More than six months ago, over dinner with friends, I
committed to run the Disney marathon and fundraise $5,000 for Comfort Zone
Camp. Without thinking twice, I had simultaneously agreed to
confront two of the largest challenges that I have ever chosen to face. A few days later, I found a range
of emotions running through my head—nervousness, excitement, eagerness, bewilderment,
and exhilaration. Exactly what was it that I was getting
myself into?
When I was five years old, my father died tragically during
a training operation prior to the start of the Persian Gulf War. He was thirty years old. He was a loving husband and father of
three. Following his death, I
assumed numerous responsibilities that other children did not have.
Childhood should be carefree, but when a loss occurs, everything changes.
I kept many of my emotions bottled up inside, wanting not to
burden my mother with any more stress than she was already carrying. On the outside, I held it together, but
internally I struggled with feelings of isolation, loneliness, and confusion
that childhood grief generates. I wish that I could have attended Comfort Zone Camp as
a child, so that I would have found ways to manage the aforementioned emotions
and build connections with others who had experienced the loss of a
parent. Although I was never
able to experience Comfort Zone as a child, I am truly grateful that I am now
able to be a part of an organization that is able to provide grieving children
with exactly what they need to grow and heal!
As I ran on Sunday, the excitement of race day and the
energy my fellow runners pushed me through the first 18 miles of the race. I felt strong and was holding a faster
pace than I had trained for.
However, around mile 18 my leg muscles began to tighten and my endurance
was diminishing. I knew that
remainder of the race was not only going to be a physical battle, but also a
mental battle. In order to push
through for the remainder of the race, I quickly thought about why I was
running. I was running for Comfort
Zone! More specifically, I was running for all of the brave, strong campers
that I have met at Comfort Zone.
I decided to dedicate each of my remaining eight miles to one of the
brave, strong little buddies that I have had the opportunity to be matched with
since I have begun volunteering.
During each remaining mile of my race, I remembered the story of a
camper, the struggles she confronted, and the growth she demonstrated. With that strength in mind, I completed
my first marathon and met my personal goal of running under 4 hours!
Completing the marathon was a personal goal that I am no
doubt proud of, however, my reason for running was not simply to cross the
finish line. My reason for running
was Comfort Zone. In signing up
for the marathon and joining the CZC Runs Disney Team, I also pledged to raise
$5,000 for Comfort Zone. To date,
I have raised $5,130, which is enough to send 10 kids to camp! When I began
this journey, I could not have imagined the support and generosity that so many
have displayed. I am grateful for
the family, friends, and even strangers who have stepped up and made donations
to Comfort Zone. I am also
grateful to have had the opportunity to raise awareness for grieving children
and Comfort Zone. I am grateful
for my CZC Runs Disney teammates, particularly Maggie, Matt, and Alex—the friends
who “convinced” me to run 26.2 miles and raise $5,000 for Comfort Zone!
-- Erin
I ran Disney for my amazing little buddies who supported me through the trials and tribulations of training. When posed with the option of running and raising money, I thought this could be the funds bringing my inspiring little buddies back to camp or provide the opportunity for other kids to join the Comfort Zone community. 
Initially, I signed up to run so that each step would represent a step towards a year in recovery from two knee surgeries and a step closer to helping a child start his or her road to creating a new path in life. 
I ran to challenge myself, and to raise money and awareness for an organization that means so much to me. I have only been with CZC for less than a year, but have been hooked since my first camp.
Running for CZC has been an unforgettable challenge!! During this 7 month journey I learned more about myself and was able to share with others the magic of CZC!! 
When I first found out about CZC forming a team for the Disney Marathon, I didn't hesitate the least bit. I knew I had to be a part of it! CZC has meant so much to my children and I over the years, that I would do anything I could to help them, help others, like us.
I first found out about CZC in 2008, and as so many do, I fell in love with Comfort Zone after my very first weekend at camp. My first experience with CZC was as a camper at the young-adult camp. I remember the drive from my home in Wilmington, NC to Richmond. I was so nervous on the drive up; I had attended the volunteer training a few months prior, but I had no idea what to expect as a camper. As soon as I got out of my car, I was greeted by the friendly CZC staff and instantly, I felt better. The days that followed were truly some of the most life-changing and incredible days I’ve ever experienced. I lost my mom when I was 16 years old, and for the first time, I was surrounded by other people who “get it.” I healed more in those 2 days than I had in the 2 years since my mom’s death. 
More than six months ago, over dinner with friends, I
committed to run the Disney marathon and fundraise $5,000 for Comfort Zone
Camp. Without thinking twice, I had simultaneously agreed to
confront two of the largest challenges that I have ever chosen to face. A few days later, I found a range
of emotions running through my head—nervousness, excitement, eagerness, bewilderment,
and exhilaration. Exactly what was it that I was getting
myself into?
My workout buddies at SEAL Team Physical Training, know that I only like to run for an hour. Just an hour and I’m happy. My SEAL Team buddies also know I’d rather do anything than run in a race. Just not my thing….way too crowded for my liking. Why then, did I decide to sign up to run 13.1 miles with the CZCrunsDisney team and 28,000 other runners at Walt Disney World? The answer is simple….I just couldn’t say no to Maggie.
Well, I finished! 26.2 miles complete. It's not the best time but since this is my first marathon, it's a personal best! Since this will be my last marathon, it will remain a personal best! I am sore and really looking forward to the hot tub tonight.
