Sunday, November 15, 2009

The NephCure Walk, a report


It was a magnificent fall morning, the air recently washed by a sampling of rain. The small crowd gathered around the tables and blue easy-up covers, registering their presence, receiving their shirts. I arrived with my son and husband, a little late, beginning my morning not at 100%, but determined that a stomach upset was never going to stop me from walking. I had wondered for the last three weeks, why I had never heard of NephCure, why I did not have an organization, a support system like this when my son suffered so many years with FSGS. I cannot answer and I cannot dwell on that now, for I must move forward and be active to help other families have hope with this dreadful disease. My son Timothy, has now passed on with God, and for me, it was bittersweet seeing the little faces of children stricken, but the sweet is the taste that remains, knowing my fundraising will help to make a difference. To you who have given, Thank you, you have blessed me in remembering Tim, but have helped to give hope to other families dealing with this ailment.  


On seeing Jennifer Jacobson (a transplant recipient) and meeting her after we had exchanged messages through e-mails, the emotion took me for a few minutes and I thank God for her sharing her story so that I could help and continue to share mine as well. 




Jennifer and Coleene








I see next year, a walk in the Inland Empire that along with my friend Deanne (who never knew my son), I will help to organize and I am thankful for that opportunity. I walk because I need to move forward, not leaving my son's memory behind, but allowing his courage to walk ahead of me, giving us both a special purpose in this life.

In the words of a song by Jeremy Camp: "I have seen the many faces of fear and of pain. I have watched the tears fall plenty from heartache and strain, so if life's journey has you weary and afraid, there is rest in the shadows of His wing."


I believe that organizations like NephCure is a shadow of God's wing, a place where fellowship, knowledge and support can lead to a more hopeful life for a family dealing with this illness. 
(A reminder, my team name is In Tims Memory).


DONATE TO LOS ANGELES - CLICK HERE

DONATE TO ORANGE COUNTY -CLICK HERE           


Here are some pictures from the walk: (going to try and upload a slide show...hope I can do this so be patient...)

3 comments:

  1. Enjoyed reading your blog....I have had so little time to do any blog reading and I have missed it...stop by my Christmas blog and leave a comment. The giveaway is a great Christmas CD to add to your collection.
    http://grammyababychangeseverything.blogspot.com

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  2. Coleene,
    So great to have met you and experience such a day with you. I loved your blog. It was perfect. I can't wait to see the pictures. Yes, I will send you Sue and Craig's address. I have to get it first. LOL.

    I hope you have a beautiful day,
    Jennifer

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