Since my sister Deana was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in April 2011, participating on charity teams to raise awareness and money for research has become an important activity for me.  Two weeks ago, as Hurricane Sandy was making news, I was en route to Washington, D.C., to participate in my second charity marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon.

While not a Marine, I am moved by their motto, “Semper Fi” – always faithful. Until my sister is cured, I will remain steadfastly faithful to the myeloma cause.

It is true that a runner will never forget their first marathon.  Last year’s Chicago Marathon was a wonderful and inspiring experience.  This year’s Marine Corps Marathon, however, will always be special as well, since Deana was able to be there, cheering me on. (And she looked great!)

The forecast had been rather ominous and so I was concerned about the possibility of Deana standing out in the rain for six hours.  As luck would have it, Hurricane Sandy not only held off until after I finished, but Deana was also able to drive home to Pittsburgh without encountering major weather issues.

The morning of the marathon was chilly and damp.  We stayed with our cousin in Reston, Virginia, and therefore got up early to make our journey to the marathon start line.  Deana asked me things like “What is fun about this?” and “Why do people pay money to run when you can run for free?”  Clearly, she doesn’t understand the mind of a runner.  (Honestly, until five years ago, neither did I.)

As Deana, her daughter Clare, and our cousin Katherine dropped me off at the shuttle that would take me to the start line, we agreed on our first meeting place.  To my surprise, my “ground crew” found me earlier than expected, enthusiastically waving their pom poms and balloons.

We had four visits along the course, and we were able to get some photos (which I posted to Facebook right away).

Besides running these races to raise money for awareness and research, I run them for several additional reasons.

Running a marathon gives me time to reflect on the challenges of those on the cancer journey.  Yes, running 26.2 miles is physically challenging, but then again, so is enduring cancer treatment.  Running a marathon is mentally challenging, but nothing compared to the mental toughness demonstrated by those who fight cancer each day.

Additionally, participating in these types of events brings me closer to the multiple myeloma and cancer community.

There are so many people out there running for various causes, the overwhelming majority of them cancer-related.  It is clear that among the participants, there are cancer survivors and there are those who have lost a loved one to cancer.  Most of us proclaim this information on shirts or race bibs – and in my case, I write “For my sister” in big letters down my left arm, and then cover my arms with names of friends who have fought this demon.

I was sure to shout out to all I could along the route, especially if I saw a shirt in support of a blood cancer charity, to acknowledge my appreciation for their effort.  We still have much work to do and need all the help we can get!

Next up for me is the Big Sur marathon in late April.  It is said to be the world’s most beautiful marathon, although I read an article last weekend rating it one of the 15 most difficult.  I’ll be glad for the beauty and am not daunted by the difficulty.

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I also offer my continued gratitude for your words of encouragement and support and wish you and your families abundant blessings.