Sara is my cousin. She was born with a severe case Tuberous Sclerosis. It is a genetic disease that disables here for walking, talking and she has seizures on a regular basis. I have watched from afar their lives and what they have done to provide Sara with the most comfortable and 'regular' life as possible. They have displayed so much courage, patience and love with Sara. Sara, too, is strong. She attended public high school as she can communicate some through eye contact and a few years ago, her brother took her to prom.When i first started running and considered doing a marathon, i was so excited of the thought of earning a marathon medal. I even considered framing it of some sort as i have seen so many other casual runners do so to immortalize their run. After joining M4M, i was quite conflicted with what i would do with my marathon medal.... i thought about "just keeping the first one for myself" and then start donating... I will admit i held onto it for a few months and then decided that I could not be a part of M4M if i wasn't willing to participate myself. So, i choose the most honorable recipient i knew, Sara.
I am so happy i gave Sara my medal, she deserved it more than i... i would like to share a few comments my aunt wrote upon receiving the medal.
Now that you're a mom, you know how proud you are of your child, and you want everyone else to notice as well. I have never stopped feeling that way for ALL THREE of our kids. The guys are always appreciated, but so often, Sara goes unnoticed, and I hurt for her. She's so uniquely gifted with multiple talents all her own; I just "glow" inside when someone else recognizes her for who she is. You have always had a special place for Sara. THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
