A number of years ago my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness was gaining momentum and the Susan Komen foundation was beginning to churn out pink items in every genre trying to raise money. As in everything you begin to pay attention, but you don't pay enough attention until it literally hits home.
Having beat the cancer and becoming a survivor, almost two years ago they discovered it had come back but in the colon. Perhaps, this struck enough fear in my heart to know that when the doctor said jump, I didn't question the consequences of ignoring her orders.
Last year I practiced walking the Houston Race for the Cure 5K (3.1 miles), this year I ran it. I didn't set a world record, I didn't raise the most money, heck I didn't even come in second but for me this race was to honor my aunt, to celebrate life, and to support all of those out there struggling against an unseen disease, illness, or evil.
Because that's what cancer, genetic conditions, mental illness, etc. are, unseen and incredibly scary. I enjoyed my short (in comparison to what's coming next month) race, I loved the experience and I learned some things for the next race: don't eat so early and take water with you to the start line. We stood around for an hour before it even began I was thirsty and hungry. Something I still haven't learned: pace myself.
Peace and prayers.
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