This weekend I (Aunt Betsy) got to take part in the Dempsey Challenge in Lewiston, Maine. There is something so amazing about these events. We are all there to support an amazing organization.
This weekend I ran my FIRST 5k. I have attempted to run 5k in the past, but I have never been successful. This time, I pushed through and ran the entire event. As you approach the finish line of the Dempsey, you run or ride through the signs of courage that have been made by other participants to celebrate the people that they are running for. It is so wonderful to see all of these tributes.
On Sunday, I rode the 25 (closer to 29) mile route. None of this was easy. This was my first event on a bike, and I was nervous. I would like to admit that I am a complete klutz, so balancing on 2 thin wheels is very scary for me. Throughout the entire ride I was able to think about allof thsoe people that I was celebrating and honoring on this ride.
The beginning of the ride was pleasant and wonderful. Just like life before cancer.
Then we cane around a turn, and I saw the first major hill. I was immediately terrified. I knew I wouldn't be able to ride to the top. I rode as far as I could, and then realized it was time to get out and walk the bike. I wasn't the only one walking the bike, so I knew I would be in good company.
I did a lot of walking up hills, but through it all the people along the route that were cheering us along helped me get through.
When I came to the last mile, I immediately started crying. 3 years ago I was at the Dempsey cheering on a friend that was riding, and we had received a call from home that Patrick was enduring his first bout of mucocitis (mouth sores). If Patrick can get through that at age 2, then I can continue to participate in these events.
of course, I managed to forget my PatPats Hats business cards (DOH!) but I was able to brag appropriately about my amazing nephew at Rest Stops.
This weekend I ran my FIRST 5k. I have attempted to run 5k in the past, but I have never been successful. This time, I pushed through and ran the entire event. As you approach the finish line of the Dempsey, you run or ride through the signs of courage that have been made by other participants to celebrate the people that they are running for. It is so wonderful to see all of these tributes.
On Sunday, I rode the 25 (closer to 29) mile route. None of this was easy. This was my first event on a bike, and I was nervous. I would like to admit that I am a complete klutz, so balancing on 2 thin wheels is very scary for me. Throughout the entire ride I was able to think about allof thsoe people that I was celebrating and honoring on this ride.
The beginning of the ride was pleasant and wonderful. Just like life before cancer.
Then we cane around a turn, and I saw the first major hill. I was immediately terrified. I knew I wouldn't be able to ride to the top. I rode as far as I could, and then realized it was time to get out and walk the bike. I wasn't the only one walking the bike, so I knew I would be in good company.
I did a lot of walking up hills, but through it all the people along the route that were cheering us along helped me get through.
When I came to the last mile, I immediately started crying. 3 years ago I was at the Dempsey cheering on a friend that was riding, and we had received a call from home that Patrick was enduring his first bout of mucocitis (mouth sores). If Patrick can get through that at age 2, then I can continue to participate in these events.
of course, I managed to forget my PatPats Hats business cards (DOH!) but I was able to brag appropriately about my amazing nephew at Rest Stops.
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