Why am I running?

I have to say, before I really get started, that this is a selfish post so get ready. :)

There are lots of reasons to run but today I am thinking of one in particular. In fact, there is one reason why I am running from now until the 30th of this month. I am running for my friend Juanita. She and I have been friends since 5th grade (that was a long time ago in case you were wondering). She is 36 years old, is on dialysis, is having circulation issues in her feet (will have a procedure Thurs to hopefully clear it but if not amputation is a word that has been used) and is in dire need of a 3rd kidney transplant. She is what keeps me running this month. I am running for her...check that, in honor of her.

Two years ago I ran the Country Music 1/2 and after swearing I would never do another, I found I needed/wanted a reason to run these races. I love running, don't get me wrong but I need a reason bigger than myself to run these longer races. After a brief hiatus (to have a baby) I ran St Jude in December in honor of 2 little boys who have successfully beaten cancer and in memory of one who wasn't as fortunate but every bit as brave. These little boys are/were children of friends of mine--it was personal. I had a hard time breathing around mile 5 as we ran through St Jude campus because the tears and sobs were almost too much to contain.

I decided then to run Country Music again--this time it is personal. This is what I wrote on facebook about her:

The two things I think about most when I think about her are: 1. Her love for Jesus and 2. Her willingness to help anyone accomplish ANYthing they desire. She was the one that set me up with the boys that I liked in high school (yes, that was the important thing to me then). She was the one that drove when I wasn't old enough. She is the one that has forgiven when I have betrayed our friendship. She is the one that keeps others laughing and remembering good times...even when she, herself, is hurting. She is the one that has kept hope for everyone else when they, themselves lost it.

She is more than this by far but I want to tell you something else about her. She is in desperate need of a new kidney! She is 35, on dialysis and still the most positive person you will ever meet. She has inspired and loved on so many people. She is an amazing woman and if you know her then you know what I am talking about. In her honor this year several of us are running the Music City 1/2 Marathon. We are raising money for the TN Kidney Foundation and all the clients they serve because, even in this endeavor, she wanted to help other people and not just herself. Would you please consider helping us raise money in honor of her? If you have ever had a friend like her, would you be willing to donate as a way to tell *your* friend thank you? Would you be willing to be an organ donor? A blood donor? A cheerleader for those running on April 30? I will post the link on my wall for our fundraising page. Oh yeah, and we will have t-shirts coming soon to help raise awareness too. Please help us keep her around a little longer. She is precious to me and if you know her, she is probably to you too! 

shirts can be found here
http://store.coolpeoplecare.org/products/kidney-foundation-t-shirt
donations can be made here
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/juanita-malone/team-juanita-country-music-marathon

Wanna run with us? Want to come cheer those running? Want to be part of something bigger than yourself? Want to donate? Buy a t-shirt? Be an organ donor? Pray? What is your reason to run tomorrow? I know what mine is and it is personal!

Happy running!