Earlier this year, I committed to raising funds and running in a half-marathon on behalf of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through the help of Team in Training. What I didn’t realize at the time was how much my life would change throughout the course of training. 

My coaches, mentors, and new friends in TNT helped me realize that I have an inner strength that I didn’t necessarily know was there. I have discovered that physical and emotional limitations only exist if I put them there. If I tell myself I can do something, I can do it! What a revelation! (I know it’s cliche, but so true)

While learning to push my physical limits, I was also forced to push my emotional limits. Throughout my training, my focus on this goal wavered with the declining health of my dad. Two years ago, just before I lost my best friend Sarah Adames to Hodgkin Lymphoma, my dad was diagnosed with Stage IV Colon Cancer. (F____CANCER!) From the start, he fought it. Any time a new treatment failed, he wanted the next one. He wasn’t giving up. It wasn’t until a couple of months ago that the doctors had to tell him that they had exhausted all avenues and there was nothing more they could do. At that point, Hospice took over his care. (Hospice is an incredible organization, by the way!) That’s the point when my focus shifted from training and fundraising, to helping care for my father and spending as much time with him as possible. At 7:30 on Thursday, October 20, 2011, my father, Randall Walker Williams, passed away. I have never felt so shattered in my life. My dad is gone.

While at first, I considered not continuing with the race, I realized, through the help of my amazing family and friends, that I need to finish what I started. I need to remember why I embarked on this journey to begin with: TO HELP SAVES LIVES! I know that no one should have to feel the pain I feel after losing such beautiful, loving people to such an insidious disease. No matter what type of cancer, it is a painful and ugly thing that no one deserves!

With renewed drive and little time, I must yet again beg you all for money. As of today, I am $408 short of my goal. Please donate what you can. Even if it’s only $5, that adds up. Every dollar raised goes to helping aid research and help patients directly. Click the banner to the right to donate, or go to www.tinyurl.com/runsarahdonate

After you donate, go to www.letsfcancer.com/get-educated. Scroll through the graphics with symptoms of several types of cancers. Early detection is a major way to combat cancer. Educate yourselves and those around you. Take ownership of your health! (after you donate!)

Also, thank you all for the kind words and gestures. My family and I are overwhelmed with support and love! XO