It is hard to believe we are approaching our 2nd Annual Labor of Love Race on August 31st. I feel as if it were yesterday that I sat down to write to all of you asking you to join our inaugural race. Labor of Love is more than I ever imagined and that is because of you. After the race last year, Michael and I were so overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. The huge outpouring of support from Q104 and Average Joe, our friends, family and the community confirmed what we already know ---- We are so darn lucky!
Last year we exceeded our goal and had over 400 runner/walkers. You may recall last year seeing the many individuals that Our Lady of the Wayside serves, including my Michael J. who very much enjoyed being pushed in his jogger. The smiles and laughter really confirm that it is the small things that really make a difference.
As most of you know, our son Michael J. has a deletion of his 22nd chromosome. Michael is now 22yrs old. He is going through some medical challenges and that put him in the hospital twice last month. The Wayside staff was amazing. They made daily visits to the hospital to not only give us an extra hand but to come and visit as a friend. The compassion and kindness that they have for my Michael J. and for all the amazing consumers that they serve is just one piece of The Wayside.
Please come run or walk with Michael J. and our family on Sunday, August 31st in Rocky River. There is a 4 mile run, 2 mile fun run/walk or find a partner and run the 4 mile relay. Remember, as my daughter Helen once told me, “It’s all about the journey not the destination.” I believe that she is right because it is the journey we remember!
So please help us meet our goal of 750 runner/ walkers this year by registering at http://www.thewayside.org/labor_of_love.aspx!
With much gratitude,
Gina and Michael O’Shea