We’ve had a great first year for the DenimDash for rare disease awareness!  Thank you so much to Jim and Heidi for catching this and starting a team!  To Kathy for coordinating a West Virginia crew!  To various individuals who ran, even if they were alone.  And to Kentucky for making me cry 3 times today.  The good kind of cry.

After church today, I loaded all 3 kids back up and we drove two hours to meet and pick up J from the airport.  I had to pull over twice.  The first time to get a better look at the photos dad was sending.

The second time to clear the tears from my eyes so I could drive more safely.  What a turnout.  Over 40 runners were there and hundreds of dollars were raised.  I knew there was going to be a group, and a couple of names had been mentioned.  But I didn’t expect anything like this.  I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised.  Time and time again the extended Two If By Faith family surprises and surpasses in the best possible ways.  I know I sound corny and dramatic on here a lot.  But you all are truly amazing.

Today’s group was very special. There are families in that photo who know loss, pain, and that life can be full of unexpected turns. But they also know God, love, and that around each of those turns, there are arms to hold you, and hands to lift you up.  Despite the miles between us they have held and lifted us and families like ours.  I love them all.

For the entire album on facebook, click here.

A special thank you to anyone who ran, walked, pedaled, donated, prayed, encouraged, high-fived, cheered, posted, or did anything to help raise awareness, and support the cause.   Thank you for caring about rare.

We’ve had a successful day today!  Perhaps my favorite accomplishment: I got out the boys’ vestibular swing and found a place to hang it on the outdoor swing set.  We won’t leave it out there overnight, but it made for a great way to spend family time together outside.  It is essentially a small hammock.  It hugs and forms to the body of someone who can’t otherwise sit in a swing by themselves.  The movement is also a nice change of pace for the boys, and can be therapeutic. Not to mention…swinging is fun!

K helped hang it, and loved that we could be outside together.  The boys each took a turn.  They were very relaxed, and despite the stink eye Landon is sneaking through in his photo,  they both seemed to enjoy it.  Relaxing.  Fun.  Family time.  Here’s hoping we get lots of beautiful evenings to put it to good use!

K needed a swinging buddy

Swinging Brothers

N relaxing in to a nap

L peaking out at the beautiful day.

Hello there!  I have some exciting news regarding Landon and Nolan’s team for the Denim Dash 5K Virtual Run for Rare Disease.

Thanks to your enthusiastic support, we became a top 3 fundraiser out of 190 teams!!!

TOP 3!

Here is our team link if you’d like to check it out.

As for the race, we have a couple of options if you would prefer to coordinate your start time.  (In all cases, the more, the merrier).

1) Hampshire County Residents!  There will be a Denim Dash group tomorrow (Monday) at 5pm.  Meet at the track at the school for the Deaf and Blind.  Kathy S and Devon S are among those planning to be there.

2) March 28th (Saturday) at 10:00 AM Eastern / 9:00 AM Central we will have a virtual “start”.  You can run or walk from wherever you are, and know that others are hitting the pavement as well.

3) If neither of those work for you, you can run or walk wherever and whenever meets your schedule this week.  We are just glad you are participating!

EVERYONE…one of the goals is raising awareness, so I would love to see social media participation.  Post your 5K finish time, a “race” photo, or a photo of someone rare and loved in your family.  Here are some suggestions:

• You can post it on the two if by faith facebook page.
• If you know me personally, you can send me a text or email.
• You can post on your own page, and tag me.  Then I’ll grab the photo and share it on the boys’ page for you.

We are looking forward to it!  And can’t wait to hear from you as well!