"I run for hope"

When the world says, 'Give up'
Hope whispers, 'Try one more time'
-Unknown

This quote is another thing gleaned from my participation with Relay For Life in college.  Our staff partner, Heather, had it as part of her email signature, and for good reason.

Hope is a theme that radiates out of Relays.  It's the essence of why so many gather to walk overnight and raise money for the ACS.  It provides that extra fuel needed to push forward in the face of uncertainty, fear, and grief.

Joining the DetermiNation team last year was a new way for me to experience that hope in the fight against cancer.  While running the race, I was strengthened by the thought of those I know who have been affected by cancer and I was strengthened by hope.  In a way, my dedications reflect the past and present of cancer as it has touched my life, and hope is the future.

Hope is staying committed to the fight against cancer, year after year, until it's over.

Hope is the thought of a day when no one will have to deal with the challenges my loved ones faced because of cancer.

Hope makes facing difficulties possible.

Hope never gives up. 


I run for HOPE LODGE

The American Cancer Society offers a number of resources and programs to help those facing cancer and their families.  One of them helps make traveling for cancer treatment possible and is aptly named Hope Lodge

Hope Lodge is a place for patients and their families to stay, free of charge, while undergoing treatment at centers away from home.  The 31 Hope Lodges around the country offer a homey environment and additional resources and support for those facing cancer.  Check this out to find out more about what Hope Lodges offer and where you can find them.

We have one right here in Rochester!  In fact, Gordon Severson reported on the Sandra J. Schulze Hope Lodge and other ways ACS funds are being used locally in part of his series of stories that led up to his participation in the Med City Marathon with DetermiNation - Reason to Run, Part 3

Want to help support Hope Lodge and other programs of the American Cancer Society?  Consider making a donation via my personal fundraising page

At the Hope Lodge for race weekend dinner with Med City DetermiNation runners, cancer survivors, and their supporters