Milestones!

This Sunday, April 27, 2014 I will be participating in my fifth Sun Run.

The Sun Run is a 10 KM run event  in Vancouver, BC.  It is the largest 10 KM run in North America as it typically attracts approximately 50,000 participants.

My world changed dramatically after completing my first Sun Run.  I’ve said it before and often and will say it again…running has literally saved my life.

The doors that have opened since crossing the finish line the first time, the change that has occurred in my person has been quite remarkable.

And I am humbled and blessed to still be able to get out there and do the damn thing.

I have included a link to Marathon Photos that document finishing the race last year.  They also have some video clips.  I look like Big Bird and I have the sign if you want to check it out.  You really cannot miss me.

Three weeks after this race I ran the BMO 1/2 Marathon.  I think I was in denial when first I saw these photos as I’d really become bloated at this point.  This is what I looked like just prior to being diagnosed with Uterine Cancer.

And I knew there was something not right but when you begin the process of diagnosis, your head won’t let you go to that dark place of ‘What if….?’

Two weeks prior to the events of last years Sun Run I had been given a medication to ‘soften’ my cervix for some tests that needed to be done.

I ended up having contractions as a result.  Not fun.  Not fun at all.

Last year at this time I was feeling a little beat up.

This year I’ve gone through the battle and won.  I’ve got the scars which are mending and I am rebuilding.

As I run this year it will be a reminder to me of the good fortune I’ve been blessed with in finding these ailments before they became a major threat.  It will reinforce the beauty of movement and allow me to honour my health and wellbeing.

<http://www.marathon-photos.com/scripts/event.py?event=Sports/STCA/2013/Vancouver%20Sun%20Run&match=11121&camera=3515&lap=0&template=MPX2#video&gt;

Below is a photo taken when I was invited to participate in The Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay.  Truly, it was a huge honour.  A few months ago I received an invitation to share my story.  I am attaching the letter requesting participation and Renee’s response to my submission.

In my submission I included the final chapter of my book as my experience with the relay is noted in there.  I was brought close to tears by Renee’s response.

This year the Sun Run will be a celebration.  I will be picking up my run package this afternoon after work.  Look for me a the finish line.  Cheers!

Dear Nancy, Rick Hansen and his Foundation team are working on a new initiative to encourage Canadians to become Difference Makers. And we need your help! Will you share your story of how someone (including you) reached out and made a difference? Someone facing a life challenge perhaps. Or going out of their way to help someone in need. As a medal bearer during the Rick Hansen 25th Anniverary Relay, you know how people can have a positive impact on others. Reply to this email by April 15th. All stories are confidential. If your story is one that Foundation would like to share, we’ll only do so with your permission. Nancy, thank you again for all you do. Take pride in knowing that you are a Difference Maker! Renee Eaton Director, Community Giving Rick Hansen Foundation 1-800-213-2131  Dear Nancy, Please excuse the delay in my reply. I was on vacation and then off sick with the flu.  Thank you so so much for sharing your story. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to read about your journey and honoured by your honesty and courage. Our Difference Makers team will find your thoughts and observations so valuable to this new initiative. Especially the following, directly copied from your submission: ‘What a humbling experience this was.  I walked amongst giants that day and met the man in motion himself.  I realized we all make a difference but it is up to us what kind of difference we make in the human experience and how much of difference as well.    And through my trials I now emerge simply as woman.  There are no barriers, no restraints.  This is who I am. ‘   Thank you for writing so beautifully about difference making. The Foundation team is lucky to have you on our team. Sincerely, Renee Eaton

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