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 " You see, I did this not for me alone." |
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Stephanie Toole Carlsbad Marathon, California, January 2005
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It all started with a glass of wine, and good friends. New Years Eve, 2003. I agreed to train for and run a marathon, add to that a $4500 fundraising goal for The Arthritis Society and I was off! Training started ok, I was slow and aching but full of vigor. Then, our not quite 12 month old son began to have seizures. You can imagine the horror, he just wasn't responding to any meds. Finally week two brought about something that worked. We managed to incorporate the fundraising and training into our lives. Thanks to my employer, who became my official corporate sponsor and allowed me to fundraise in the facility. We held raffles, break time, 50\50 draws, dinner breaks, and the list is never ending! Not only that two days per week I was permitted to change my hours of work so my running wouldn't affect my family so much- whew! Training became another full time job, not that I minded, but my husband took on a lot of extra duties. He was now alone every Sunday, well not alone we have two toddlers. Sunday running took up most of the waking hours, after running there was stretching, epsom salts baths, resting, eating, etc. Next my husband became ill. He eventually required surgery after attempts with medications failed. That's when our family and friends kicked in. My sister&brother in law, mother in law and friends Cheri and Tracy paced me, brought me powerade, water, and encouraged me when I only wanted to quit! No one was going to let me stop at this point. So, Alex continued to have seizures but we were able to keep him out of the hospital except for a major case of the diarrhea. And then in swoops my sister in law (and life long best friend, literally) taking my 4 year old so we can both be with Alex. When winter came upon us our finances were sunk from Alex's ongoing illness, Dale's 3 month long medical problems and our daughters on again off again asthma flare ups. The next thing I know I am outfitted for winter running! And away we all go again. Suddenly my mentally ill mother couldn't manage to take her medications properly. Her ability to cook, bathe and remember were greatly diminished. After a struggle with the health system I finally had a diagnosis: Alzheimer's type dementia related to long time use of antipsychotics and mental illness. But, as long as I would give her her meds each day and monitor her safety with the stove and appliances she could remain at home. On came another job, but she's my mom and I only get one. In the midst of all this, The Arthritis Society is cheering us on, giving advice and our co-ordinator Brenda going extra miles for me all around! You see, I did this not for me alone. There are millions of people suffering everyday with the pain of arthritis, including the majority of the residents living at Evergreen Home for Special Care where I work. I did it for them. Thanks Dale, Laura, Mike, Celina, Tracy, Cheri, Fred, Marjorie, and Charlene. I couldn't have done it without you. Stephanie Toole, Kingston, Nova Scotia, February 2005 |
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