COLUMBUS MARATHON
Lucky for me, my sister has a pretty cool job which allows her to be involved in the community and participate in fun events like the Columbus Marathon. Why lucky me? Well, because she invites me along! This weekend I was able to volunteer at the Columbus Marathon and not just cheer (which is VERY important and INSPIRING and AMAZING), but, to be a part of Mile 14. Joseph’s mile.
Joseph. What a kid. More energy, spunk, sense of humor and happiness shining out of him than most people I’ve met. To think, Joseph was just one pound, 5 ounces when he was born and underwent several surgeries during his 8 month stay at Nationwide Children’s Hospital – spending 6 months on a ventilator before his lungs were finally strong enough to function with just the assistance of a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. Beating many odds and getting over huge obstacles, he is now a healthy, happy, silly four year old. Still receiving treatment at Nationwide, including a growth hormone shot 6 days a week, his parents say he never complains.
This family. They are something special. I was inspired the entire morning by them (and will continue to be). I swear, not one person ever lost a smile on their face. I am honored to have met them and be apart of their story for the day.
You can read more about his story here.
I LEARNED ALL ABOUT TRANSFORMERS! LOOK AT HIS SMILE. THE CUTEST.
HIS SMILE. YOU CAN’T HELP BUT SMILE WHEN YOU SEE IT.
LOOKING COOL, DUDE!
EVEN AS HE GOT TIRED, HE STILL HELD HIS HAND OUT TO HIGH FIVE THE RUNNERS!
ONE OF MY FAVORITE RUNNERS. HE STOPPED AND WANTED TO GET A PICTURE OF THEM FLEXING TOGETHER. I WAS BROUGHT TO TEARS MANY TIMES THROUGHOUT THE RACE DUE TO THE RUNNERS. EVERYONE WAS HIGH-FIVING JOSEPH, THANKING HIM, CONGRATULATING HIM, CHEERING FOR HIM. JOSEPH WAS THE TRUE HERO TODAY. I THINK WE ALL GOT A LITTLE BIT STRONGER JUST BEING AROUND HIM.
THE GIRL THAT MAKES SURE EVERYTHING RUNS SMOOTHLY – MY SISTER. ALWAYS DOING MORE THAN WHAT IS ASKED OF HER. ALWAYS DOING IT WITH A SMILE ON HER FACE (AND WITH COFFEE IN HAND).
THE NEW QUEEN OF THE SHORT NORTH – BABY O. AFTER A FEW SECONDS OF PEOPLE WATCHING, SHE WAS READY TO CHEER – HAND ON HIP. COWBELL IN THE OTHER.
For more information on the race and how to get involved/signed-up for next year, click here. Believe me, you want to be a part of this incredible event!
