For those who are going through difficult challenges with cancer, I was running for a little one named Henry. When Henry was 15 months old he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Thankfully it was caught very early but it was diagnosed as medulloblastoma (a malignant brain tumor). He had a successful surgery to remove it, and then chemotherapy for the last few months at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. Henry has a couple of rounds left with a great prognosis for the future.
What a strong brave boy he has been, even with the side effects, he always manages to have a smile on his face. His mom and dad have been nothing short of phenomenal during this process. As it came time for each round of chemo, his parents, of course, felt much anxiety and dread for their precious little boy, but they begin to look at the cancer treatment through the eyes of their son. Henry is always happy to get back to his home away from home at the hospital to get his treatments. The familiar surroundings and the compassionate doctors and nurses always bring a smile to his face. His attitude became the attitude of his parents, embracing the treatments that were bringing them one step closer to Henry’s healing. You see their eyes are also on the finish line.
Henry has three other siblings that miss him terribly when he is away. Thankfully, his grandparents have pitched in and made an unbearable situation bearable. Other family members have stepped up in a huge way as well. This family has been surrounded by so many prayers and people being the hands and feet of Jesus.
You might think runners run for themselves and of course, we do run to be healthy, but nine times out of 10 times we are motivated by an even bigger cause. We run for something that keeps us running when we feel like stopping, something that keeps us putting one foot in front of the other when we feel like we cannot take another step. There is something much bigger than just wanting to be a runner! We run for others.
The beauty of the Bristol Half n Half is that it offers a half marathon, a relay with two people and now a 5K run/walk. I understand that everyone is not a runner, but can you walk? Can you volunteer to help out next year? A big thank you to Electromechanical Corporation for being the premier sponsor of this event. Running, walking and volunteering are all healthy ways to support a cause which will roll around again next year.
