Well!  3 weeks from now, i will be crossing the finish line in Leadville - but Guess What!?

RORY BEAT ME TO IT!  5 months ago she was diagnosed with this rare, late stage cancer - a genetic fluke affecting less the a million people- the odds being "dire" to 30% to 60% to 80% from the best sources. This changed Rory's and her family's life entirely to evolve around her care: 68 chemo treatments, 1 major spinal surgery, 1 tumor resection surgery, PT 3 times a week to help her walk, countless shots and medication for and causing side effects, 47 days in the hospital, dozens of clinic visits and appointments including 2nd and 3rd opinions in NY and Boston, being isolated from other kids, and the list goes on.
Her parents both describe Rory as having handled this all with grace, understanding, cooperation, resilience, and strength of spirit.
On Tuesday she had surgery to remove the initial tumor,they also removed her tailbone and some of her sacrum.  She sprang back, playing and chatting and standing on her own.
Friday night they got the news that the tumor was completely dead tissue.

Rory is in Remission!  RORY IS CANCER-FREE!
- please do a little happy dance with me here.

So! Treatment doesn't end here, they will be having scans, seeing doctors and she has PT 5 days a week to help her walk again. She may need another surgery for that. The chemo she underwent makes her more prone to other types of cancers and hearing loss (likely) down the road.  As her Daddy says, "Those are struggles will face together if the time comes, and Bridget and I will make every effort to give her the best chance at a very healthy future."

Thank You all for your donations - they have helped enormously all along the way. 
Thank you for pledging per mile, as the costs still come in and there's still along road ahead.
Alex and Bridget asked that I extend to you and everyone their heartfelt (and they say belated) thanks.

Me, i went for a run and my blisters peeled another layer and i lost a toenail, but hey!  They'll grow back before Leadville and meanwhile I am doing knee maintenance and excercise.  I am ready for this thing!!!
I am antsy to run and run.  This is the part they call "tapering" before the race, gets the body rested, rebuilt, and ready, and makes my eager to go!

What better inspiration than this amazing little girl who says, "I can give you comfort" when adults around her cry that her bump is gone.  I love you, Rory!