Why I Run

Sometimes you've been friends with someone for so long, you can't remember when and where you became friends in the first place. This will never be the case for Audrey and I, who met each other during a white-knuckle carpool ride to Six Flags Great America for a twentysomethings group event on Labor Day, 2011. We showed up wearing rival college sweatshirts (go Calvin Knights!) and immediately bonded over mutual adoration of Harry Potter. (Incidentally, Audrey also met her now-husband Greg that day while we were standing in line for the Batman coaster. Folks, it truly was a Six Flags day.)

Five and a half years of friendship have seen two 5K Color Runs, a road trip to Cedar Point, a wedding, ritual Sunday night dinners during Walking Dead and Game of Thrones seasons, the birth of the cutest kid on the planet, a heartwrenching but exciting move out of state, a pilgrimage to Universal's Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Thanksgiving reunions, and one surprise trip to see Fantastic Beasts together on opening weekend (we got you good, Audrey).

Long before I got to know this amazing woman, Audrey was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 14. With the help of an awesome support system and nurturing medical team, Audrey kicked pediatric cancer in the face and went on to become an oncology nurse, serving and giving back to those who have come after her in the ongoing fight against cancer. Her dedication to and passion for her work is inspiring, and I am proud and honored to call her my friend.

In December, Audrey was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine MRI discovered abnormalities. Nearly four long months have followed, complete with lots of waiting, surgery, more waiting, and an enormous answer to prayer in that pathology reports came back clear and no chemo or hormonal therapy will be needed. Mere weeks post-op, Superwoman Audrey is already back to work and continuing her graduate studies. I can truly say I don't know how she does it.

So, long story long, why am I running with Team Lemon this November for the Disney Wine 'n' Dine Half Marathon? Because Audrey constantly inspires me to be bigger, bolder, braver. Because no child should have to face the challenges she faced. Because I love running (and food and wine!) and can't think of a better cause to support as I tackle my first half marathon. And because I do believe that with the help of people like Audrey and the incredible ALSF team, we can end cancer once and for all. Join the fight with me and help make an impact!