Alumni Testimonials
I was just writing you a letter to thank you so very much for everything you have done for me this year. I am so grateful for the CCFA and all the support I have received. Joining Team Challenge has been by far one of the greatest decisions I have ever made. At the risk of sounding dramatic, the CCFA saved my life--or at the very least, has given my life back to me. I never imagined I was capable of completing a half marathon, but being a member of Team Challenge has given me the strength and courage to accomplish and even surpass my own goals. When I crossed the finish line at the Rock n' Roll, I could not have been more proud to be wearing the orange jersey.
I am forever in debt to you and the CCFA for not only providing me with this truly life-changing opportunity, but also for offering me unconditional support and friendship. Breanne, thank you so much for everything that you have done. I feel so blessed to be a part of Team Challenge. If there are any opportunities for volunteering, I would be more than happy to help. The CCFA has given so much to me; I would love to be able to give back.
As for Napa/Kona 09, I can't believe it is already here! I would love to go to Kona. My parents actually keep asking me if I have found out the dates yet because they would love to accompany the team there. If there is anything I can do to assist you, please let me know.
Thank you again. It truly means so much to me.
Christina
It was quite the momentous day in San Jose - I have just arrived home from the day and my legs are tired, and I am settling in to the idea that my race is actually over... hard to believe!
I am proud to announce my results to all of you who have been so supportive of my endeavor to raise money and awareness for Crohn's and Colitis through this running training program.
Place Overall: 3186 out of 8787 - Women: 1007 out of 4802 - F 25-29: 197 out of 841 - FINISH: 2:03:40 pace: 9:26
It was awesome crossing the finish line - and as you can tell from the times above, I picked up speed along the way. I ran with my teammate Lauren for the last 7 miles or so and she was a great inspiration at the end. I was feeling the burn but sprinted in right for the last tenth mile. It was truly exhilarating. The throngs of people who were out there cheering us on were awesome, and there was a band playing at each mile marker which helped us all keep the love alive as the minutes wore on. It blew my mind that there were several world-record holding runners from Kenya (who you can see in the photos) who were passing by me on the other side of the road FINISHING the race when I was at mile 6. These guys finished 13.1 miles in LESS than one hour. I cannot tell you, just seeing them blow by me was like watching a bullet train. We all cheered for them as we felt proud of ourselves for going half as fast...
There was a great sense of camaraderie among the Team Challenge participants for CCFA. You, my family and friends, together, we have raised a total of $3,430.01 - this is a phenomenal sum and I am thrilled to say I have achieved 172% of my goal!
But more importantly, the three CCFA chapters together that participated today raised a total of $180,000 to fight Crohn's and Colitis - AND - we were the largest charity represented in today's race of more than 12,000 runners registered.
This has been a journey to remember!
With love and gratitude,
Missy
Wow, what a day. It's hard to put into words what I experienced running in my first San Jose Rock n Roll Half Marathon. I'll start by saying that I owe a big "Thank You" to all of those who supported me and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America in our efforts to raise money to fund research and provide support to those who suffer from Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis.
With your contribution, I was able to raise a total of $1,950.00. A number I thought was un-reachable when I started about 4 months ago, but as time went by and the closer we came to race day I realize there's a big supporting cast of people, like yourself, that I can truly can count on. I would have not been able to complete this challenge; yes it turned out to be a challenge, without your support. Words simply cannot describe my sincere appreciation for your generosity. As a member of the Northern California chapter, we raised a total of $80,000.00 and as part of the CCFA Team Challenge, which consisted of chapter's from Los Angeles, the Pacific Northwest and Northern California; we raised a total of $180,000.00!
The entire weekend was filled with anticipation and anxiety not to mention the full cast of butterflies. Saturday we attended the pre-race expo and then followed by the CCFA pasta party where we were able to meet member's from the other chapter's along with people that are severely afflicted with this disease. This night was packed with fun, motivation and heart wrenching feelings that everyone will remember for a long time. For me, it put an explanation point on why I spent months training and fundraising.
Sunday morning is when the butterflies were in full effect. Standing amongst the 10,000 plus runners, television crews and spectators at the start line tend to make that happen just to about anybody. Do to some recent knee pain; my main focus early in the race was to stay at a rate that was controlled. Because of the distance, 13.1 miles, and the fact that I had not run that distance in any one run I had some concern with been fatigue in the later stages of the race. So I forced myself to run a 9 minute per mile pace, which for me is a very controllable pace. I was good from mile 1-9. I was where I wanted to be time wise and I was hoping to start pushing the pace around that time. However, that would not be the case. Mile 10 I started to feel the knee swell up and by mile 11 the knee was inflamed and getting worse with every stride I took.
It was at this time I began to think of each and everyone of you that had contributed and supported our cause. Family members, friends and co-workers, I began to think of everyone who I had met over the past 4 months who are with this disease who cannot run. I began to think about their stories of hospitalzation and multiple surgeries. I was not going to stop. The run became a challenge at that point. I can honestly say that all of you helped me complete this challenge. The finished is as you can guess, is a rush of adrenalin. Runner's high is what they call it, I call it a feeling I hope everyone can feel at least once in your life. I finished in a time on 1 hour 58 minutes and 38 seconds. A time I hope to beat next year.
Once again, words cannot describe my sincere appreciation for your generosity. With your support, we are that much closer to finding a cure and able to provide a positive influence on a life in the Crohn's and Colitis community. Thank you
Sincerely,
Mark