we have lost. To be surrounded by survivors, sharing their joy and excitement to be alive. To walk through the rain, as if heaven were shedding tears for those who were grieving. To have my darling friends there with me, as we fight these disease hand in hand. To see David, courageously share his own loss as well as his hope. To watch the faces of the race coordinators and founders on stage, as they wept for David. These moments I can never hope to put into words. But I am a better person for having experienced them.

Thank you to everyone who donated, created avis, bumped threads, held yard sales, came to DC for the race, ran their own race in solidarity, volunteered, made signs, sent participants positive thoughts, or supported the Race for Hope in ways I'm not aware of. You are changing the world, and I am so honored to stand up and fight with you.

I saw with my own eyes this weekend...love is gathering in a big way. <3

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