Julie Noble's Team In Training Page
Racing to Save Lives
Goofy Challenge, Disney Marathon + Half Marathon
In celebration of Sarah Elizabeth Noble
And her journey past, present and future…
Dear Family and Friends,
This is the goofiest idea yet…but had to add some intrigue and excitement to these letters you receive every year. I am planning on walking/running the half marathon, 13.1 miles, on Saturday, Jan. 7 and the full marathon, 26.2 miles, on Sunday, Jan 8! It’s called the Goofy Challenge!!!
I’m not typically a runner who craves the sport…as a matter of fact I thought people who ran marathons must be crazy! However, upon completing three marathons and three half marathons the feeling is far from crazy. Those angels take over when I’m out there and lift all my worries away. The intense spiritual effect gives my life meaning and hope to so many others. Now I am blessed to have that experience twice in one weekend! I plan to raise $3500 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society who have been instrumental in research developments and support for patients and families facing the same journey that Sarah endured. My challenge to you…help us find a cure!
Sarah is now a 17 year old junior at Truman High School. She continues to be an honor student who loves ballet, driving, and volunteering. She is a very healthy and happy teenager thanks to people like you. As you recall, March, 1997, was a very different story. Just when her initial treatment protocol from 1995 was to come to an end, Sarah had relapsed. So the race was on then to save her life. Due to top notch research, along with excellent medical staff and wonderful prayer and support of our family and friends, the cord blood transplant on August 14, proved to be our miracle.
It seems so long ago yet the impact of that journey will be with us forever…so will my drive to help find a cure. Last year as I returned to the classroom I found myself being very anxious. A friend pointed out that Sarah had relapsed the first time after I had gone back to work. It was truly difficult to shake that feeling so many years later. Although my heart and soul knew Sarah was fine, my mind wandered back to another time. I believe that is my reminder to not get too busy to thank God for what I have. I need to keep those angels whose families weren’t as fortunate as ours in my thoughts and prayers. I want to inspire parents who are scared and confused. And I will by continuing my commitment to this new race---the race for a cure!
So my request to you is simply, please continue to support and pray for all our kids affected by cancer. No amount is too small. Any and all donations are greatly appreciated. Cancer still remains the number one disease killer of children. We have made great improvements and the cure rate has improved but we need a cure. Too many kids need our help. The treatment for these kids lasts two to three years and then monitoring for virtually their entire lives. In that light, completing a few marathons in my life is nothing. Therefore, if you are able to donate once again, there is a donation form included or you may donate online at http://www.active.com/donations/fundraise_public.cfm?key=tntmidaJNoble2.
As Sarah’s journey continues, your support and prayers are truly appreciated. She is a miracle in action. And who knows what her future has in store? One day you may hear of a dancing doctor named Sarah! Whatever choice she makes, it is a blessing to watch her life unfold everyday! So, please, everyday keep us in your thoughts and prayers and know that you will be in mine, especially each Saturday morning as I train for this event. You will be with me every step of the way the weekend of the marathon as well.
With love and appreciation,
Julie
More Sarah info at:
www.themiraclekids.com/Sarah
