Rivalry Run 2014

It's that time of year again! The fifth annual Rivalry Run was held in downtown Kansas City on August 16. Missouri and Kansas has had a long rivalry that has existed since the Civil War. I will always love to hate Kansas. So whenever there is a chance to beat up on them, I'm there.

For this run, each registration earns a point for your state. The top three finishers in each age group earns points. The overall finishers will earn points. And fundraising dollars for the Domestic Violence Protection Services Agency earns points as well. The first two years, Missouri was the winner. The last two years, Kansas has taken the cup. Will Missouri win it back and break the tie?

Even though Missouri had more participants, there sure was a lot of blue.

This year I also registered my son. It would be his first competition 5K. He ran last year without a bib and did very well, so this year he ran as a participant. And he did awesome! Look at that time!

He was disappointed with coming in 4th in his age group. So close to a medal! But that only fueled his desire to try harder next time. We're considering doing the Komen Race for the Cure in Columbia on October 4th. Plenty of time to train between now and then. 

And I'm happy to report that Missouri WON the cup. We smoked them 556 - 487. 

Until next time! Mizzou-RAH!

02.04.13 Hope - World Cancer Day

The pink ribbon. A symbol of hope that a cure for breast cancer will be found.

I can't remember where I got this little pink ribbon. It must have been while I was working at the American Cancer Society. I really like that there are people* attached on the ribbon. It symbolizes a community effort and support. That we are all in this fight together, and you are not alone.

*Edited: Worry People. That's what the little dolls are called. You are to tell the dolls all your worries and they take them all away.

Thankfully, I have never had breast cancer, but I have had skin cancer. I am fully aware of what it feels like to hear that word. "The mole we removed was melanoma." It was a small amount and easily remedied with two surgeries on my back. I have a nice scar to remind me to use sunscreen. Hearing the "c" word is a little unnerving and frightening and makes you think about many, many things.

Did you know today is World Cancer Day? My hope is that today you will learn more about cancer and how to prevent it. Here are four myths that you may not know.

• Myth 1: Cancer is just a health issue. Truth: Cancer is not just a health issue. It has wide-reaching social, economic, development, and human rights implications.
• Myth 2: Cancer is a disease of the wealthy, elderly and developed countries. Truth: Cancer is a global epidemic. It affects all ages and socio-economic groups, with developing countries bearing a disproportionate burden.
• Myth 3: Cancer is a death sentence. Truth: Many cancers that were once considered a death sentence can now be cured and for many more people, their cancer can be treated effectively.
• Myth 4: Cancer is my fate. Truth: With the right strategies, a third of the most common cancers can be prevented.

You can fight cancer through early detection and screenings, eating healthy and getting exercise, quit smoking, and raise awareness.

National Wear Red Day

The first Friday in February is National Wear Red Day to bring awareness to women's heart health. Since the first National Wear Red Day 10 years ago, tremendous strides have been made in the fight against heart disease in women, including:

• 21% fewer women dying from heart disease
• 23% more women aware that it's their No. 1 health threat
• Publishing of gender-specific results, established differences in symptoms and responses to medications and women-specific guidelines for prevention and treatment
• Legislation to help end gender disparities

My sorority, Alpha Phi, is a huge supporter of women's heart health. In 1946, Alpha Phi officially adopted cardiac care as a philanthropic priority. The Alpha Phi Foundation supports programs and research that specifically study heart disease in women.

So... I'm rocking the red today to show my support!  Are you?

Day 3. Heart

A good day starts with a healthy breakfast. I like oatmeal because you can add things to it to improve or change the flavor. I will add fruit and nuts to mine. Very tasty and very filling!

The originator of Photo a Day is a very caring person. She wrote this post on her Facebook page:

Starting this year for photo a day, I've decided to include a charity prompt each month. It will create awareness for a particular charity each month.

Prompt number 3 is heart and this is for Heart Lung Transplant Trust. You can find out more about them here: http://www.hlttv.org.au/ 

Make sure you pop over to the Medicare site and sign up to the national organ donor register. I know it's not fun, but you could save lives. {Alternatively, if you're not in Australia - update your donor details with your national register}.

She has thousands of followers all over the world, so this is a great thing to do to create awareness for different charities.

I made the decision long ago to donate my organs. I've seen the educational value of a donation like this where I work (School of Medicine), so the choice for me was easy. So I have to ask, are you an organ donor? If you are not and would like to sign up, click here if you live in the United States.