Back in June I wrote a piece about my musings on my own mortality. I had lost two more friends to cancer and I
was thinking about how much time I had left on this Earth. While I haven't written about this subject
again, it has definitely been on my mind.
This coupled with the tragedy in Boston in April made me wonder if the
stars were not aligning to tell me that I should once again run for the
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. I am a
huge supporter of this charity as I know that 100% of the money I raise goes to
benefit the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research, helping
the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute bring us closer to a world without cancer. Isn't that something we can all get behind.
Well after much contemplation and looking back at my training logs, I
decided that I wanted to run Boston one more time to honor Jacki and Leslie and
to dedicate my training and race to those family, friends, and many others we
have lost to cancer. In addition, as I
train I will be thinking of those affected by the events of April 15, 2013. Our running community was forever changed on
that day. But I know that runners are a
unique group of people and I want to be there in Boston in April to take my place
with the community of runners who will together prove that we all remain Boston
Strong. And I am sure it will be an
emotional day for all who are participating.
As part of the Dana Farber Marathon Challenge, I had to agree to raise a minimum of $4,000
for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research, which
enables researchers at the leading edge of scientific sleuth work to achieve
better cure rates and to enhance patients' quality of life. I knew that I would have no problem meeting
the minimum requirement as I had raised in excess of $15,000 in 2009 and 2012
when I ran as part of the DFMC Team.
What I never could have imagined was what would happen when I finally
sent out my first fund raising appeal this time around.
I had set my fundraising goal at $15,000 believing that it was
achievable. The last two times I had run
for Dana Farber it had taken me all the way up to the final weeks before the
race to hit my $15,000 goal. So when I
sent my initial appeal out at the end of October, I figured that I would see
the typical donations that would perhaps get me past the $2,500 mark which
would be a great start to my fundraising efforts. Would you believe that in just the first 30
days, I had reached $16,000. Unbelievable. I was truly humbled by the support I received
from my family and friends. Never in a
million years would I have predicted this level of giving. All I can say at this point is WOW! I know you can’t see me right now but I’m
totally doing a happy dance.
As of today, I exceeded $18,000 and am on my way to a potential total
in excess of $20,000. As you may know if
you have followed my blog for any length of time, the number 18 is a
significant number in the Jewish faith.
The word "life" in Hebrew is "chai", written
chet-yud. In Hebrew every letter is also
assigned a numerical value. The letter
chet is 8, and yud is 10. This adds up to 18, hence the connection. Many Jews believe that the number 18
represents good luck and gifts are often given in multiples of "chai",
or 18. A gift in multiples of 18
symbolizes giving the recipient the gift of "life" or luck. I have reached 1,000 times "chai"meaning
that I am truly lucky and blessed to have such wonderful supporters.
Judaism is a religion that emphasizes the importance of life. We Jews
are encouraged to be good, ethical people (mensches) and enjoy the time we are
given on Earth. A common Jewish toast is
“l’chaim!,” which means, “to life!.” Again
you can see the connection with life and the number 18. In fact, I wear a "chai" necklace
constantly which reminds me to celebrate life every day. "L' chaim" is said at most Jewish celebrations
in anticipation of all the good things to come.
What is funny is that I am currently playing Lazar Wolf in "Fiddler
on the Roof" and my big song in the show is "To Life!
L'Chaim". So I will get to sing
"L'chaim, L'chaim to life" for audiences once the show opens. There will be a double meaning for me each
time I perform this song.
I still have 4 months to race day and am looking forward to seeing just
how much I can raise this time. I will
close with two quotes that I try to live by each day. Perhaps they will help you realize how
important it is to just enjoy the time you have on this Earth because we are all
truly blessed albeit in many different ways.
Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are.
When you realize there is nothing lacking, the world belongs to you. (Lao Tzu)
When you thank God in advance for that which you choose to experience in your reality, you, in effect, acknowledge that it is there - in effect. Thankfulness is thus the most powerful statement to God; an affirmation that even before you ask, I have answered. Therefore never supplicate, appreciate. (Neale Donald Walsch)
L'Chaim my friends and fellow runners!
Nov. 25 – 6.10 miles (53:48, 8:49 pace)
Nov. 26 – 3.10 miles (23:44, 7:42 pace) – Speed Work
Nov. 28 – 6.20 miles (53:53, 8:42 pace)
Nov. 29 – 6.20 miles (54:16, 8:42 pace)
Nov. 30 – 9.10 miles (1:19:36, 8:42 pace)
Dec. 1 – 10.10 miles (1:27:18, 8:42 pace)
Dec. 3 – 3.20 miles (24:55, 7:47 pace) – Speed Work
Dec. 5 – 6.20 miles (55:11, 8:57 pace)
Dec. 6 – 5.00 miles (43:43, 8:42 pace)
Dec. 7 – 8.10 miles (1:11:18, 8:49 pace)
Dec. 8 – 7.10 miles (1:01:40, 8:42 pace)
Dec. 12 – 6.10 miles (53:38, 8:49 pace)
Dec. 13 – 6.20 miles (53:33, 8:42 pace)
Dec. 14 – 7.20 miles (1:01:59, 8:34 pace)
Dec. 15 – 10.10 miles (1:27:01, 8:37 pace)
Total Miles: 99.9 miles
2013 Total Miles: 1,682.60 miles
