The Beauty of Coming Together

The Beauty of Coming Together  -  Lavern Esters

When I saw this segment on the news today I knew the answer right away, "I race for the ones who can not race anymore."  I have been running in the Race For The Cure for 4 years now.  As a woman I feel it is an honor and a privilege to be able to run not for me, but for my friends one of whom was diagnosed this year with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy and the many women who have passed on or currently suffering from this dreadful disease.  I run for the women who are enduring chemo and other treatments who would love to be able to be involved but do not have the strength to do so. Over six years ago on the day of the race I was headed to work at a local hospital and saw the banners and pink signs and the volunteers who were up working early before the start of the race and I felt a longing to be involved, to help in any way that I could to fight breast cancer.  I am fortunate because I do not have a family history of breast cancer, but I have many women around me who have been affected by breast caner, either personally or their loved ones.  It is very hard to disconnect from a disease that is so personal. I am overcome with emotion every time I run, I promise myself every year that I will not cry this time, but the tears always come on their own, it is not sadness but the beauty of so many people coming together for a common cause.  It has really made me appreciate my life and the blessing that have been bestowed upon me. Thank you for allowing me to share my feelings.