Congratulations to all of our Cal’s Angels Marathon Runners!
Despite brutal temperatures in the high 80’s, 38,000 other runners, leg cramps, blisters and even a few missing toe nails, every one of our 44 runners crossed the finish line with a qualifying time on Sunday, October 10th. Our Marathon Team is a highly motivated group of men, women and teens who showed their dedication to training, competing and to the Cal’s Angels cause.
Three of the team members – Stevie Parks, Morgan Meaney and Cameron Muirhead – are the age Cal would have been and to Cameron, who played baseball with Cal on the same teams, this Marathon took on a whole new personal meaning. We are so proud of all of you.
When we started our journey back in January we were looking for ordinary people to do something extraordinary and boy did we find them. Our runners have raised almost $28,000 or, in Cal’s Angels terms, enough to grant 37 wishes or financially assist 56 families – our runners have really made a difference in the lives of children battling cancer. THANK YOU for being a part of the Cal’s Angels 2010 Marathon Team!
On the day of the race the team got to the starting line at 7am after dodging in and out of crowded porta-potty lines, crowds of spectators and security. Some of us were ready for what laid ahead and others were new at it but we all had one goal in mind – to finish this race before the 6 hour timer was shut off. I believe some headed off in the first group at 7:30 while most of us were in the 7:45 group – all that waiting built up a lot of anticipation but, in the end, it was so worth all of it because none of this compares to what these kids face in their battle with cancer.
To our cheering sections – where would we be without the encouragement & cheers from men, women and children? You have this big crowd of people cheering – it gets the blood flowing and the heart pounding – it’s a boost of energy like an adrenaline pump – THANK YOU!
Miles 20-25 were the hardest! It was hot, the sun was beating down, the Gatorade was warm and every time you would stop to walk you regretted it because it hurt so much to start again.
Mile 25 came and you heard the Black Eyed Peas song “ I Gotta Feeling” and you can’t do anything but get re-energized, what a great song. Then right after you get that revival you went up a steep hill and around the corner and there it was – the Finish Line and you were completely overwhelmed by the fact you made it, all 26.2 miles of the Marathon were now behind you!
While we owe a huge THANK YOU AGAIN to all of our runners, donators, supporters and families, we cannot forget the fact that we went from 5 runners last year to 44 this year. These results are completely due to the extraordinary efforts put forth by our Executive Director Jessica Kirk and our Charity Athletic Director and Board Member Irene Eby (who also ran the Marathon). They took control of the Marathon planning, recruiting and training earlier this year and really turned it into a complete success – THANK YOU!
Congratulation Rock ‘N’ Roll Half-Marathon Runners
On Sunday, August 10th, 33 Rock ’N’ Roll Half-Marathon runners laced their sneakers, put on their bibs and embarked on a 13.1 mile race to achieve personal goals and help raise money to continue the mission of Cal’s Angels. 21 of these runners used the Half-Marathon as a training tool for the Chicago Bank of America Full Marathon on October 10th as well as show their support for Cal’s Angels and their fellow ½ Marathon Team.
Cal’s Angels 2010 Half-Marathon Team is made up of both new and seasoned runners who started training and fund raising back in May ultimately raising over $7,500 – enough to grant the wishes of and provide financial assistance to 10 children battling cancer and their families! We would like to thank Sandy Allande, Patti Anballi, Devin Castanon, Sean Fergus, Pam Iwanski, Sara Johnson, Stacey Johnson, Julie Lee, Mark Lemke, Elizabeth Mackey, Tammy Martin, Nancy Meaney, Jill McCollough, Maria Quintanilla, Dawn Reilly, Lisa Schnaitmann, Ginny Wolak and Lorena Ybarra for all their hard work, time and dedication it took to make this possible.
Testimonials:
Ginny Wolak 2010 Half Marathon Runner
When I decided to try and run a half marathon for Cal’s Angels, I had no idea what to expect – I only knew that I wanted to do something…something positive, something meaningful, and something I could be proud of. I wasn’t the fastest runner – I hadn’t even run at all in years, but luckily I found some inspiration, patience and a great teacher in Irene and started the journey anyway. I’m so glad I did. Crossing that finish line made me cry – not just because I had finally accomplished my goal, but because I knew the reason behind the run was to raise money for all the kids who should be running and playing and doing anything but fighting hard for something more valuable than a medal around their necks. Running for Cal’s was the best decision I ever made, and it’s one I’ll make again next year.
Lisa Schnaitmann 2010 Marathon Runner
I developed an interest in running a half marathon after watching my husband run his first in 2009 but I had a fear of committing as I just wasn’t sure I could do it. I’d run in the past but not much more than a few 5k’s and hadn’t run consistently for several years. I received an email from Cal’s Angels about running on their team and I began seriously considering it…but still had that fear. I met with the training coach to discuss the training program and by the time I left I had signed the papers and committed! Having attended Cal’s Angels events in the past, I was well aware of the wonderful things this foundation does for these children and their families and I knew keeping that in my mind while training would help me push through. What I didn’t realize at first was how much training with a group would be a huge key in the success of my training. I trained with some people I already knew and also met some great new people that all helped in my training. We all motivated each other, cheered each other on and pushed each other past our comfort zones. Without the team, I definitely know it would not have been the same experience! I knew someone would always be there to get me through those long runs! I wouldn’t have done my first half marathon any other way! It was an amazing feeling to cross that finish line!
Pam Iwanski 2010 Half Marathon Runner
I’m the person that said I wasn’t a runner and I’d never become one. Then a good friend asked if I’d consider running for Cal’s Angels. I knew of the foundation and the wishes they grant to families and I thought I could at least try and even if I didn’t finish the race that I would be raising money for a good cause. So, with a lot of thought and support from my friends I signed up for 13.1 miles. Yikes! I had the pleasure to meet and run with other Cal’s Angels runners. Without the amazing support other Cal’s Angels runners I most likely would of been in the crowd happily cheering on my friends but this year I was able to join in. I was blown away by the generous donations from friends, coworkers and family. It was one of the best experiences of my life and one I’ll never forget.
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