This One's for Austin!

Since I started liking races, I have ran 2 races already and have walked a couple too. Those were all for a good cause. Those races I joined in were events made to help Cancer Research for Maine [Mary's Walk-March], Fundraising for the athletes [Boney Eagle Scot Trot-March], a march to save the babies [March of Dimes-May] and my most recent which is a cause to help a school and a community [Patriot 5k "Lap Around the Lake"-May].

On Saturday, the 4th of June, I am scheduled to probably walk [since I don't have the time to train] for another cause - 5 Mile Dog Walk for a Cancer which will be held at 9am to noon in Lake Arrowhead Community at Victoria Lane East Tennis Court North Waterboro.

This event is perhaps the most important race I will participate in not because it is another event to support a special cause... but because, the cause is meant for Austin Hudson.

Austin is the reason why I am working part-time as Ed Tech at Waterboro School. He is a typical 9-year old boy who loves being with his friends, likes to run and play, enjoys Math, Art and Computer subjects and more importantly, who loves his independence and his ability to discover, learn and do new things on his own. But last year, he was diagnosed with brain cancer and now in recuperation. The struggle is continuous and indefinite as we all know of most cancer patients.

I have not known Austin until I was assigned to work with him. However, I could tell in his eyes that he is a fighter. His spirit is tough but his body is so fragile. That is why no matter how much he likes to go to school everyday ,it is a constant struggle as well. I have only worked once a week for 2 hours in the past 4 weeks with him but this week, he was able to come to school 2 days in a row and that is "huge".

This Saturday... we are going to run or walk [whichever you prefer] for him. It's a Dog Walk actually, but Sarah, Austin's mom said you don't need to have one to join. [Good, thing I was already on my way to buy a dog just to join, LOL] But if you cannot join us... you can still support and help by donating to Austin Hudson Family Fund. Donations can be deposited directly at SIS Bank. Details on the event can be found in Facebook too.

So, come and join us... in person... with your dog [on a leash, please] or your friends and family... or in spirit [by donating] and let's all walk for Austin.

See you there!