Race for the Cure | Stacy Strong Recap

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I'm having a hard time figuring out where to begin with this blog post... wooooof. As most of you know, it's been a tumultuous week (to say the least). I'm just going to go ahead and jump over all of the ups and downs and tell you about the race and how incredible it was. Does that work? Ok? Ok good!

So for a quick recap: I started team "Stacy Strong" as soon as the Komen direct mailer landed in my mailbox. Together, with family, close friends, and friends of friends... we raised a total of $10,700 (actually the count is still climbing - somebodddyyy added another donation today). We came in 2nd place out of over 100 teams for our fundraising efforts. WOOT WOOT THANK YOU EVERYONE! YOU ROCK, YOU ROCK, YOU ROCK! We earned ourselves a very cool VIP tent (pictured below) which was, for some reason, so exciting! haha

More importantly, STACY MADE IT to the event AND walked AND crossed the finish line. My sister's will just continues to grow stronger. Man oh man. She's incredible. Seriously, I have no words because what she has been going through in addition to the difficulty of this past week... has been more than any person should have to deal with. In addition to that, my aunt Kathy D walked with her head held high and crossed that finish line! She was the very first person to show up to the event. It was extremely moving for our entire family because she was diagnosed back in 2010. We walked at this same race for her that year and she wasn't able to walk with us. She is lookin' and feelin' fine now (yay!). THEN, a neighborhood friend of my mom and sis, Janet B, was also diagnosed earlier in the year. She RAN and finished with her family. OMG. (If these women don't motivate you, I don't know what will.)

My heroes: Stacy & Kathy D!

Then, they had the survivor parade which was one of the most emotional moments I have ever experienced. But, really beautiful.

Then, we ran and spilled water all over ourselves.....
Haha... Anyway, it was so fun.... but HOT. 85 degrees hot. Here I am with my cousin, Jenn.

My favs. (just missing Janet)

Cousins!

My awesome fam bam.

Again.

And Jonathan, of course!

And here's the ENTIRE STACY STRONG POSSE. I think I count 74 here. That is how much strength and support is behind my sister and this doesn't even include all of the friends and family who live far away or couldn't make it. So moving. YOU ARE ALL AMAZING. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

If you're interested in supporting Komen Mass at another event, I'll be the blogger host leading the 3mi fun run at the New Balance Girls' Night Out event next week on 10/8. Info HERE (via boston.com).

Have a GREAT week. xo

Friday Favs_9.25.14

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As many of you know, this week has been a roller coaster of emotion. It can sometimes be difficult to bring myself to write a positive post (that typically comes so easy to me) when I'm feeling so bummed out. What my sister is going through right now and the current setback, just feels really unfair.

That being said, positivity breeds light and so I will share this week's brightest moments. I hope these pics make you smile the way they made me smile earlier this week.

Perfect view of our flag at Duxbury beach last week during Rob's sister, Kathryn's triathlon.

The sunrise over Carson Beach on an early morning run.

The view of our city from our friend's North End apartment.

The grin on this boy's face after catching one big blue fish!

The sunset from Castle Island that will never get old.

And this message, for my sister, and for anyone who's feeling a little blue. 

Have a wonderful weekend - take advantage of perfect weather. xo

I've been keeping this secret for WEEKS! #NBGNO

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Alright so... I have some prettttty fun and exciting news to share. As many of you know, I have been supporting the partnership between New Balance and Komen MA for about a year now with their #LaceUp365 program. This is a program that I am extremely passionate about as it generates awareness of breast cancer 365 days a year, not just in October. To refresh your memory... here are some links from the past:

first...

I went to Barry's Bootcamp to support kicking cancer's stupid butt!

then...

I pedaled to put an end to cancer at The Handle Bar

then...

We moved in unison for those fighting the battle at North End Yoga

then...

Only weeks later, my sister was diagnosed. 

Like a ton of bricks, ugh. And, as I sit here writing this, I'll be honest...  I have knots in my stomach thinking about this sequence of events. It infuriates me that this disease is so prevalent.  That being said, I'm so grateful that major organizations have partnered together to continue to raise awareness and educate people on breast cancer. The #LaceUp365 program is all about awareness. My translation of "awareness" means:  be aware that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed, so... be aware of your body, be aware of your health, be aware of your environment, and be aware of what you can do to help lower your risk.

So, here's my secret REVEALED: A few weeks ago... I was contacted to be the blogger host at the next New Balance Girls Night Out Event (#NBGNO) on October 8th! To say I am honored -- is an understatement. These NBGNO events were developed by New Balance to deepen their relationship with women by empowering them, through physical and social experiences and opportunities, to connect with others. I've been chosen for this particular event because of my 'enthusiasm for fitness and passion and dedication to breast cancer awareness and the #LaceUp365 program.' Read a little more below. The best part - it's FREE and SO FREAKING FUN! Rebecca, Kim, and I participated in one last month. Recap here.

I'll be leading the pink laces run around Back Bay and then will speak a little bit about my passion for raising breast cancer awareness, as well as the HEALTH of our bodies.

How to join?

1. Click here: https://www.nbgirlsnightout.com/

2. Click: Events

3. Scroll down to "Boston RSVP" and simply sign up!

Space is limited so act fast. Can't wait to see you! xo

First NBGNO I went to last month with the girls!