WEEK #15

Looking back - 5th day in hospital (9/'09)

Happy to be done with my 20!
Aaah, the dreaded ice bath (w/ 'light reading')!

CUTLER UPDATE: Speaking of remembering how far he's come, I thought one way of doing this would be to reflect back on when Cutler was first diagnosed. Just 8 months ago, he was admitted to the hospital to begin treatment for Infantile AML (Acute Mylocytic Leukemia). I've included a picture from his 5th day in the hospital. I get a lump in my throat just thinking about all that he and the Fricke's have endured - chemo, vomiting, fever, infections, anesthesia, central line, bone marrow transplant, feeding tube, sleepless nights, and the list goes on and on. And to see him now - praise be to God, the ultimate Healer! Cutler continues to be a blessing to me, and makes me proud to be doing this marathon in his honor!

TRAINING UPDATE: What, 20 miles? I got this! Yes, that's right, my Team and I ran 20 MILES this weekend! Our longest training run of the season is behind us, yea! What a relief :o) Thank you all for the prayers! Now the tapering officially begins... we get to cut back on mileage between now and race day. I'm glad to have this one under my belt, and glad for my time of 3:30 (avg. 10-1/2 minute miles)! The ice bath afterwards? Not so much, but hey, it's a big part of recovery and I do what my coaches tell me! Now we can all start looking forward to the big day and enjoying sunny San Diego. Can't wait! Go TEAM (Cathy, Raquel, Rebecca, Char, Garrick, Cameron and Eric - you all ROCK)!

FUNDRAISING UPDATE: Another $160 came in this week, bringing the grand total up to $4,891! I am confident I can reach my personal goal of $5,000 in the next 9 days (fundraising deadline is Wed. 5/26)! Also, I'm volunteering at the Byron Nelson golf tournament this weekend so please stop by the Pavilion if you're going to be there! And finally, thanks again to everyone who has donated to this cause. I appreciate each and every one of you!!! :o)