Ultrarunner Mike Sheehy, who is running 500 miles over 17 days to raise money for the San Diego Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, crossed the border into Arizona yesterday. This extreme challenge intends to make a significant impact on the lives of over 913,000 Americans living with blood cancers through the use of inspiration, public awareness, encouragement and grassroots advocacy efforts.
The 37-year-old Carlsbad resident began his journey on New Year's Day. "Today was a day of both hard work and much celebration," reported Julie Westcott, a co-worker of Sheehy's whose battle with cancer inspired him to run. "My body is starting to show some wear and tear," Sheehy said. "This was the first morning I woke up feeling tired."
Although it was a tough day, it was one of much celebration. Westcott celebrated four months of being cancer-free. She was declared cancer-free on 9-9-09, and Saturday's 4-month remission anniversary coincided on the ninth day of Sheehy's run.
In addition, a major milestone was reached, as Sheehy was over the halfway point of his mileage and crossed the border into Arizona. He ran across the state line with Westcott.
The Cures Rock! Team has accepted this ultramarathon challenge with these objectives in mind:
• To raise public awareness about cancer by harnessing the energy of marathon running and “taking it to the streets” via traditional and contemporary advocacy efforts.
• To encourage and inspire those directly affected by cancer in a personal way so they will see beyond their illnesses and realize that anything is possible. As marathoners, we too will overcome many physical and mental challenges.
* Keep up with Sheehy by e-mailing Julie@curesrock.org or mike@curesrock.org. Also see curesrock.blogspot.com. You can also follow them on twitter @curesrocktour
