Sunday, March 7, 2010 I will be running in the Disney Princess Half-Marathon. The race itself is a benefit for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society and while my entry-fees go toward that incredible organization, I had to find a deeper reason to run. I’m not really a runner, at least I wasn’t before this. For me to run a half-marathon meant finding a bigger purpose…something way outside of myself, because simply running to run would never have been enough motivation.
Let me tell you about my motivation…
Somewhere in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia there is an orphanage called Hannah’s Hope. Somewhere inside Hannah’s Hope is a precious little princess who is waiting to be brought home to live with the Rogers family.
Bob and Cheri Rogers, and their three boys are currently on a waiting list to be given a referral to adopt a little girl from Hannah’s Hope, run by All God’s Children International – an adoption agency out of Portland, OR. Bob is a high-school math teacher and Cheri home-schools their three boys. They are currently #7 on the waiting list and while they wait, they are trying to raise the $27,000 needed to pay for the adoption. This is the reason I am running!!
Training has gone pretty well…although I still don’t LOVE to run. I’ve wanted to quit several times, but every time I feel that way, I imagine a little face with big brown eyes, curly hair and pink bows. She keeps me going and I dare say, I like running a little bit more every time I do it!
Samantha’s husband Jeff put together a training schedule that has allowed me to gradually work up to longer distances, while training speed on my shorter runs. My lower back gets pretty stiff and knotted on any runs longer than 8 miles, but I’ve found ways to deal with that throughout the training process. I’ve also figured out how to stay fueled during the long runs. My secret? Cold gummy bears and salted cashews 
…and of course water and G2 Grape Gatorade!
At this point, the Rogers’ have been able to raise all but about $6,000. This money will be used for travel expenses to Ethiopia to get their daughter and bring her home. My goal is to raise $2,000 for the Rogers’ family. To date, I’ve raised $532 through the generosity of a few friends and family members. That leaves me $1468 short of my goal.
Jeff and Samantha are generously donating a percentage of overnight stay this Saturday, February 27th to my fundraising efforts!! It’s PERFECT timing because Jamie Snell is catering a rocking Supper Club! A great excuse to take your honey on a date night. Get away to the Balch for a good cause! www.BalchHotel.com
This Saturday night!! Call NOW for reservations! 541-467-2277.
And, thank you in advance, for supporting such a good cause.
~René
P.S. Samantha says that if you feel moved to donate and cannot stay this weekend you can send something to her c/o René at:
P.O. Box 5
Dufur, OR 97021
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
How can you not LOVE to run? No matter. I think it’s great that your doing it and for such a selfless reason. Let us all know how the 1/2 marathon goes. Maybe a picture of the blister(s) after the race?
Rene,
What a wonderful women you are! I’m a mom of two adopted children from China. I was happy to read about, “Hannah’s Hope,” which I’m very familiar with. My husband and myself have been supported through our adoptions with kind and generous people like yourself. We appreciate knowing that you are willing and determined to help the Rogers family. I know you will do GREAT on your run. Blessings to you, “Adoption Supporter!” We are cheering for you!!
I am with Jeff, how can you not LOVE to run? But whatever your reason I support you and am awestruck by your heart and committment to this family! Wear that medal all week and to bed, put it in your car on the rear view mirror! Show us the medal!
@ Jeff: thanks for giving me such an easy to follow training schedule…and blisters?! now you tell me!
i plan to wear it proudly!! i’ll try to post pictures when i return!
@ Kristi: thank you for your encouragement
@ Angela: thank you