Race for the Cure

So most of you know that I am a breast cancer survivor. Every year the Susan G. Komen non-profit organization holds an annual "race for the cure". This is my little plug to get you all involved!
As you can see, several hundred survivors (wearing pink t-shirts) participate each year. It is a very humbling sight to see so many women who have struggled with or are struggling with breast cancer. It is particularly touching to me to see my kids wearing the signs on their back that say "I race in celebration of...MY MOM!" I don't think there's been a year I haven't cried! This year will be the 6th year I will participate. In September 2008 I will be a 6 year survivor!!! HOORAY!!!

So if you want to participate, or just show your support, here are a few details:

Date: May 10, 2008
Place: The Gateway, downtown SLC
Time: 8:30am
Race length: 5k run/ 5k walk or 1 mile fun run/walk.
Price: $25 (if booked online) $15 (senior citizens, survivors, and children ages 4-12)

Where does your money go? The great thing about this fundraiser is that 75% of all monies collected stay right here within Utah to help breast cancer awareness, patient costs, research, and family support.

What do you get? A race t-shirt, tons of free samples, products, food and coupons from local vendors and a really neat, unforgettable experience.

How do you sign up? Go to www.komenslc.org to register.

If you want to join our team just type in Team Gadd.

This is our family last year at the race. The weather was nice and warm and Spencer and I ran the 5k together! He did a great job! I was so proud of him!

I thank Heavenly Father every day for letting me be here and be healthy. I remember when I was diagnosed all I could think about was, "I just want to see my boys go to Kindergarten." Now with Spencer in the 3rd grade and Ethan in 1st, I just want to see them grow up into nice young men and see Sadie be a sweet young lady. And while I'm wishing, I'd love to see them serve missions and getting married and have children of their own. Oh boy, I better quit. I'm getting a little greedy. A friend I met in the "chemo room" years ago taught me, "every day is a gift." If I could only remember that when I feel stressed out with the loads of laundry, dishes waiting, kids screaming, dinner calling... Isn't it great to be busy? It means were healthy and we're able to do it. What a blessing.

So whatever phase of life you're in, stop a minute and give thanks. Stop a minute and be grateful. You just never know what tomorrow will bring!