Crusading For A Cause

Pinetop, AZ September 2008
10K run this is the birth of our Ragner Relay team.
Tiffany, Aprel, Jenny, Martha, Monica and Minnie

The first day I walked into our ward I immediately recognized my friend Aprel from high school. (This obviously hasn't been an uncommon thing moving back here) She also happens to be one of the first friends I had in 7th grade. I moved from the far west side of Mesa to the east not knowing a single soul. Those of you know starting a new school can be unnerving, not to mention it was the 1st day of junior high. I wish I had a photograph of her helping me run for 7th grade President. She willingly gave me her support by passing out fliers that read "Cruise With Hughes For President" Truthfully I had no business running I was a new kid on the block and not even close to being in the IN crowd.

I almost felt that exact unnerving feeling walking into our new ward a few months ago. You can imagine my surprise after scanning the room seeing a familiar face I hadn't seen in over 20 years. I immediately recognized Aprel, she looks not a day older than high school.

Years later it seems the tables have turned. I am fortunate enough to support her now, but for a much more serious cause. Aprel is an amazing woman, not to mention she has 6 boys. Six!! Her 5th little boy Carson developed kidney cancer when he was just a year old. Unfortunately, I wasn't here to support their family during this tough and scary time. They have dedicated a new blog to Carson which you can read here. He is currently in remission, but that doesn't mean Aprel and her family don't live on the edge of their seats. He has to be scanned every three months just to be sure there is no cancer present. This leads me to explain the reason and cause for running in two weeks. Istich was generous enough to allow us to come over to use her embroidery machine for our running shirts. Thanks Iileen! It is no accident the shirts are green. Like pink represents breast cancer, green is the color for kidney cancer. Which secretly made me giddy--green is one of my fav's.

Front

Back

And because I am a girly girl and volunteered to help out with the shirts I took it upon myself to have matching ribbons for our hair and shoes. And even sewed some headbands. I am sure my team mates are wondering why in the world they put me in charge of van #2???

Ribbon makes all girls happy. I especially LOVE this shade of green.

I am excited to see us all decked out in our race gear. I suggested tutu's but I think that was a bit too much. What can I say?? I am a cheerleader at heart.

The Crusaders
(back row)
Aprel, Minnie, Martha, Kim, Michelle
(middle row)
Tiffany, Jen, Amber, Tishia
Monica and Jenny

These are all of the ladies running on our team minus one. Last night was our final meeting to finish up all minor details of the race. We have all worked SO hard in training and have had countless early mornings running together. It has been such a great experience for me. A special thanks to my dear running partner Amber, I seriously couldn't have done this without you!!