I Run for Caleb! Will you?

Hello all!
I am so excited to share this blog post with you. After two months of sitting on a waiting list and with 53 days until the wedding, I have finally been matched with a buddy to run for through I RUN 4 MICHAEL!

IRUN4Michael is a non-profit organization that pairs runners with special needs children and adults. These people have physical disabilities that don't allow them to be able to run themselves and so, as a runner, you dedicate all your runs to them. You tell them every time you complete a run through the facebook page and they support you through pictures and posts and you support them through doctor's appointments, illnesses and celebrate their milestones. The best part is, when you receive race "swag" you can send it to them! I love this idea, instead of having a drawer full of race tshirts that I don't wear, I can get one in the size for my buddy and it can really mean something!

I knew that the time was getting close as I saw my name move down the waiting list and finally on Sunday night, I was matched with an amazing little boy named Caleb.

How adorable and strong is this little man?

 

Caleb is 8 years old. He was born 3 months early, weighed 1 lb 9.9 oz. Caleb has been diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) (basically brain damage), cerebral palsy, asthma and a severe seizure disorder. Caleb is wheelchair bound but he can scoot on the floor on his belly and gets around pretty good.  He can say about 30 words and he is learning to use his iPad to speak for him.

 

I posted my first run for Caleb yesterday putting in 3.5 miles on the treadmill and I couldn't wait to post and tell him. Even my friend Jordan got in the act, dedicating her night at FlyWheel to Caleb!

 

TorqName:ForCaleb

 

His mom told me that they told the Doctor about Caleb's new running buddy and my heart melted. I cannot wait to learn more about this sweet little boy and have him push me to run further, faster and more often. Great motivation for the wedding and great motivation for my soul : )

 

I have asked any friends, family and blog readers, to help me communicate with Caleb and show him that there are several people that know about him and care about his health. So, if you need some motivation to finish or just start a workout, think of Caleb cheering you on and send me a note or a picture and I will pass it on to the family.

 

Also, on March 15th, my fiancé and I will be doing our 1st 5k of the year and we are going to dedicate it to Caleb! The "Color Me Green 5k" will be held in Charlotte in honor of St. Pattys Day and I intend on wearing an "I Run for Caleb" tshirt. Who wants to run with me?