Let’s be real. I’m not a runner. Completing a marathon was never something on my bucket list. I’m walking running walking and running the Chicago Marathon to raise money for Van Andel Institute, that’s it.

Training has been going horribly. Between planning the Eagles for Eric golf outing, chasing a toddler, and being in our busiest time of year at work – I just haven’t had time to invest in running. Nevertheless, come 8 days from now, I’ll be in Chicago getting ready to complete, not compete (thanks for that, Hannah) in a 26.2 mile race. My sister, Hilary, and I have one goal – to finish before they let the cars back on the roads. Big dreams here people, big dreams.

Below is what I wrote when the marathon people asked why I was running. And below that, is a link to my fundraising page, should you be inclined to donate. As always, no pressure. I was prepared to reach my goal with my own money when I signed up, so I have no expectations for additional support….see, truly no pressure.

I’m running the Chicago Marathon in honor of my husband, Eric, who passed away at age 29 from Osteosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. I, along with nine other friends and family members, will be raising money for Van Andel Institute, an official charity partner of this year’s Chicago Marathon. Together the ten of us will raise over $10,000 for the research of this deadly disease. Eric donated his tumor to Van Andel Institute, and it is currently involved in ongoing cancer research there, so the money we raise will go directly to the funding of those projects. It is an honor to run for him, and in honor of him.

My husband is my inspiration for this race. He loved running, and cancer stole that joy from him. Towards the end of his life, he couldn’t even walk, let alone go for a run outside. So I run, as someone who hates it, for my love of a person who adored it. Eric fought for his life with every ounce of strength inside of him, and I will need to tap into that same strength and determination to finish this race.

I was always a soccer player, but I never enjoyed long distance running. My cousin ran the Chicago Marathon a few years ago, and I remember thinking that it was something I had absolutely no interest in doing. It’s funny how statements like that can sometimes come back to bite you!

Eric and I took on his cancer journey with humor, positivity, and the ability to take life one moment at a time. I think that will translate into remembering to just keep putting one foot in front of the other. Just get through one more mile, one more song on my playlist, or one more step. I’ll also need to be able to laugh at myself. I have found, in my experience, that you can get through hell and back if you can find things to laugh about along the way.

https://www.crowdrise.com/chelsea-purplecommunityteamhop/fundraiser/chelseawestra