We had a FANTASTIC time in Memphis last weekend. On Friday night, there was a pasta party for the St. Jude Heroes (people who raised money for the hospital) at the FedEx Forum. (Thanks, everyone, for providing us dinner!) and they had the parents of some former patients give inspirational talks about St. Jude. It was very difficult to listen to some of the speakers. For example, the mom who said after her son was diagnosed that she didn't ever want to have any more children because it hurt too much. (Her son is now disease free and she is pregnant!) Or the doctor who raised over $12,000 in three weeks and to then find out his daughter was diagnosed with cancer six weeks ago. They also awarded the top 5 fundraising teams and individuals. Although Christian and I were nowhere near the top five, we did raise $1000 for the hospital! Thanks SO MUCH to ALL of you who donated!!!! I cannot tell you how much it means to Christian and me! Especially those of you who have never met my adorable nephew (and godson!) Carson. I know that he would not be here with us today without this wonderful hospital!
Saturday morning dawned a brisk 45 degrees and a beautiful sunny day. Christian and I ran
with my brother-in-law Chris, who is Carson's dad.(I won't tell you how fast we ran, because I don't want to make you feel bad!) There were lots of supporters along the route, cheering and yelling encouragement. There was even a cop telling everyone to pick it up and run faster! (Not from the look of him that he'd ever run anywhere but to Dunkin' Donuts!) Aunt Amy, Uncle Darrel, Abigail, Coleman and Carolyn were all cheering for us and waving signs as we ran by and then relocated to just outside of the finish to cheer us again. When we were finished, we all went back to cheer on Aunt Ginger, Uncle Gary and cousin Wesley who were all running the half-marathon (show-offs!) Afterwards, we went to the heroes lounge for lunch and guess what! We had our picture made with ELVIS! Coleman asked me if it was the REAL Elvis...what do YOU think?
We had a great visit with everyone and even went to a Blues Restaurant to hear some music and eat dinner. I feel so lucky to have participated in this event and I know that it will be a December tradition for many years to come. In 1962, when St. Jude's opened, the cure rate for medulloblastoma (Carson's cancer) was only 10%. Today the cure rate at 5 years out is 85%. Because of your support more research can be done and hopefully one day soon the cure rate will be 100%. Please kiss your kids tonight and thank God for their health and remember the many families who are praying for a cure. Thanks again to all who supported us!
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