Back in April, Kelly talked about how good she felt when she walked for a cause. If that is the case, September is going to be leave my family feeling great! Next week, the family will walk in its second IrishFest 5K and on October 4, we will be part of the FitCity Team at Lawrence North for the Walk From Obesity.
On September 26, John and I also are walking the Cancer Free Lungs for Life 5K. Not that I wanted one, but I have a personal connection to this one. In 2007, Suellen Terry, one of my Mom’s best friends, was diagnosed with lung cancer. Before she lost her battle against the disease last month, Suellen and her equally amazing daughters and friends formed Team KCA – Kick Cancers Ass – and from what I’m told, the team was soon the largest on the track for the annual event.
This year, in her honor, the Team KCA organizers set a goal of 50 walkers. As of last Friday, they had 56 and I’m sure more will show up at Billericay Park in Fishers (Ind). I can’t wait to walk for the woman who was the reason why my mother quit smoking. A woman who, without exaggeration, was an inspiration to hundreds before she died.
Suellen lived her life with as much gusto as the Team KCA name suggests. She never once let cancer beat her. She pondered life’s big questions. She laughed often. She sang and danced. She traveled. She lived. Suellen kept a journal about her journey. In fact, Suellen spent many days between chemotherapy sessions telling her story to school kids as a way to keep them from smoking. And each year, she walked.
Her challenge to the world was shared at her funeral. “Show up. Be present. Live large.” On September 26, I’m going to do just that. Thanks Suellen for giving me the inspiration. And thanks Elizabeth, Angie and Laura for letting me share this story with the FitCity Moms.
If you want to join Team KCA, there is still time. You can register at Cancer Free Lungs by putting the team name in your registration or just come out on Sept. 26 and register onsite starting at 7:30 a.m.
Tags: Cancer Free Lungs for Life, Irish Fest 5K, Walk from Obesity, walking
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