Saturday, August 20, 2011

Giving Back

A 5K/10K trail challenge was held today at the US National Whitewater Center in Charlotte to support the leukemia and lymphoma society. Several folks at work put together a team to participate in the 5K race, and a few of us also volunteered at the event.

Volunteers had to show up at 6:30 AM, which meant I needed to leave my house at 5:30 AM. Throw in the challenge of feeding and giving a shot to the diabetic dog prior to leaving the house, and that meant we had to get up at 4:45 AM. The alarm didn’t go off, but luckily I woke up shortly after five and with some serious rushing we managed to arrive to the whitewater center on-time.

Robbie and I were assigned the water and banana table along with several other volunteers. It didn’t feel like we did much, but someone has to do even the little things to make these types of events a success.

The Team from work was amazing. Our team placed first in the 5K for a mixed team. Additionally, a co-worker walked the 5K with a baby on her back. Impressive, indeed! We all wore shirts designed by Bernie, our graphic artist, and they were awesome. I am so in love with this shirt. Another co-worker ordered purple terrycloth headbands to match. We looked awesome. I was very touched that they choose to support this event – it meant a lot to me. I work with great people and their actions remind me of this often. My sincerest gratitude goes out to Leslie, Bernie, Karen, Sarah, Courtney, Grant, George, and Ricardo.

Next year, if they do the race again, I will do the 5K. I felt lazy for not doing it this year. I felt inspired by all the folks who participated. It was great to cheer everyone on at the finish line.

Ha, cancer! You delivered a fabulous day. Take that!

2 comments:

  1. I already said this to Robbie over on G+, but... THAT SHIRT IS FULL OF WIN!!!! That's right, cancer. WHO'S YER MOMMA?!

    :-)

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  2. LOVE the t-shirt! Great job, Bernie! And great job to you and Robbie for lending a helping hand, especially that early in the morning. :)

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