one run down, one to go! Luke certainly gave me wings last week at the Tabacco Road Marathon! It was a beautiful sunny day with a bright blue sky - and I ran a personal best of 4:15:17! My family was on the course cheering and I felt all the support and prayers coming from far away! Thank you for all the love for round one! Next up, the Chicago Marathon in October!
I’m raising the stakes in 2019 and taking on not one but two marathons -- for an amazing cause! As most of you know, my nephew Luke Michael Blanton was born on November 16, 2017. The little man had some complications with his heart and his lungs but he fought hard before leaving us on December 17. My sister and brother-in-law started Luke's Fund to help support the babies, parents, nurses and doctors that work in the NICU at Duke Hospital - where our family spent countless hours with Luke. On March 17th I will lace up my shoes and run in his honor at the Tobacco Road Marathon in North Carolina. Then on October 13th I will once again take to the streets of Chitown to run my 7th Chicago Marathon (my 12th marathon)! The strength that my nephew exhibited in his short life; the grace that my sister demonstrated before and after Luke's birth; the courage that my brother-in-law showcased to our family; the dedication of the doctors and nurses on Luke's team -- this is why I run. Please feel free to check out Luke's page for more information on his Fund. I've also included the Caringbridge site that my sister and Taylor started to share Luke's story for those who are curious about Luke's short but powerful life. Thank you for all the love, support, prayers, and encouragement over the years! Now let's run for Luke! https://lmbfund.weebly.com https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lukemichaelblanton/journal
