Running the Race for my Proud Father
On August 16, 2014, my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. I was 11 years old at the time, and even with tears of uncertainty about this diagnosis, I knew that my father was the most loving, persevering, and strong-willed man in the world. His righteous fight of perseverance and faith will forever be an inspiration to me for my entire life. In the midst of physical fatigue and suffering, he continued to put his whole heart into being the best father, husband, brother, and high school principal that could only happen by the strength and grace of God. He embodied to me what it meant to be a Godly man fighting the good fight of faith and running the race with perseverance. He leaned on the Holy Father to get up every morning, and it was certainly God who fueled him to do the amazing things he did everyday in the midst of hardship. He entered the Heavenly Kingdom on January 1, 2017.
My father's final prayer was that I would know and love Christ all my life, and that I would continue to persevere in my academic and athletic aspirations for God's glory. To honor my father and his final prayer, I have chosen to run the 2024 Chicago Marathon through Team Zero Prostate Cancer. I will run every mile with the same spirit of perseverance, hope, and faith that my father once exemplified to me, while also serving towards the many strong men who are fighting the battle against prostate cancer. I am sincerely grateful for all of your generous donations that will serve towards my goal of raising at least $1,250 before race day. Every mile that I run and every donation will be in dedication for the glory of God. As I surpass 26.2 miles, Jesus will deserve all the praise and glory, for not only blessing me with the opportunity to embark on this righteous journey, but also in honor of my father's persevering fight.
About ZERO:
ZERO Prostate Cancer is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and the leading national non-profit with the mission to end prostate cancer and help all who are impacted. For more than twenty years, ZERO has been on the front lines advancing research, providing support, and creating solutions to achieve health equity to meet the most critical needs of our community. 85 cents of every dollar goes directly to funding these patient programs. You can learn more about their mission and programs at https://zerocancer.org/.
