As soon as I got the news ”You’re In” I froze.
I had been waiting for months to hear, “You have been officially accepted into the 2021 NYC Marathon on November 7, 2021.” So, why was my first reaction to the news FEAR instead of Woo Hoo?
Have you ever had anxiety about doing something that you’ve done many times, but feel like you’re beginning again?
I asked myself, what was I most afraid of?
Not finishing or coming in last in my age group? My hip issues kicking in, or was it that I might disappoint those who donated funds to the JDRF on my behalf? Perhaps it was a little bit of all of the above.
Here’s the point: Change is always an invitation to begin again.
Much has changed since my last marathon. I am older. I have more aches and pains than I did a few years ago. I am carrying that Covid extra weight. Yes, things are different. But what if I embraced the changes and chose to begin again?
I am proud to say, I officially started my marathon training on July 12, 2021. I am taking steps to “run light“. A marathon is a great way to keep you focused forward.
I am asking you to join with me, in support of the JDRF as I run for my hero, my amazing daughter Sara. She is the most beautiful woman I know! If I were to sum up Sara’s beauty it would sound like this:
Sara is humble and self-effacing. She is deeply touched by the suffering of others. She is gentle and always kind. She longs for goodness in herself and others. She is single-minded in her love for God and her family. She is gracious, even to those who mistreat her. She describes herself as “blessed”, a word that means happy in the deepest sense.
Thirty years ago, at six years old, Sara was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Over the past five years, my now thirty-six year-old daughter has suffered many complications as a result of diabetes, three strokes, a heart attack, double bypass surgery, coronary artery disease, a kidney transplant, loss of vision in one eye, and continued diabetic setbacks and challenges.
At the present, there is no cure for diabetes, but thanks to organizations like the JDRF, there is hope that someday there will be a cure. I am running this race to do what Sara and many others cannot do; race for the cure and rid millions of the serious complications of diabetes like kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, and stroke.
There are two ways you can help support JDRF. You can visit my fundraising page here: https://bit.ly/3lrvTD4.
Or, you can also connect with us on Facebook and donate here: https://bit.ly/3xcNyAr.
Please feel free to share these links with those you know who may be interested in helping support this cause. I am determined to reach my fundraising goal and I know with your help, together we will make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
JDRF research efforts have helped to significantly improve the care of people with this condition and have expanded the critical scientific understanding of T1D. JDRF will not rest until T1D is fully conquered. And neither will I. I greatly appreciate any donations made to my fundraising efforts for JDRF. Every dollar comes from donors like you.
Be well, Janet Cronstedt
