An Inspiration

Hebrews 12:1-2
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

We were talking to David Lee on Wednesday when he told us that he definitely wanted to run in a race while he's home (he gets home next Tuesday night). He started running about 2 1/2 months ago, and he's already running more than 10K several times a week. He's gotten serious about it, and he thought he could push himself to do something for Tammy.

I had sent him a link to a web site that listed all the races/runs in the KC area over the three weeks he'll be here. He narrowed his choices down to two, but neither one really excited him. We suggested that he host his own where he could raise pledges for every mile he runs.

Then we tried to figure out how the money he raised could be used. He wanted to do something in her honor, so we thought about doing something for the BMT unit, where Tammy has received such excellent care. As you may recall, Tammy's "I Fight Like a Girl" T-shirt is very popular in this unit (see the picture). Many of the nurses, and even the other patients, have commented on how cool the shirt is (David Lee bought if for Tammy last summer).

Well, as tends to happen with ideas like this, it has grown. We're now pleased to announce that on June 16, we will host a 5K Run/Walk in Tammy's honor to raise funds for the BMT unit at KU Med Center. Those funds will be used to purchase similar shirts for all the patients that go through here on an annual basis (there will be cool shirts for the male patients too).

We'll mark out a 5K path that will start and finish in the same location. If you're not a runner, you can still participate. We'll have a walking trail, and you can raise money by walking. We'll time it to finish the Run and the Walk at the same time. We'll have an award-winning lunch after we're done, and a good time will be had by all.

The registration fee is $50/person, but that fee can be paid with pledges. If you're going to run the 5K (3.1 miles), you'd need to raise a little more than $16/mile to meet your goal. Obviously, we'd accept more than $50, because that would buy more shirts. Every penny we raise will go to the BMT unit to buy the shirts. We're going to raise some corporate sponsorships to pay for the food at the event.

We're still finalizing all the details (exact location and time), but it will be in the mid-morning on June 16. Tomorrow, we'll post a flyer (with all the details) and the registration form on the blog. You can post these at your workplace in case there are others there who want to run or sponsor you as you run/walk. Even if you're not in the Kansas City area or can't run on the 16th, you can do this wherever you are.

Our goal is $3,600 the first year, but obviously we can use more than that. If we get 72 runners/walkers to each raise $50, we hit our goal. We have long-term goals, like possibly purchasing shirts for every patient in every BMT unit in the country, but that's for another year. We'd like to get off to a fast start, and we'd love to include you.

On the medical side, Tammy is going through the usual reaction to Day 6 after the transplant. She's experienced stomach upset for the past couple of days, but this is very normal. The doctors continue to be pleased with where she is, and we look forward to possibly bringing her home sometime next week.

As usual, if you want to visit her, please call her (913-908-4795) first to make sure she's up to it. We appreciate the prayers very much. Please keep them going.