Heartbreaking Sidenote

Sweet Clara, for whom we ran a 5k for last summer, has enjoyed the blessing of spending 8 healthy & happy months with her family.  That was, at least, until Father's Day this year.  That was her last "normal" day.  Since then it's been a matter of waiting for when.

Hospice is involved at this point, and there have been plenty of times in the past few weeks where she has defied many people's expectations.

She is a precious girl, with a strong spirit, and a clear understanding of what's to come.  Yes, even at the wise old age of 3, she's got a better handle on these realities than many of us adults.

Her family is a beautiful example of enduring with humility & grace.  Their testimony of the Plan of Salvation and faith in Jesus Christ inspires all of us on-lookers to try a little harder + be a little better + express a little more gratitude.

The reason I share about Clara & her family again here is the fact that they've occupied the majority of our prayers & thoughts.   We are just hoping that you too could include them in your prayers at this time.

To read more about their battle with Clara's Neuroblastoma, you can read her mother's blog, here.  If you'd like to contribute financially towards the family's expenses, you can click on the matching photograph on the sidebar to the right.

Thanks in advance; the gift of the words you utter while on your knees will truly continue to buoy this darling family up.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY: A Taste of What 500 People's Hope for Clara Looks Like!

July 9th, 2011 was simply beautiful.  :) 
(Thanks to my mom for sharing her photos with us.)

For more photos from the Hope for Clara 5k, see these links below:

• http://andynadellransom.blogspot.com/2011/07/clara-5k.html
• http://undatesonus.blogspot.com/2011/07/hope-for-clara-5k.html
• http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=17820952#!/media/set/?set=a.187418057982090.46153.100001416903702 

Follow Clara's battle here.  
However you can help is welcome.  
"Love for Clara" wristbands available here. 
To donate, click here.
All the prayers you can offer are GREATLY appreciated. 
::hugs::

5k for Clara Update

I survived!  Worked a strategy of running the sunshine & walking the shade.
Nice.  Very nice.

Mini-Me & I took both the pugini, Willow, and Hula Hoop to the 5k.  Worked out great.  Hula was in the mood to RUN, and luckily so was Mini-Me.  The halfway point in the route landed in a marina, so Mini-Me was kind and let the leash out long enough for Hula to trot down into the water for the turn, so she was refreshed and ready to finish the last leg at almost full-speed.  Full-Mini-Me-speed, anyhow.

(There's little Willow!  Isn't she the cutest little running companion ever?!  Photo courtesy of my friend Nadell.)

Willow held her own as well.  When we'd walk the shade, she'd look back at me like, "C'mon mom, they're getting away!"  And they did.  Not sure what Hula & Mini's time ended up being, but Willow and I crossed the finish line at just barely over an hour!  (Not bad at all for ZERO prep.)

These are the magic carpets that carried my tired toes through the race.  Total dream!
(I heart these Asics GEL-Enhanced Ultra runners in white/lightening/jellybean...that's right, jellybean - yummy!  They were my reward for a long hard week on my feet in the kitchen at Jr. Grange Camp this year --- they've rescued my otherwise abandoned heels.  They're normally $79.99, but currently on sale for less at Famous Footwear... Go! Buy! Love!)

So many encouraging moments happened along the route, like all the little boys who lined up to high-5 me on my way back past them... and the sweet little cheer squad manning the water station with their Dixie cups of hydration and clapping and more high-5's... but the finish line?!  AWWWWW....the finish line!  That was a lovely place to be.  I've heard friends talk about how cheerful of a place the finish line is, with people who don't even know you still cheering for you.  There were couples, singles, moms & daughters, grandparents, entire families out today.... many strollers, other dogs, and wagons.  Amidst all the cheering when Willow & I crossed the line, I heard people yelling, "YEA!  The FIRST wagon to cross the line!!!"  Made my heart smile ear-to-ear to have witnessed the comradery & the love.  

As if the endorphins from the run weren't enough of a high, the congregation at the finish line made me fall in love with racing.  Not that I was racing really anyone.  Not even myself.  I was just glad to be there.  

Felt good. 

Afterward, I saw my extended family and a TON of friends from throughout the region.  Lots of laughs & hugs were everywhere.  So many people adore Clara & her family.  This 5k was the perfect way for us to monetarily & physically show our support for them!  Makes sense, right?  We can't walk a mile in her shoes exactly, so instead we ran a 5k in her honor!

Greatest family.  Love them.  Love you too, for pitching in where you can with this phenomenal family, who have always been such great examples of living Christ-like lives.

Now, I'm off to bed.  Toodles!
::hugs::

BTW, Mini-Me & I headed to Mickey D's for her victory fish filet sandwich, and my victory ice water.  

Hooray for finishers!!!  :D

Leaving in just a few minutes....

...for a 5k for this precious cherub, Clara!   
(She is two, and fighting for her life as she is up against Stage IV Neuroblastoma - a type of cancer.)

Have not been training.
Pretty much planning a walk-trot-walk strategy.
Even contemplating taking the pugini with so I have an excuse for not going fast.
A cute excuse at that.

Wish us luck!

And if you'd like to help Clara and her family out along side us today, see these links here:

https://apps.facebook.com/fundrazr/activity/f3c0571927e94ce08e7de7b40eec994b  (if you'd like to pitch in towards helping with Clara's medical bills.  it is expected that clara will be at Sacred Heart Children's Hospital in Spokane until september or even october.  frankly, they can use all the help we can give them.  my family & i donated.  if you can, would you please?  any amount is welcome.)

http://loveforclara.bbnow.org/index.php  (another way to show your support for Clara is through these cool wristbands.)

Love ya like peanut butter loves jelly!

::hugs::