It was a tough week for me last week. I've been burning the candle at both ends for a while now, and it finally all caught up with me. I wasn't feeling good, my runs were getting slow and the weather was not making it any better. I decided to lay low for the week, and gear up for the last 5 weeks of training.
The one highlight of my week was spending a fabulous afternoon inside, and away from the rain, with my Patient Partner Kira at the Poster Party. If you remember from my previous post, Kira was diagnosed with Juvenile Pilocytic Astrocytomas, which are slow growing tumors, in 2006. She is an amazing kid, with such a positive attitude and outlook. I have really enjoyed getting to know her over the past few months, and hope that we will continue to stay in touch after the marathon. The 26.2 miles from Hopkinton to Boston doesn't even begin to compare to the journey Kira has been on over the past 4 years. Kira is a true inspiration to me, and I know that her encouragement and smiling face at mile 25 in Kenmore Square will definitely help me get to the finish line. To borrow a quote from DFMC teammate Caitie's blog, "only the best kids get cancer. The most special, amazing kids. Because those are the kids that can handle it. And those are the kids who will fight it with everything they have.” Even though Caitie was talking about Justin's patient partner Stanley, I know Kira is one of those best kids too.
Our afternoon was spent decorating Kira's poster for marathon weekend, and decorating YUMMY shortbread cookies with frosting and toppings. Kira had a design strategy of glitter and sparkles for her poster, and Katana, Kira's sister was a big help. What a fun afternoon! Take a look at the great pics Kira's mom Renee took from the day.
Hard at work on Kira's poster.
Taking a smile break.
Highlighting Kira's name in yellow so it "stands out".
Katana was a BIG help!
Kira and I with her finished poster!
Hard at work decorating cookies.
2 comments:
Kira IS one of the best kids, if I do say so myself! Thanks for being so awesome with Kira & Katana (my patience had run out already by the time of the party). The poster came out amazing. We of course will keep in touch after the marathon is over. We cannot wait to cheer for you and all the other runners on marathon day. What an inspiration all you runners are to us. THANK YOU!
Renee - Kira's mom
www.carepages.com\carepages\kirascorner
This post really makes me smile, especially the "smile break" photo.
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