Thumbs Up for Bill 5k

This race was created to honor our friend and fellow runner, Bill Gasparrini, who was diagnosed with terminal, inoperable cancer 2 months ago. It was a 5k held at 7:00 PM put on by the local Run n Tri Company. All monies collected were given to a charity selected by him. The oncology unit at the local hospital will be using this donation to assist those that cannot afford to have treatments, travel, etc. Almost $7000 was collected. There were almost 300 runners/walkers and many, many more family, friends and supporters.


I decided early on that I wanted to focus on Bill's kindness and strength by honoring my husband, who I love so much. We ran/walk it together and with most every step, I was so mindful of knowing we are in good health and have each other. It was an honor to walk in this "race" and to honor the one (Bill) who has taught me so much already.

Being a superb athlete, Bill denies all the reasons one should contract this horrible disease. He just shouldn't have it! I mean, aren't we all trying to "justify" why one has cancer; i.e. smoking, overweight, genetics, etc.? Well, none of these seem to apply. As a matter of fact, this is his second battle with this dreadful disease! When he was a very young man, he was given this diagnosis and it was not a pretty picture then...very bleak. With very aggressive treatment and a great faith in God, he overcame and God saw fit to bless him with a longer life. He has since touched so many lives, with Kent & I being two of them. We'd have never known who he was had God chose to take him home waaaay back then. Our lives are blessed and richer because he is here.

He has run many races throughout his life including marathons and triathlons...AND wins many, many races of all distances. He is a quiet, strong man of 60 years, a doctor and extremely healthy. I say all of this because since his diagnosis he has become a person who I would love to pattern my life after. He faces EVERY day positively whether it is during the terrible chemotherapy treatments, days of sickness and/or pain, or facing the "good" days, he amazes me that he can inspire those who have not a problem in the world! To give you an example, when he was first diagnosed, a FB page was set up as a diary/encouragement of posts. One of the very first posts he made was entitled "the top 10 things I like about having cancer", except he couldn't narrow it down to ONLY ten! Can you believe such a thing?? And it has been one amazing journey since. Though he wasn't able to participate in the race, he handed every one a Thumbs Up patch as they crossed the line.

About all I can say to end is that I look forward to each and every day when new posts are being made. I'll leave you with a few pictures I took at the race.




Now...Run 4 It...because you CAN!!!