My name is Christine Gero, and I am running the 2008 ING New York City Marathon in honor and memory of the woman who gave me everything, my mom, Ann.

My mother was diagnosed with an oligodentroglioma in March 1994 and courageously survived and thrived for 12 and ½ years until she passed in October 2006, just 8 days after her 66th birthday.

My mom was nothing short of amazing. She loved life and lived each day fully, giving of herself to everyone around her. She never took anything or anyone for granted and taught us by her example to do the same. She survived four brain surgeries and would always come out saying, “I feel good! I feel fine!”

Sometimes we would refer to her as “Annie with the Rose Colored Glasses On,” but in truth she was the one that made everything rosy for us. She would light up every room when she walked in. She was always the life of the party, the person that made you feel as though she was your instant new friend, the person whose laugh and smile was so adorable and contagious you couldn’t help but feel at ease and welcomed in her presence.

My mother would be the first to admit she was no athlete, but she is now the angel alongside me in every mile I run. She always said to me, “Remember who you are, and where you come from.”

I remember, Mom.