First Day Back

Today was my first official day back on the road with Team Baltimore! Though I'm not getting to run just yet, I was able to still be a part of the day with my team, acting as navigator and DJ for the van. It is definitely frustrating not being able to run miles, but being able to contribute at all is enough for me at the moment. Our journey today took us from Schaumburg, IL to Rensselaer, IN -- into the 10th state of our trip!

Schaumburg was an AMAZING experience. My teammate, Kristin, grew up in Schaumburg, which is right outside of Chicago. We were welcomed with a crew of cheering school children with balloons, open arms, couches, air mattresses, and a spread of snacks. Who could ask for anything else?? Kristin's family and friends organized some great activities for us while we were in Schaumburg. The night we arrived, after fantastic taco fiesta, we were able to talk to people from the community (including a service dog named JoJo) and tell them more about ourselves, 4K and Ulman Cancer Fund. I love getting to talk to people in the community because we can spread awareness for UCF and open doors to support for those who might unfortunately face cancer in the future. We want to make sure people know there are resources available to them.

Our welcome to Schaumburg -- Complete with a welcoming committee of cheering children!

Teammate Corryn, Service Dog JoJo, me and a boy from the community after speaking to St. Peter's Lutheran

Yesterday we had an off day that was packed full of activities! We started the morning with pancakes, eggs, fresh juice, fruit and chocolate milk. I have to mention the food because a hot breakfast is not something we get regularly... or ever. After breakfast, a group went to Gilda's Club Chicago to take breakfast and tour the organization. I highly recommend taking some time to read more about Gilda's Club. They share the same idea as Ulman Cancer Fund, that nobody should have to face cancer alone.

While we were there, we were taken on a tour of their facilities, which included everything from Noogieland play area to a yoga studio and private support group rooms. After taking a tour and learning more about what Gilda's club does, we were able to sit in on part of their teen camp and listen to a DJ teach the teens about music and what it takes to become a DJ.

Once we finished our tour, we headed back to Schaumburg where we got ready for our first scholarship presentation! This is something I had been looking forward to since I had become part of Team Baltimore. During the months leading up to 4K For Cancer, I was part of the scholarship team that read and evaluated scholarship applications. While this was honestly one of the most difficult parts of the experience, it was also one of the most rewarding because I had a hand in deciding where the money was going that our team had worked so hard to raise.

Our first scholarship award was given to a girl named Nikki, a 17 year old Thyroid Cancer survivor, who was from a suburb of Chicago. With this scholarship, she is able to attend college with a little help from Ulman Cancer Fund, and she has decided to apply for 4K for Cancer next year! It was so touching to hear her story, learn more about her and what UCF means to her. A real reminder of why we run.

Team Baltimore with Nikki, one of our scholarship winners.

To continue on with our unforgettable Schaumburg experience, we then went to Lou Malnati's, one of the best pizza places in the Chicago area, for some real deep dish pizza! Our dinner was graciously provided by the parents of Matt Peterson. Matt was Kristin's youth pastor who lost his battle to cancer a few years ago. Matt is one of the biggest reasons why Kristin is running 4K For Cancer, and Team Baltimore has adopted him as one of our reasons for running.

With full hearts and uncomfortably full tummies, we went to bed last night with a looming 3:30 am wake up call to get on the road to Rensselaer. We were originally supposed to be going to Watseka, IL. Unfortunately, their town was flooded and evacuated so we had to make a last minute change. Through 100+ degree temperatures and endless corn fields, Team Baltimore covered about 130 miles.

Along the way, we were stopped waiting for a group of runners to finish their leg and a man named James came and talked to us because we were parked outside of his work building. He introduced himself and told us that running saved his life. He used to way over 400 lbs but has now run multiple marathons and half marathons. He's currently training for the Chicago Marathon in October! He was so moved by our cause that he wanted to help us in some way and gave us his case of Powerade that he carries with him for work.

Top: Liz Cowle, Lindsay Rock, James, Allison Julie Brentzel, Matt Jordan, Hannah Rickets, Me
Bottom: Jenna Burnett, Danielle Prill, Allison Flitter, Corryn Wheatley

Getting to meet people like Nikki and James are part of what makes this journey so sweet. While James was not connected to cancer, running was a huge part of his life and saved him and inspired him to be something more.

A HUGE Thank You to St. Peter's Lutheran, Joe and Nancy Decker, James, Nikki, The Peterson Family for making our Schaumburg to Rensselaer leg so memorable. Thank you to my parents, my family, my boyfriend, and my friends for your continued love and support each day.

And thank you to the Memphis Grizzlies for retweeting my photo! #MemphisVSErrrbody Errrwhere!