Running to Raise Awareness in June
Jen’s Run to Conquer the Lake & SclerodermaDONATE & SUPPORT HERE |
I’m Back!
Diary entry: June 7 2023Scleroderma, the life-threatening and rare disease I was diagnosed with 7 years ago, made its way into my lungs and literally took my breath away. There’s no owner’s manual on training in this new scleroderma body. I have had to take direction from my multifaceted healthcare team and learn how to adapt and accommodate the damage scleroderma has done to my body. |
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Decreased lung capacity, skin tightness, and unexpected injuries have sidelined some of my training. Despite all the challenges scleroderma presents physically and emotionally, I pride myself on staying positive, hopeful and courageously resilient moving forward. I can hardly wait to cross the finish line in June!!! It will be an epic day! These are the moments we live for. A mile is still a mile no matter how long it takes! See you at the finish line, Jen & “Coach” Kacie |
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Diary entry: June 13 2023I’ve had to conquer scleroderma many times over, and in training for a half-marathon I’ve had to conquer pain and exhaustion. I haven’t met many challenges I wasn’t able to overcome! |
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Diary entry: June 16 2023I am not sure if anyone in BC with scleroderma and lung involvement have ever run a half-marathon… so I hope that I can inspire others to get out and try and do what they are passionate about. |
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Diary entry: June 23 2023Despite the 8:30 a.m. start time, I was wide awake at 4:30 a.m., nerves setting in. At 7:15 a.m., I picked up my race bib and finally met Jennifer Andrews, the run director. We exchanged countless emails, but meeting in person and hugging her was incredible. At 8:15 a.m., the announcer delivered a heartfelt welcome, mentioning my name and that I was running for scleroderma awareness. They shared parts of my journey, and emotions overwhelmed me. Tears flowed as the reality hit me: the run was happening. Feeling pressure at the start, I found my groove once we began running. Signs I made last year lined the course. Other runners cheered, “Jen, you’ve got this!” and “Way to go for running for scleroderma!” The supportive atmosphere from runners of all levels was heartwarming. Many inquired about scleroderma upon seeing the shirts I had made. The last 2 km became emotional. Memories of fellow scleroderma warriors and my own journey flooded my mind. Gratitude washed over me for being present and not where I once was. It became a personal experience. Sprinting the final 600 meters, I saw Teressa, Angie, my mom, and family, realizing I had met all my goals. |
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Crossing the finish line was indescribable. I raised positive awareness for scleroderma in the running community and received invitations for future runs supporting awareness. Embracing Teressa at the finish line was emotional, knowing she understood my journey as someone living with scleroderma. Scleroderma did not win that day. The experience was profound, reinforcing the importance of awareness in the face of this relentless disease. We celebrated a victory for scleroderma on June 18th, proving that it can be overcome. The excitement of doing it all again next year fills me with joy. See you at the next finish line, |