4/8/24
Happy Eclipsing, dear Followers! I hope you wore your glasses and enjoyed the festivities.
Having trained for four+ months, and run nearly 600 miles, I, for one, made every effort to stay upright with those blackout shades on!
I just want to thank all of my supporters - those who have given their time, talent and treasure in support of Miles for Miracles, and my patient partner, Oliver. This has been an amazing journey and it is hard to believe there is only one week to go. This is the taper phase, where the mileage declines substantially, the rest and recovery are tantamount, and the newly found time can focus on the lessons learned along the way.
It is not too late to give, or share the link, or give again!! Every gift, no matter the size, matters!!
So, my top ten lessons (apply to this experience, or life in general):
#10: Time passes faster if you run the long runs with the team.
#9: If you put out the call for support, people will surprise you with their generosity!
#8: It takes a village.
#7: Be flexible and if your first idea doesn't work, try something else.
#6: Caution - tree roots grab you when you least expect it.
#5: You don't need your eyes to run.
#4: Be creative to get the training miles in.
#3: Friends come in all shapes and sizes.
#2: The remembrance run and all the stories are moving beyond words.
#1: I got the best patient partner ever!! #OliverHuffman, you are my hero!
3/14/2024
From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank those that took part in our fabulous fundraiser at Barcelona this past Saturday. What a fun time, and amazing to celebrate Oliver and his family! Thanks to special guest Mark Herzlich who made a special cameo appearance especially to meet Oliver!
Thanks to your incredible generosity, and competitive spirit, we exceeded our overall fundraising goal by a landslide, and raised over $8,000 at the event itself.
I am moved beyond words!!
March 5, 2024
This past Saturday, the team training run was the remembrance run, where we honor and celebrate young lives lost, far too soon. I listened intently to all stories, but especially that of Jen Gaspar, mother of the late Nick Gaspar. I did not know Nick nor do I know Jen, but we have common friends, and I was inspired to both run for my patient partner, Oliver, and in remembrance of Nick. I did not know Jen was on the team until I reached out several months ago, and was happy to see her across the room at the team run on Saturday.
In 2022 and 2023, When Nick was fighting his battle with cancer, I heard only stories of strength, courage and inspiration from people in his community. Throughout this journey, I am learning so much about the strength of our patient partners, and the families who must go on after unthinkable loss. Jen told an amazing story about Nick’s visit to the Philadelphia Museum and running up the “Rocky” steps when he could barely walk. Gives new meaning to the theme song “Gonna Fly Now.” Thank you, Jen, for your bravery, and running in memory of your beloved son.
2/19/24
Please join Oliver and me in celebrating all that is Miles for Miracles!! Food, fun, raffles and more!
Miles for Miracles Fundraiser in support of Boston Children's Hospital Tickets, Sat, Mar 9, 2024 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite
2/14/2024
The miles are coming along, friends and supporters! Instead of sending me a valentine today, please consider any of the following:
1. Make a donation (or a second!)
2. Share the link to your networks
3. We are having a fundraiser on March 9th - details to follow. Buy a ticket, and participate in the raffle!!
Think about how your donation will provide a happy valentine to the kids in the most need!! Thanks to you all!
1/29/24
As I learn more about my patient partner, Oliver, and his wonderful parents, Chelsey and Brandon, I am more inspired to be paired with them on this amazing journey.
For those who haven't been following along, I am running this year's Boston Marathon on the #milesformiracles for Boston Children's Hospital.
I am honored to be running for Oliver Huffman #chelseyhuffman. This amazing family has been named the volunteer family of the year!!
Thanks to all who have donated so far. Please share the link and spread the word!
1/15/24
The long run Saturday was a test of will. Cold, dark, windy and raining, but I knew Oliver would be out there at the water station giving high fives and cheering on the runners. Great 12+ miles and I had the best motivation!!
Thanks, Oliver!!
1/9/24
When I was selected to join the Miles for Miracles team, I really wanted to ensure there was a purpose to my participation. Anyone who has run a marathon knows that it is a commitment that lasts weeks into months and an undertaking not to be embarked upon lightly. I needed big inspiration to motivate me to commit to the cause, and when I met my patient partner, I knew the journey was going to be well worth the toil.
Oliver Huffman is a remarkable and wonderful eight-year-old whom I had the pleasure of finally meeting last week. I thoroughly enjoyed comparing Wordle guesses, our favorite sports teams, sharing photos of our dogs, and, watching Oliver indulge in a nice big piece of coffee cake.
The family story truly affirms the amazing medical care received at Boston Children's Hospital. An air ambulance landed the Huffmans here eight years ago, when Oliver was just five months old. They were desperate to find a team of experts that could provide the care Oliver needed in order to be able to bring him home. Oliver was born with multiple complex medical needs resulting in the diagnosis of VACTERL. All of Oliver's complications would require multiple surgical interventions and a team of experts so that he would have the best possible outcome with long-term results. They initially came to Boston Children's for the esophageal atresia team, but eventually received care from Children's neurosurgery, cardiology, among many other teams!
The family actually relocated to Boston permanently and are frequent spectators of the Boston Marathon. I am excited that they are part of the training experience and am even more motivated to make it to the finish line on Boylston St. Your contribution it what makes the remarkable care that kids like Oliver receive possible. I hope that you will give today, to continue the commitment to research and care that will advance treatments and cures into the future.
Thank you for your support!
Lisa
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12/13/23
Thank you for tuning in! Week two of training is going well. I look forward to joining the team runs after the holidays and am getting in my early mileage.
I am excited to share that in the coming weeks, I will be able to share my remembrance icon, as well as my patient partner!! This all matters because of the kids!
Stay tuned for more details and thank you for your continued support and generosity!
Lisa
All,
The formal training has begun! I had a lovely run in the brisk, damp air this morning. I am sure it will be a day to remember as the next twenty weeks unfold.
Thank you for your support!
Lisa
Friends,
An update to my first push! Not only am I always up to support a great cause, some might think I'm a little bit competitive! So, on Giving Tuesday, can I count on you to support this amazing cause??
I'd love to get a big jump toward my fundraising goal!!!
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You know I always find an amazing cause that I'm passionate about, and my transition to Boston Children's Hospital has ignited an urge to give to this amazing organization.
AND, I am so excited to say I've joined the Miles for Miracles team to help the brave kids at Boston Children's Hospital.
Every dollar I raise funds the very best medical care, breakthrough research and vital support services for sick kids and their families. Your gift will:
- help children from your town and across the world get a second chance at life;
- give kids battling the most complex diseases care they can't find anywhere else;
- fuel 3,000+ researchers working to develop new treatments and cures;
- support patient programs, like music and art therapy, to let kids be kids, even during long hospital stays;
- help patient families in crisis with urgent needs, such as food, clothing and housing;
- deliver the most compassionate, leading-edge care to every child who needs it.
Please support my fundraising and help the incredible kids and families at Boston Children's Hospital. I know I can count on you!