Race for ChristinaThe 7th Annual Mother's Day 5K Race for Christina was on Sunday, May 12th. This was my family's third year going. It has become a fun and special tradition. This year my husband was unable to go, so my Uncle Jack volunteered to drive my boys (Elijah 9, Gabriel 6 ½) and me from Vermont to Pennsylvania. We had a fun weekend vacation in Bucks County, PA. The weather Friday and Saturday was beautiful; upper 70-degree temperatures and sunny skies with a lovely breeze. We had fun at our hotel and exploring some of the local areas.

On Sunday, we woke up to a cold and rainy day. We had been watching the weather and knew this was in the forecast, but I think we were all hoping the weather would change. As the saying goes in show business, "the show must go on!" So, our little family piled into our van and drove in the rain to the race. Despite the weather, we were so very excited for this day! To see our FAmily and raise funds and awareness for Friedreich's Ataxia research.

 

After registration huddled under tents and umbrellas, Christina began with her opening speech. This year her speech was dedicated to me! I felt truly honored! I sat there and listened to my dear friend talk about my perseverance as a Mother with Friedreich's Ataxia. I smiled with tears streaming down my face. It suddenly didn't matter that I was shivering cold. My heart was so full, and my spirit was so light and warm. What a wonderful Mother's Day gift from my dear friend!

Race for Christina collageAfter the racers left and I waved good luck to my 9-year-old runner, and Christina on her trike with her husband Justin running at her side, I went back under FARA's tent to huddle with FAmily and try to stay warm. It was pouring rain, cold, and windy. But we were in this together. Over 50 people came!! The weather is almost as unpredictable and changing as FA. But you must keep going, in the race that day, and living with FA. With your chin up or with your head down, you must keep forging on into the headstrong wind, not backing down to the winds and rain that try to slow you down. It's important to surround yourself with a great support system and FAmily that you can rely on. It's not easy. It's hard. It takes work and determination. But together, we can do it. Together we are on this path. Together we will find a cure for FA!

Thank you to the Logan Family, for planning and hosting this event for 7 years! This year 94 people registered for the event, and over $10,000 was raised. Bringing this event to a total of $91,000 raised for FARA in 7 years!! That is a lot of awareness, fundraising, and hope.

I also want to say a personal thank you to my Uncle Jack. Thank you for making this trip possible and allowing this tradition to carry on. I love you!

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