| On May 2, 2010, I was a volunteer with Running on Love for the New Jersey Marathon. I stood at the finish line to congratulate the finishers with a medal and hat. When I looked into the faces of each person I greeted I could see the emotion of their experience, some were shouting with joy, others filled with tears. Whether it was
from reaching their goal, honoring their loved ones, or simply making it to the finish line. I saw people of all ages and sizes, athletic ability and physical disability cross the finish line that day. It was clearly an emotional experience for each of them, as well as for me.
I felt so inspired that I took my first step and started walking too. Slowly at first and only a short distance, but before long I was out there almost every morning and started to pick up my pace. And on those days that I didn’t feel like going, I remembered those from that day who were older, not in great shape, and the physically disabled that made it across the finish line, and thought if they could do it so could I. Before long I started setting goals and visualizing crossing the finish line. Just two months later I signed up with Running on Love for the Asbury Park Relay Marathon on October 17, 2010 and even recruited family and friends to join my team. I am very excited to share this journey with them!
I have made the decision to walk in Asbury Park in honor and support of those who cannot. I personally know people that suffer from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and have seen how it has affected their mobility. MS is a debilitating disease that overtime steals ones freedom to live an independent life. It reminded me to be grateful that I am well able to enjoy an active lifestyle, and my only limitations are the ones I put upon myself. It is easy to find fault with our bodies and take for granted all the things we are able to do without giving it a second thought. Well, I ask you please take a moment to think about how much freedom you have, and help me support those who are not so fortunate. Please sponsor my team by making a charitable contribution to Running on Love to support the MS Foundation using the information below.
Thank you,
Debra McCormack |
