A Reason to Run

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