Running for a purpose. I have never really ran with a purpose before. Just me and the road or trail getting all the self serving benefits. Reduced stress, mental sharpness, general fitness, weight loss and of course all the bling and goodies from various races. I have heard and read about other runners actually using their skills to make a difference and serve a noble cause but never thought much about how that could be me.
All that changed back in December when my dad was diagnosed with Cancer. It made me start thinking about what I could do to help make a difference. Running served me well during his hospital stay and the 5 miles I ran after his 7 hour surgery was the most therapeutic and mind clearing run I had ever had up to that point. Things went well and he came home, a few months passed and I had almost put the idea of finding a way to help out of my head. Almost.
In March, my mom was diagnosed with Cancer and the idea started surfacing again. The 8 miles I ran the day of her surgery brought a whole new clarity to what I needed to do. FIND A WAY to help. So it is with the personal knowledge of how Cancer attacks, viciously and without discrimination, that I am in search of way bring awareness and add a meaningful, more noble purpose to my running lifestyle.
This upcoming weekend on April 17th, I will be “attempting” to run 50 miles in the Ouatchita Trail Race. I am planning on carrying an “Honor Scroll” with the names and status of people that have had or been diagnosed with Cancer. If you have been or you know somebody that has been affected by this terrible disease then PLEASE allow me the honor of bringing them along on this challenge. If you will send me their name and status (survivor- fighter- deceased) I will add them to the Honor Scroll. I would love to have at least 50 names to carry on this unique adventure. This is my attempt to spread awareness about this horrible disease.
Of course, awareness only goes so far and I am also taking donations for the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life project. The donations are secondary and are NOT mandatory, I will carry the names REGARDLESS. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DONATE in order for their name to be listed on the scroll. Please allow me this opportunity to help in my very small way (I don't have much else to offer but I CAN run). You can send the name by clicking the “contact me” button on my blog, message me on Facebook or email me at runlikeamug@yahoo.com. Donation buttons are also on the Voices blog and my Facebook profile. Checks can be made out to the American Cancer Society and mailed to my address:
David Murphy
HC 72 Box 324-8
Wasola, MO 65773
Please just take a minute to think about it. Remember- I will be honored to carry the names with me even if you do not make a donation. Help me to bring awareness and hopefully one day there will be a cure.
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