spreading hope

Today, I want to tell you about one of my Kappa Delta pledge sisters and a recent Tulsa transplant. Amanda and I first met while auditioning and practing many late hours for "Freshman Follies" and from then on we have remained friends. We went our separate ways after school but those ways eventually found us both in Tulsa--for me it's back in Tulsa, as this is my hometown.

Recently, I found out that Amanda was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer. She is 25 years young! And this just shows that breast cancer doesn't know age, race or even gender. It has no boundaries. Despite the scary diagnosis and all that comes with it, Amanda has held her head high and says, "I realize this is just another chapter in my life and I'm hoping to end it quickly!" Her spirit is awesome and inspiring.

Another Kappa Delta sister, Christina, formed a Race for the Cure team for the Tulsa race on September 17th. I participate in this event every year because I enjoy running and that this particular event is focused around and supports women’s health. However, this year I’m more emotionally involved. Those of us who live in or around Tulsa will be participating on race day, including Kappa Delta's, friends and family. If you are in Tulsa or will be visiting the area, feel free to join our team (Amanda's Team).

Now...I don't really like asking for money, but this is a good cause and hits close to home so I'm willing to do what it takes!

Collectively, we are asking for donations to not only support Amanda and our team's fundraising, but to help with this fight against breast cancer as a whole. To make a donation to me or our team, please click here.

We have also designed a t-shirt and tank top for race day fun and if you’d like to purchase one, you can click here. Each t-shirt or tank top purchased donates $5.00 to Amanda’s Team. We will deliver/ship them to you when they are printed. Whatever it takes to get them to you!

By making a donation to me or the team or by purchasing a t-shirt, you are supporting local breast cancer screening, treatment, education and outreach that will lead us to a world without breast cancer.

My personal goal is to raise at least $150.00 before race day, but donations are accepted until October 15th. Will you help me get there? Your donations are tax deductible, too!

Thanks and love to all of you!

P.S. If you want to pass this on to other friends and family that might be willing to help our fight, it would be greatly appreciated.

turkey trot

While discussing holiday plans with a friend one day, we decided to look into any runs (races) that would be happening when she was in town for Thanksgiving. We landed on the Turkey Trot 5K starting at 9 a.m. on Black Friday. Seeing that I have proactively planned out many gifts in advance, I don't know that fighting the crowds on Black Friday in hopes of finding that perfectly cheap(er) gift for someone on my nice list is ideal. (Yes, I have a naughty list too and let's just hope you didn't land on it this year. Only time will tell.)

On top of this run/race being a distraction from the shopping, it helped worked off a couple hundred of the gazillion calories I consumed on Thanksgiving.

The Turkey Trot is also the kickoff for the BOK Center WinterFest which is a month long event that includes ice skating, concessions, a holiday mart and carnival rides. I have never attended the BOK Center WinterFest until now. I would like to return for some ice skating before the month is up.

Brooke and I would like to thank our wonderful moms for their support in our running efforts. They drove us there and stood out in the 30 degree weather from start to finish. They also attempted to catch some photos of us in action-- hard task to accomplish when we are flying by at lightening speeds!

Brooke and I both obtained awful side stiches while we were running. If you look closely, my fingers in digging into my side in attempt to subside pain as I cross the finish line. I blame the cold weather and, of course, quick feet. We both finished in under 30 minutes.

And we are done. Mom, thanks again for being there. You're the best! After the complaining of stiches and cold lungs, we walked to the car with our heads held high...we were proud!

We plan on doing this again next year (I think. Right, Brooke?) and we hope many more will join us. Thanks again Brooke for doing this with me!