Running with Dad
March 30, 2014
Last week marked the 4th anniversary of the Jerusalem Marathon. The first Jerusalem Marathon was in March 2011. It was soon after this run that we found out about Dad's illness. The second one (the only one that I didn't run) was just as I returned home from sitting shiva and I did not have the motivation energy to run in that one. This past marathon took on new meaning to me for two reasons.
The first is that I decided to run to benefit an organization which runs a registry of potential donors and recipients of stem cells and bone marrow. In many cases, these donations allow the recipients to beat certain kinds of cancers. I was involved in the hospital treatment process during my last visits with Dad and understood a bit about the potential treatments and the process of treatment, I feel a connection to the Gift of Life's challenges and its successes. Even if only one match of a donor to a recipient is found, I will have done my part in extending the life of a given individual.
The second link is that of the runner. Dad ran and lettered in track at Columbia U. in the 50's and he continued to run even when he was ill. As I was running in the race and looking for some additional inspiration and a "second wind", thinking of Dad on the track, or on the basketball court or on the touch football field opened up a well of strength that gave me that extra push to the finish line.
Thanks to all of those who helped out in sponsoring me in the race and I hope that my efforts will yield not only the physical benefits that I gain from running, but also perhaps a match for a needy individual who requires a stem cell or bone marrow donation.
The first is that I decided to run to benefit an organization which runs a registry of potential donors and recipients of stem cells and bone marrow. In many cases, these donations allow the recipients to beat certain kinds of cancers. I was involved in the hospital treatment process during my last visits with Dad and understood a bit about the potential treatments and the process of treatment, I feel a connection to the Gift of Life's challenges and its successes. Even if only one match of a donor to a recipient is found, I will have done my part in extending the life of a given individual.
The second link is that of the runner. Dad ran and lettered in track at Columbia U. in the 50's and he continued to run even when he was ill. As I was running in the race and looking for some additional inspiration and a "second wind", thinking of Dad on the track, or on the basketball court or on the touch football field opened up a well of strength that gave me that extra push to the finish line.
Thanks to all of those who helped out in sponsoring me in the race and I hope that my efforts will yield not only the physical benefits that I gain from running, but also perhaps a match for a needy individual who requires a stem cell or bone marrow donation.
Posted by Jon Weisberg.
