Anything Is Possible

On September 12, 2015, Brian and I traveled to the coast of Rhode Island to meet up with a group of like minded friends we met through social media. The plan was to have dinner and then get up very early the next morning to run and spectate a race. I would be running my second half marathon and Brian would be cheering on a group of more than 100 of us running the 5K or tackling 13.1 miles.

Misquamicut State Beach, RI

We both knew this experience would be unforgettable but we didn't anticipate the extent of the impact it would have on our lives.

Dinner was fabulous, we met the founders of OutRun38 - including Liz who is the inspiration for the the group as well as other parents with children fighting cystic fibrosis. We also met a courageous woman with CF who would be running her first half marathon accompanied by her doctor and would be cheered on by her family - including her son, also fighting CF. We felt so welcomed by this group of virtual turned real-life friends - the conversations flowed easily and it felt like we had been friends forever.

It wasn't hard to wake up early on Sunday morning to head to the starting line. I was excited but felt amazingly calm - my goal, to run with my heart and take in every moment, every sight and every conversation I had along the way. I got to run with so many wonderful people all supporting each other running for the greater purpose of raising awareness and proving that with a bit of effort and focus anything is possible.

Anything is Possible

During the race I had the pleasure of running several miles (and cartwheeling) with Nicole, one of the founders of OutRun38. We spoke about life and our families, Colin's diagnosis, her friendship with Liz, our hope for a cure and the future of OutRun38 as the organization was nearing its first birthday. Of course as it happens whenever two type A mothers who want to take it all on get together - the creativity flowed and so many ideas percolated during that conversation, so much possibility to raise awareness and to spread the message that anything is possible.

Chasing Tomorrows

Just shy of three months later, I still haven't processed that weekend fully. I came away knowing that there is more we have to do and more for us to share. This blog and social presence is the start as we chase a future of tomorrows for Colin and others battling cystic fibrosis.

Brian and I started running so we could be healthy and strong to care for Colin but also to set an example for Colin and his sister, Taryn. Not just sharing the practical lessons of self care and health but also what we learn about ourselves and others along the way. We are not waiting around for a cure to happen - we will fight for it and encourage others to join us because anything is possible.

We hope you will join us as we Chase Tomorrows.

Chasing Tomorrows