Originally Published on October 7, 2013
Hello pumpkins!
Yes, I am back at it! Four weeks from now is the NYC Marathon. On Sunday, November 3, I will be hitting the streets of NYC with my fellow Fred’s Team runners raising crucial funds for Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer. As many of you know, these past few months have been ones full of courage, learning, inspiration and transitions. I was not accepted into the part-time program at NYU Stern for my MBA, but will revisit applying again next Fall. I left my full-time job to begin freelance event production and I’m currently working on an exciting project that is taking me around the country visiting 10 college campuses over 5 weeks. As an avid traveler and open soul, this has been an incredible experience for me.
My marathon training has been challenging with my new schedule – my weekday runs have been scarce and I even missed a long run. This is such a stark contrast to my rigorous and dedicated marathon training from 2012. That said, I am learning flexibility and compassion toward myself. Even through the disappointment of missing some runs, each time I get out there -- it is a form of meditation. My mind transitions from listening to song lyrics to chatting with my running soul mate, Meg, to thinking about my to-do’s to pushing to clear my mind so it can recharge – and it does just that every time: recharge. Long distance running has been such a wonderful outlet for me since my diagnosis of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma nearly 6 years ago.
Next year, I turn 30…another transition. The big 3-0…and will mark 5 years in remission – which means you are considered cured in the cancer world! YAY! I feel so honored to be here and celebrate each moment, smile, day, milestone with each and every one of you. I am full of gratitude because of what I learn from each of you. Thank you for being open and sharing your sunshine with the world. I have to leave you with my most favorite quote that I deeply believe in: “Be the change you wish to see in the world” -- Mahatma Gandhi
I hope you will consider supporting me as I raise critical funds for MSKCC’s Survivorship Program – you will provide survivors like myself with a better quality of life post-treatment through comprehensive services, clinics and research.
http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/laurchichi
More soon.
Hugs and cider donuts,
Laur (Chi)