NF Walk 2014

Last summer, I had the opportunity to take part in the Children’s Tumor Foundation NF Walk. This fundraiser walk proceeds funding for continued awareness and research about the disease, as well as treatments for those individuals living with either NF1 or NF2. The Children’s Tumor Foundation selects cities across the states and holds this event all throughout the summer. Last summer, I got the information for the walk taking place in Cincinnati. It was more a spontaneous decision, but I was very humbled by all the support we quickly raised.

Participating in the walk was very special. At that point in time, I knew my options for treatments were getting slim, but never imagined the upcoming year that lay ahead of me. So while we were waiting for the walk to begin, we chatted with some other participants, who all had NF1. I was not surprised…I actually think that I was the only NF2 person there. Sitting down for a few minutes, Melissa came with the idea to write why we were taking part in the walk:

When I learned that the NF Walk would again be in Cincinnati this coming June, I knew I would want to participate. Last year it took me an hour to walk the two-mile course…I used my walking sticks and towards the last stretch, depended on the arms of my sister and aunt. This year, my plan is to push a wheelchair–when I no longer have energy and need to rest, I will depend on someone else to help me to the finish point..walking the second mile.

My Team name is”A Mile in Mel’s Shoes.” Through this blog, you have experienced the journey right alongside me–the sorrows and heartaches, questions and pondering thoughts, cheerfulness and laughter. Unlike the set course of the NF Walk, the next mile in my life is uncharted. It is a walk of faith. You have walked the first mile in my shoes–and I know you will be there, ready to continue walking another.

Linked below is the website for Team “A Mile in Mel’s Shoes.” If you are interested in joining me, my parents and two best friends since grade-school (coming for a weekend visit! 🙂 ), click on the “Join my team” button for registration. If you would like to give in donations, please select “Donate now.” You can also donate to a team member’s personal page (names are listed at the bottom of the Team page), where comments can also be written. All donations given on either goes towards the team goal.

Click here for link: Team A Mile in Mel’s Shoes 

If you would like to send a donation by check, please send it to the following address:

Children’s Tumor Foundation

120 Wall Street, 16th Floor

New York, NY 10005-3904

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Thank you for walking with me. The journey continues, one step at a time.