Emily Runs the 2009 NYC Marathon

My Marathon Goal…

To raise $3,500++ for the Lance Armstrong Foundation by running with the LIVESTRONG team!

How you can help…

Donate! Help me to reach my goal!

Go to: http://www.livestrong.org/grassroots2009/emilypnyc09

Drink with me after every long run, so I can forget the pain before the next one.

Getting to the starting line…

I was inspired to run the marathon last year when I ran the last 10 miles with my sister. I was so proud of her – she has run 3 marathons. I decided that I wanted to run the 2009 NY Marathon.

I trained for a half marathon with my friend Jean and she encouraged me to go for the marathon.

No matter how I got into the race, I hoped to run for a charity. I did not make it into the marathon by way of the lottery, but I DID get accepted to join the Lance Armstrong Foundation LIVESTRONG team! I feel that it is a fantastic cause and I am so glad to have a chance to run for them and to raise money for something so worthwhile and practically essential in today’s world.

A very brief history on why LIVESTRONG matters to me…

My immediate family has consisted of my sister Jordan and brother Morgan for some time. Those who know me (and my family) know that we lost both of our parents to cancer. Our dad lost a long battle with colon cancer in 1996 and then our mother a brief battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 2001. Despite these losses, we have worked hard to carry on what our parents would have hoped for us. I am so proud of my siblings for being such strong and interesting people.

Running has long played a role in coping with the stresses that cancer can wreak on a family. I used to run with my mom when our dad was sick and Jordan and Morgan and I often run together when we’re in the same place at the same time. For me, it is the most effective way to relax and talk about things that can be at times overwhelming.

I feel fortunate to have come from such a strong and emotionally supportive family to come through this. I know that there are so many others who are enduring similar stresses of coping with sick loved ones, or are sick themselves. I can only hope that raising money for LIVESTRONG will help someone battling Cancer and all that the disease means.

Other sources of inspiration…

Grandma – she has survived breast cancer and we’ve just learned that she has developed stomach cancer, we are awaiting updates on her prognosis.

Grandpa – we lost him ultimately to Prostate Cancer in 2006, he lived a long and wonderful life and provided laughter until the end.

Uncle Steve – I remember seeing this picture in his home, the first person I knew who ran a marathon and I thought that was amazing! Also, without Steve, I wouldn’t be where I am today. He helped us when our Dad was sick and he supported me to attend Skidmore College.

Support…

My husband Marc, he has been so supportive throughout everything since we have been together. He understands the reasons that I run and why it is so important to me. He is also the first to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts!

My family Morgan, Jordan, Steve, Christine and Alex - love you!.

Meryle, Tony, Rob, Kerry, Joe, Tala, Jack and Michael Gitto, Jackie, Howie & Maryann– I love you all and am so happy to be a part of such a loving family. You’ve always been so supportive and enthusiastic about my running.