I ran 18 miles and enjoyed it!

I finally have the upper hand on my knee!!! It has taken about a month... but I am now able to run while keeping my pain under control. At the 7 mile aid station, I made the mistake of stopping completely to down some oranges. After a few minutes of standing around, I jumped right back into running. That was a mistake... I literally almost fell over. For a second I thought that was it. I was going to have to turn around and walk back 7 miles to my car. Instead, I kept walking toward the 9 mile turn around point. I used this walk time to drink some water and eat some sport jelly beans. I increased my walk to a power walk and eventually back to a run. I was even able to catch up to my running group. By mile 12 I was feeling really good. I had a runner's high that lasted me the final 6 miles. Next week we go back down to 15 miles and the week after we're back up to 20 miles. That will be the highest mileage we'll do before the marathon. My confidence that I'll be able to successfully complete my marathon has gone way up this week. Besides the sore muscles, blisters and bruised toenails... I'm really feeling good!

Here is the latest update on Alyssa:

She is becoming more aware of her physical challenges (blindness and paralysis on the right side of her body) and as a result is having a real difficult time adapting. For example, she keeps holding up toys to her eyes and asking her mother or grandmother why she can't see them. So sad! Regarding her paralysis, the doctors have informed the family that it might be permanent. So heartbreaking!

She started chemotherapy again last Friday because throughout all this they still need to keep her leukemia under control and the family is hoping she'll get through this next phase of treatment with no more setbacks. Once the chemo starts to kick in, her immune system will become suppressed again, and she'll become more susceptible to infections, etc. Lets hope this won't be the case for little Alyssa!

On a happier note, she is talking more and she remembers who people are by the sound of their voices. And, believe it or not, she still find things to smile and giggle about - such things as her grandfather trying to sing a nursery rhyme, being tickled, listening to her music, and her mother playing with the curls in her hair.

As always, please keep Alyssa in your prayers.

Thanks again for all of you that donated on my behalf to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You have helped make a positive difference in the life of Alyssa and others just like her battling cancer!

God Bless you and your families.