Running for Joe P.

I don't know if I'd be running now if it weren't for Joseph Peabody.

I started following Joe over a year ago through the blog of his parents at http://prayforjoseph.com.blogspot.com. Joseph was diagnosed with cancer around his third birthday. I followed his amazing story as told by his parents. Through the duration of his struggle, he had good days and bad days. His life encouraged me to start raising money for St. Jude as I trained for my first marathon in Memphis. Over the past 2 years I have raised $2,190 for St. Jude.

Without Joseph I would not have raised a dime.

Before Joseph, the Memphis St. Jude Marathon was just a marathon. After following him it became a passion much greater than 26.2 miles. I have long term goals for my "running career" as well as for fundraising. One day I hope I can see the time where I have raised a total of $10,000 for St. Jude. If that day comes it will all be because of him.

The scope of people he has impacted is truly immeasurable. I noticed just how far his influence had spread when someone from another city told me they knew of his story too. His story came to a tragic end on August 21 of last year. It was the day after his fourth birthday.

This Saturday is the inaugural Joe P. Ralley Run 5K. I am so excited to be able to participate in this event. I consider it such a privilege to run in this kid's honor. In his memory, the race has already raised $16,474 for childhood cancer research.

The weather is calling for heavy rain on Saturday morning. Something tells me that won't deter one person that signed up for this race. This will be the first 5k I have run in several months. I still have nagging injuries and many excuses to take it easy in a 3.1 mile race.. if run it at all. However Joseph has taught a lot of people about what it means to fight and to give your all.

In honor of Joseph I plan to do just that.