Find A Cure With A Hobby

In 7th grade a friend of mine invited me to join the cross country team. I accepted the invitation with hesitation. I remember the first practice like it was yesterday. The 2:50 end of the day bell rang and I slowly walked to the gym. I walked up to the coach and he said "Oh Gina they changed the bus line today, you can go to the west gate for your ride home." I looked at him and said "oh no... I want to join the team." I have never seen such doubt in someones face. I remember thinking to myself... this is it, I am going to prove everyone wrong. Since that day, I have turned the sport of running from a nightmare to a hobby. 

Years later, I have decided to take this hobby and put it to good use. On October 12th, 2014 I will be running the Chicago Marathon. I am running for the Christopher Reeves foundation to help raise money for spinal injury cure. My brother is a victim of a spinal injury caused from a malpractice in 2007. I am running for him and all those that have suffered from the same injury. I am scared, nervous, and excited to be a part of such an incredible event. In 188 days I will have accomplished a task that I never imagined my strength and mind could handle. 

I realized my joy for running could be pushed in the Chicago Marathon when I felt the intense sense of accomplishment at the end of each run. The moment I finished I felt proud and ready for the next challenge.  Although the number of consistent running is nothing near 26.2 I am ready to be challenged. I am taking my hobby and using it for the better of his community and I will continue to update on progress. For all those that ever doubted their ability to accomplish something, please take my story as a push to try. Running was a enemy, now, it is my biggest inspiration.