Something To Run For

Everyone has a cancer story.

Sometimes cancer has affected someone close and sometimes they themselves have battled the disease, but everyone has a cancer story.

Not one story is fun or fun to read, except maybe the stories that end with, “(Name) has been cancer-free for X years, is living in (place) and regularly (does favorite activity) with (specific dear family or friends).”

Unfortunately, well over 500,000 cancer stories don’t end like that every year. That is why I started Crimson for a Cure at The University of Alabama. I’m not particularly talented, but I can put one foot in front of the other a lot of times in a row, and I can encourage others doing the same.

The Goal of Crimson for a Cure

Crimson for a Cure will raise money for the American Cancer Society’s efforts in breast cancer research and awareness through pledges participants receive as they train for and run a half-marathon. Participants will ask at least three people to pledge to donate a minimum of five cents per mile run. This method provides motivation for the runners, but we certainly won’t turn away any donation!

Training begins February 17!

The Story Behind Crimson for a Cure

In high school I organized a fundraiser for hurricane victims in south Florida in which donors sponsored members of the school tennis team in a manner similar to Crimson for a Cure as the team competed in the district tournament. When I started running in college I had the idea for a project like Crimson for a Cure, but it was nothing more than that, just an idea.

Last fall, as my world was turned upside down by the death of a dearly loved one after a six-year battle with cancer, I frequently ran with tears streaming down my face. It was through these tears that I determined to do something that would make a difference and honor her memory. The idea came back to me.

Things immediately began to fall into place. I discovered that a student I had gotten to know through a class, Kristin McDonald, was president of Colleges Against Cancer, so I met with her to figure out how to get Crimson for a Cure off the ground. We decided that Crimson for a Cure would be registered as a Relay for Life team, giving me credibility and giving her numbers.

My next task was to recruit captains. Kristin and I immediately thought of the same person to help us out: J Bruhn, a triathlete and phenomenal guy. I met with J at the sorority house the next day, and he was over-the-top excited about helping out. One of the Chi Omega new members, Hallie Paul, was sitting with us during the meeting and she couldn’t wait to get started, either. I hadn’t expected to find two, much less three captains in one day, but Hallie and Jacob Summers both got on board immediately. We now have six captains, excluding myself, which was my original goal!

We’re now recruiting participants, so if you know anyone who would be interested, pass the info along!

If you or someone you know would like to sponsor a runner or donate, e-mail me at crimsonforacure@gmail.com or donate online here.

I’ll post updates here as things kick off in the coming weeks!