In Her Own Words: Lynn Pettus (Runner #1)

When Ken asked me to write an introduction for the blog, I was a little stumped as to what to say. I am a ‘numbers’ person and don’t have the gift of writing like Ken does. That said, given the importance of our upcoming adventure – on multiple levels – here goes…

My name is Lynn and I run. I don’t consider myself a ‘runner’. To me, runners are people who are considered athletes, elite, competitive. I am just a mountain girl from Asheville, NC who put on running shoes for the first time 4 years ago, started running and never stopped.

So, why do I run? Through the twist and turns of life, I found myself with a lot of nervous energy that I needed to burn off. I started running. I ran for my own sake, my own sanity, for me and me alone. I ran to escape but at the end of every run – I always caught up with myself. Then in the fall of 2007, I called the Charlotte, NC chapter of ‘Team in Training’ after hearing about what a great charitable experience it was from a good friend. I signed up late, had missed the kick-off meeting, training had already started and worst of all, I didn’t know a soul – but I was determined. On a cool, crisp October morning, I drove to the Dowd YMCA and met the other folks training for the Disney Marathon. We started running and this ‘guy’ and I started talking. We worked for large accounting firms, knew some of the same people, had common goals and interests – of which running for a greater good was becoming increasingly important. At the end of that 10 mile run, I felt I had direction and purpose. Something clicked for me that day…maybe my heart grew just a little bit like our friend the Grinch.

I do not run for me, myself or I any more. I run with and for family and friends. I run for those in need, I run for those who can’t. Whenever I am tired or sluggish, I feel an imaginary hand on my back, always pushing me forward. I have a good idea whose hand it is and what it represents. I am so fortunate to be able to run and have formed very strong friendships that I hope will last this lifetime. Oh, and if you haven’t figured it out already, that ‘guy’ was Ken…

After 3 marathons and a handful of ½ marathons, Ken proposed a new and very scary challenge. Run how many miles in how many days? The question for me was not why but rather why not? We discussed the rigorous training, time commitment, wear and tear on our bodies. It was a daunting task – and then he told me about Emmah. I did not have the fortune of meeting her in this life but am honored that every step I take, every breath I draw during our 113 mile adventure will be for her and finding a cure for Neuroblastoma cancer.

You probably won’t see me write much more for the blog, I will leave that to the master – Ken. But please know how much I appreciate your support of our Transrockies run in thought, prayer, and support for cancer research.

So, why do I run? Because I have to. Thank you Emmah…

KEIYH

Julie Wilmes Gudeman…and why a 5k is only 3.1 Miles

Well, it wasn’t a race. At least I didn’t know it until it was over. In fact, this whole long-distance running thing may never have even come to fruition if it wasn’t for Julie (Emmah’s mom). So if I have someone to blame for this craziness of 113 miles – it’s her. Thanks Julie!!!

Let’s back up. I’m not really sure if this is exactly how I met Julie, but it is probably close. Year was 1992. It was late summer and I had transferred to a new position with Arthur Andersen in Chicago, and knew not a soul in my new department. I was working in my cubicle, and up walks this spunky girl, big smile, bright shiny eyes and she just starts talking away! (oh, yeah – if you know her – you’re tracking with me now! Actually, she strutted up to me, in that distinctive Julie Wilmes Gudeman gait!!!). Anyway, that would have been our first contact. I smiled, tried to get a word in edge-wise, but knew right away we’d hit it off, and just listened. This was my type of friend – easy going, laid back, fun and liked to laugh (often at herself).

I’m sure at some point I learned Julie liked to run. Not far, but to stay in shape. I’m sure I said, I like to stay in shape too. And because I was 24 years old and a male, I’m sure I said I was a good runner. After all, kinda like Al Bundy who was a football star at Polk High, I was a track star in the 7th grade! The mile was my distance…never came in first, but never came in last (my true goal). Reminiscing about those days allowed me to expand my chest a bit further in bravado when talking about running with Julie.

Don’t know how it happened, but somehow we got signed up together for a November Turkey Trot type 5k near the Chicago lakefront. An easy 3.1 mile stroll. Geez, could do that in my sleep…I did run the mile in middle-school after all. So as all good runners do, I trained for the race by running once around the forest preserve golf course in Oak Forest, IL – about 3 miles. Once, one, 2 – 1 = 1. I was ready.

Race day – got out my best running gear. Yes, this photo is of Julie and I from that day. Spandex? Cool max? Running sox? Please…I was a runner (remember middle-school?). Nothing but cotton was what I wanted – and layers of cotton at that. BTW – can I get an “AMEN” or “HEY GOOD LOOKING” for how awesome Julie and I looked back in ’92???!!!

I’m sure the gun went off and I remember breaking every running rule in the book by sprinting off that first mile. Left Julie in my dust (even though we weren’t technically racing each other. She couldn’t keep up with me, so it wouldn’t have been fair to “race”). Water stop? Don’t need it – only 3.1 miles. Flew past the first mile in something close to like 7 minutes. I was flying. Probably because of my strong training plan leading up to the race. Fast forward to mile 3. I was flying….err, I mean…I was dying…sucking wind…big time. I think someone mis-measured the course. In fact, I’m sure of it. This sure felt like 5 miles, and I swear the headwind blowing off the lakefront was like 45 mph! Where was that water??? Where is the finish line??? Goodness, these layers of cotton are uncomfortable.

Well, I crossed the finish line around 24:18 if I remember right. Not too shabby. I kicked Julie’s butt out there. Had to. Say it with me…I was a runner. She’d probably finish around 28 – 30 minutes. She couldn’t have trained as hard as I did. So imagine my surprise when…

…I turn around in the finishers chute, and who is behind me…yes, another strong runner (like me)…Julie. Remember that smile I described, those bright eyes, that walk! She probably started talking too…but I was tuning her out with my own questions. Ok question (I was still catching my breath). “When did you finish?”, I asked. “About 24:21” she said.

WHOOOO-HOOOO….KICKED SOME BUTT!!!

Bragging rights were mine…forever…we have never run together since that day…and it’s all her fault, because I realized going fast wasn’t my true strength, but rather conserving energy and going long. Real long. 113 miles long.

And that, my friends, is why a 5k is only 3.1 miles. Because if it was 3.11, Julie would have been turning around in the finishers chute looking at me….with a damn big smile, and yapping about it to this day!

KEIYH

Reflective Moments Are Good For The Soul

I am on a long business trip - 7 days to be exact, although the last two days will be pleasure in Orlando visiting my dad.  Being a sometime frequent business traveller gives me time to reflect, especially when confined on an airplane (oh...I have plenty of airplane stories...I rant about those on Facebook!).  Choices of activities become limited on a plane: sleep, read, or engage in conversation with others.  Usually I read, which I did Tuesday on my way from Charlotte to Dallas.  However, that activity still left free time, which allowed me to engage in another past-time of my - reflection.

I got to thinking about what I want to share in the upcoming months with you before the 113 For Emmah run.  Ok, lets be realistic.  Deep down, I hope you are still reading this in six months and that I hold your interest!  113 For Emmah is more than just a run, more than just a fundraiser.  It is about creating lasting memories of someone special, and sharing special reflections of those who care for her.  You know, to fill in gaps.

So I did what I often do....reflected....and jotted down notes about my memories of Emmah, my fun (and strange) interactions with Jeff & Julie, and the intersections this has with running (oh yeah - I'll make a connection for you!!!).  There may be a lot of "dirt" coming out you didn't know about!  This means pictures people.   It may make you laugh, may make you cry, but you'll be glad you stuck with me, I guarantee it!.

And in all fairness and in full disclosure - I have granted Jeff permission to add posts to this blog as he sees fit...so I fully expect rebuttals, counterpoints, clarifications, and maybe even a few "yep - he's right" (very few - probably more rebuttals than anything!).  The fun we can have with the power of the written word - even in times of sadness, can help heal some wounds.

So stay tuned...more to come soon...just need to get by a few days busy days of work, and a few days of R&R.   Then...the reflection begins...starting with....THE X FACTOR!!!

Put A Little Emmah In Your Heart

As we celebrate Valentine's day with our friends and families today, please take a few moments to remember Emmah....and do it with a BIG SMILE!.  It is what she would have wanted, and she is surely sending BIG VIRTUAL HUGS to all of us today!

What a great outpouring of support for the 113forEmmah fundraising effort.  Nearly $1,000 has been raised in just the first week!  Thank you to everyone for your consideration and donations.  This is just the beginning of something big.  Can you feel the love???!

I was speaking with Jeff and Julie this morning and learned about the Angels For Emmah page on Facebook.  Started by another mom in the Joliet area, this site was set up to publicize an upcoming Spaghetti Fundraiser dinner for the Gudeman family on February 26th.  I hope you will take the time to visit this page if you are a Facebook member, and Become a Fan of the site.  There are also some great pictures of Emmah there.

In conjunction with the spaghetti dinner, two different bracelets are being sold with all proceeds going to the family.  One is Emmah's Quest, and a second is KEIYH (Keep Emmah In Your Heart).  To order a KEIYH bracelet ($4 each) - send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your donation to:

First Presbyterian Church
Attn: Heather Rey
805 Western Ave
Joliet, IL 60435

KEIYH - and Happy Valentine's Day!

A Time To Heal

By now you probably know that Emmah Gudeman passed away on Wednesday and is the newest angel looking over us.  She is free of pain, discomfort and uncertainly.  Yet her passing has left a feeling of great emptiness in many people. You may be asking questions that have no answers.  Why cancer? Why Emmah?  Why the Gudeman's? Where do they go from here? How can I help?

We are all certain to move onto other thoughts, people and causes over time, but not before we internally process what this means to each of us. I haven't been able to stop thinking about this for 3 days, and there seems to be no end in sight in the near term.  Grieving proceeds at its own pace for everyone, but it is my hope that the sorrow we feel today, will soon turn to a celebration of Emmah's life.  That will come with time.

However, you don't have to look far to realize the joy Emmah brought to those closest to her - her immediate family.  This picture taken just a few days ago says it all.  She could bring smiles to the faces of others!  Let this serve as a great example for all of us, that even in moments of despair, there are rays of sunshine to be found!

Thank you to everyone who has visited this site over the past few days.  I am sure you are coming because of letters I or my wife have sent out, my links on Facebook, Jeff's link on his blog, or through word of mouth.  You are interested in what 113 for Emmah is all about and I hope you are interested in helping.  Please considering making a donation to the Gudeman Family to assist with the cost of Emmah's care, or to help fund Neuroblastoma Research through the CNCF. Appropriate links are on the right side of this page.

You may not know the Gudeman Family, but have been touched by Emmah.  Condolensces, donations, or words of encouragement, may be sent to them at:

Gudeman Family    

605 Western Avenue

Joliet, IL 60435
(Jeff - a1eyetoolguy@gmail.com)
(Julie - bizzyjulie@yahoo.com)

Better moments are ahead for all of us, plus more positive and upbeat posts in this blog - I promise.  So please continue to visit - I have more memories to share about Emmah, the Gudeman's, our running prep and the 113.  And the call for donations will continue.  Worthy causes need our support!

KEIYH (Keep Emmah In Your Heart)

Can You Spare A Dime for Emmah? Please Donate!

I don’t like asking other people to make monetary donations. It is just not my way (I can’t speak for Lynn). I would never make a good salesman - at least where I have to sell a tangible product in exchange for money.

I would guess to be a successful fundraiser (or salesperson), you have to be persistent, and believe in  your product.  Ah, now I'm onto something.  I BELIEVE IN WHAT I AM SELLING!  Two things actually:

1. Lynn's and my ability to perservere over 6 days to run 113 miles in the mountains (is that uphill?).  We are determined to succeed. No matter what.
2. Emmah.  She needs our help (any prayers). Her family needs our help (any prayers).  And Neurobalstoma cancer research needs our help.

So why is asking people for financial help so hard?  Maybe it is my personal beliefs getting in the way.  I happen to believe that if you are going to ask for money, you must do something significant to earn it.  Fortunately, a middle-age man and woman running 113 miles over 6 days in the Rockies is pretty significant. We are going to put ourselves our there and earn this money for Emmah and the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation.

Can we all agree that these are good causes? Thought so!

Therefore, please contribute. There are two ways. You, the individual donor, can choose what is best for you.

1. Support Emmah's Care (Non-tax deductible option) – click on DONATE link on the right side of this blog to contribute to a fund to help pay for expenses associated with Emmah's care. This is linked to a PayPal account which I will administer on behalf of the family.

2. Support Neuroblastoma Cancer Research (Tax deductible option) – click on Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation link on right side of this blog, to donate to a non-profit organization which supports research for a neuroblastoma cure. Please indicate in your on-line donation that this is on behalf of Emmah Gudeman. Note: since we may not be made aware of donations made via this route, please send me an email indicating your donation, which I will compile and share with the Gudeman family. (kjban23nc@aol.com)

Any donation amount is appreciated! But since there is a running theme, might we offer the suggestion of $113 ($1/ mile), or some creative version of that, such as $56.50 ($.50/mile).

On behalf of the myself, Lynn, Emmah, the Gudeman Family and the CNCF – we thank you for your consideration and generosity. I will keep a running donation total on the blog throughout the upcoming months.

KEIYTAP

Perspective Sucks

I'll start by saying if you don't want to be sad, stop reading now.

If you know me, you know I like to write about fun and humorous things. It's my nature to try and have a good time.  That is why Lynn and I make good running partners - she is a positive, happy-go-lucky person, willing to try anything.  But writing about cancer isn't a fun topic, and this weekend has brought everything into perspective.  And I have found that perspective sucks.

This Saturday morning, we were doing some house cleaning, when Brenda called me into the bedroom and told me that something was wrong with Tigger - one of our two cats - one we have had for 11 1/2 years.  He was doing an army crawl along the floor, unable to use his back paws.  We knew right away something was wrong, and immediately took him, along with Ryan, to an emergency animal hospital.  Prognosis - not good.  Tigger has Saddle Thrombus, a complication of feline heart disease. A blood clot paralyzing his legs.  In short, we were left with few options.  A 2-week hospital stay, costing thousands still left only a 20% chance of recovery, and the disease could strike again at any time.  Or treat our Tigger with compassion, and put him down.  All this happened in less than an hour.  Little time for rational thought, as he was crying out in pain dragging himself around.  We made a quick decision, and Brenda raced home to get Erika so she could say goodbye with the rest of us.  This is the second animal we've have to put down in 12 years, and the memories of the first time with our dog Thumper came flooding back.  We all held Tigger as he peacefully passed on.  Let me just sum up our Saturday as completely miserable - we lost a loved member of our family, and Boo (our other cat) no longer has a playmate.

Where does perspective come in?

We are grieving over a cat. We had little time to react, process thoughts, and say goodbye. As suddenly as the condition appeared, our Tigger was gone.  On Sunday morning I read Jeff's latest blog post about Emmah.  If you are a parent, someday going to be a parent, or are pet owner, please go out and read his latest entry.  You will be sad, probably will cry, and will have great understanding of why we are running and raising money for Emmah.  Reality may be setting in for the Gudeman family.  A reality nobody ever wants to face.  The possible thought of one of your children passing on before you.  Jeff and Julie have been reacting to this cancer for 4 years.  They have had many thoughts race through their minds for 4 years about treatment options.  They have certainly thought about the possible end game, which Jeff describes in his post.  They don't want to say goodbye. A parent never does.

Cat or Daughter?

Both loved immensely, each in their own way by their parents. Our loss was quite sudden.  Yet we can only imagine what is happening with those currently around Emmah each day.  We pray that her new medication and the trial she just started provides the miracle she and her family needs.  But it is the feeling of helplessness and being powerless that won't go away.

If you stayed with me this far, thank you.  My next blog post will be to ask for your assistance to help Emmah, her family and Neuroblastoma Research, which is why we are running 113 miles in the mountains in Emmah's honor.

As I said...PERSPECTIVE SUCKS.  But it is reality that hits home the hardest.

KEIYTAP

What's In A Name?

Darn good question. The amount of thought that goes into naming things can sometimes be scary. Why do all the project teams that we deal with at work have to create multi-word names that can be turned into acronyms? I could give you a few, but it would be a waste of my time!

We do the same when we name our kids. Traditional name or unique? Family name (first, middle or last)? Are the a JR, III, or IV? Can the name be shortened into something corny, or can the initials of the name make some other strange acronym? Well, you get the picture.

Emmah is short for Emmahlene. Yes, you read that right. I had the same thoughts when I first heard her name nearly 14 years ago. But she is just Emmah today. Jeff and Julie named her right (though I am not sure who came up with the name. Maybe I know, and just can't remember - an age thing??). In any case - she is unique. My kids are Erika and Ryan - simple names that can't be shortened (unless you consider The Big E and Ry - I don't)! See, we are all named for a reason.

So what's my point?

Lynn and I need a team name for our entry into the TransRockies Run. Something that is unique and would identify us. Something to bring instant recognition to those millions (thousands???) of people sure to follow us on-line (10??). We decided to let Emmah name our team. Great idea, right? In a perfect world it would be. But in a perfect world, she wouldn't be in the hospital for the past 35 nights fighting to keep down food and trying to stay lucid. Since her condition isn't conducive to thinking about a team name, we came up with one for her.

113 For Emmah!

Simple. Unique.

Everyone will ask what it stands for, allowing us to raise awareness for Neuroblastoma as a result.

KEIYTAP