We did it together!

Well, today was race day! I first want to say thank you again to everyone who donated! Garage sale donations, matching funds, we could not have raised $2,400 without you all! THANK YOU!

Thank you also for your support, without simple motivation, we couldn't have done it!

Gustavo did awesome with a personal best at 1:48. Now he wants to break that time! Uh oh-San Diego or Seattle races here we come!! And guess what, I just bought new running shoes and am slowly getting back into it!

I found fundraising to be so motivating and rewarding, I'm going to have to do it again! I know I can do better! I'm looking for my next adventure...Phoenix Children's...LLS again...American Cancer Society...so many to choose from, and they all make big differences in people's lives.

I would never had done any of this if it weren't for Taylor Souza's spirit. My life feels fuller and richer knowing I am doing something to help make a difference in someone's life.

Please visit lovingtaylor.com/-you can see updates on Taylor's progress donated directly to the Souza's.

Also, if you are feeling the need to donate, it's never too late. Just visit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society webpage. Every donation is appreciated. Also, I recommend the Phoenix Children's Hospital. They have been taking care of Taylor, and I've heard wonderful things!

I don't know when I'll blog again, perhaps when my runs get longer than 10 minutes!!

Thank you!

Shauna

Today we picked up Gustavo's race packet at the sports expo for the race. I was feeling all kinds of emotions. First of all I was really excited for Gustavo & so proud of us. I was going to run and raise funds, but I fractured my foot. Gustavo is my amazing hubby who was more than happy to run for me, and help me get over my disappointment. Then, I felt bummed because I wasn't running it, but then remembered I can run another race, so felt happy again. I was really good until we walked next to an American Cancer Society booth & we wrote Taylor's name on this big card that said, Who am I running for? I took a picture and was about to send it to Taylor's mom, when we approached a Phoenix Children's Hospital Booth & just lost it. I guess it hit me that little Taylor was in there fighting for her life. It just made me so sad & the people at the booth where so nice & gave me a little t-shirt for Taylor. I told them through my tears that I've heard great things about the nurses/doctors/ and staff at Phoenix Children's. They also offer a fundraising/race option for next year. That may be my new project! Anyhow, it was emotional, and I didn't expect that. I'm proud of Gustavo & I for the fundraising and doing this race, but even more proud of Taylor and her family!

I'll post back how the race goes on Sunday-so excited!

January is here!

Wow, I haven't blogged since Thanksgiving! I guess that shows how busy one can get from late Nov. through Jan!

The race is Jan. 17th, one week away! Gustavo is more than ready for his 13 miles. We have exceeded out goal in fundraising! I was most intimidated my the fundraising, but I learned that it was actually pretty easy, and If I apply my self even more, I fund raise more. If you're ever on the fence about fundraising, I say do it! It's one of the most rewarding things that I've done! It's a great way to put your energy into something positive, while something so tragic is going on.

As far as the race, my stress fracture is almost healed! Doc says I can walk briskly and run a mile on the treadmill! Hey you gotta start somewhere! I wish I was running this race! One of my goals for 2010 is to still complete a 1/2 marathon, I'm just going to have to stay in tune with my body very closely.

Anyhow, Thanks again to everyone who donated and has supported us in this little journey. If you would still like to donate to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society you always can. We are taking donations still through the end of January, and you can always donate to your local chapter!

Also, please visit the Souza's website-you can donate to the family directly. Their blog is one of the blogs that I follow so you can click on that link.

This was all for little Taylor Souza, who is in our thoughts an prayers everyday!

I'll let you know how the race goes next weekend! I'm super excited even though Gustavo is running in my place! I can't wait-I'll be there with the camera!!

Shauna