Franklin For the Cure

This Saturday I did the Franklin for the cure run in the West Haven neighborhood. We did this race last year because my friend Steve lives in West Haven and we knew it would be a great opportunity to see his fantastic neighborhood and hang out with him. Little did we know how much "a cure" would mean to him this year and how special this race would become to me! Earlier this year Steve was diagnosed with cancer, I would tell you which one specifically but the name is so long I can't pronounce it much less spell it, I do know it is extremely aggressive and Steve was put on a very brutal chemotherapy treatment for it. 6 rounds of chemo lasting 5 days a piece with roughly 3 weeks of rest in between. Steve is the first person I've ever know while they were actively going through chemo and although it has been very difficult for him at times he has remained positive and even calls his treatments "chemopolooza"! A friend of his sold shirts in support of Steve and his fight, Jodi and I thought this would be the perfect race to sport our shirts for our wonderful friend! And even though Steve finished his last round of chemo last Sunday and wasn't feeling the greatest he came out to cheer us on!

This was also Beckett's first official 5K stroller ride!! I was going to push them but Jodi decided she would walk and push the boys so I could run the race, the boys were great for her! Of course when you grow up in a jogging stroller I guess you get used to it!

Kingston is becoming quite the little athlete and he completed in the kid's 1/4 mile fun run! Here he is at the start line. He was doing stretches before the race and trying to get some of the other kids to stretch with him. One of the other parents said "You can tell his parents are runners" and I smiled because I've worked hard to earn that title!

And he's off!!

Rounding the turn!

Crossing the finish line and getting his medal!!

I sure was one proud mama especially when I asked him if he wanted to be picked up after he told me he was tired and he said "No I'm a runner." And he kept saying "Mama you can do it"

What a great day for a race! I left West Haven feeling full of hope and love and realizing once again how very lucky I am! It sure is great to be an Eller!