I've discovered lots of things in the last seven days. One of them is that is is really.fing.hard. to write about how the most important day of your year feels. I mean, how do I describe to you what it means, four miles in, when I really want to puke, a random stranger grasps my shoulder, runs up to look into my eyes and says "10 years - you are amazing". Or how it feels to watch my little brother ask person after person if they would like to sign the Banner of Hope. Or to have Lauren wish me Happy 10 Year Anniversary from the stage. Or to have Brianna and her dad - who just 6 months ago I had never met - be there celebrating with me post-race.
I cant. And that is hard. Because you've been reading this blog for a long time.
I've been waiting all week to find the right words - and they havent come yet.
After an event like the 10k, I find that I fall into something of a depression. All we worked toward, all we planned for, all we wanted - it came and went in a blink. I cant tell you what Monroe Park looks like at 5:30am on race day. I cant tell you what Tim and I talk about during miles 4 and 5. Or how much the sun.really.sucked and killed my race time. I cant tell you how much $20,000 means to me or to other patients at Massey. Or what it feels like to know that we set a record this year. Or how much I already miss the Challenge Committee after just one week away from them.
The last week has been a really hard one. But a really happy one too. And I do have lots to share. So bear with me as I work through it all. Because the stories waiting for you are good ones.
Showing posts with label Full Hearts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Full Hearts. Show all posts
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
The Night Before
Its here. The night before what has become one of the most meaningful three days of my year. The out-of-office reply is set at the office, Tim and Tyler have beds waiting for them, and I picked up this year's running skirt from Lululemon today.
This time tomorrow we'll be wrapping up our first night at the Monument Avenue 10k expo. The Banner of Hope will already be crowded with love notes and encouragement and faith. We will have put faces to many of the names we have seen sending in donations - we will know their stories more intimately and understand more fully why they joined the fight.
This time Friday we will have run out of "in honor of" and "in memory of" and "survivor" bibs - a bittersweet reality of the expo each year. The supplies for the Massey Mile will be packed up and ready for their early morning delivery. We will be settling in to count change and dollars for two hours - watching the thermometer move closer to the half-million dollar mark.
This time Saturday, we will have chalked and unchalked the Massey Mile. We will have met other survivors along the 6.2 mile course. We will have danced alongside other supporters to the Killing Daylights - fighting through the happy exhaustion of the weekend.
This time Sunday, Tim will be back in DC. I suspect Tyler and I will be watching a movie, rehashing the sights of the Massey Mile. Looking through pictures of the days we just lived. Holding hearts fuller than they are just in this moment.
But as much as I know each of these things to be true, I also know each year brings the unexpected. I am excited to see what these days ahead have in store.
This time tomorrow we'll be wrapping up our first night at the Monument Avenue 10k expo. The Banner of Hope will already be crowded with love notes and encouragement and faith. We will have put faces to many of the names we have seen sending in donations - we will know their stories more intimately and understand more fully why they joined the fight.
This time Saturday, we will have chalked and unchalked the Massey Mile. We will have met other survivors along the 6.2 mile course. We will have danced alongside other supporters to the Killing Daylights - fighting through the happy exhaustion of the weekend.
But as much as I know each of these things to be true, I also know each year brings the unexpected. I am excited to see what these days ahead have in store.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Thanks to Richmondmom.com!
Note: Blogging is coming to you this week from Tucson, Arizona, where I am attending (and presenting at!) the American Bar Association Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee's annual conference. So post times will probably be a bit wonky. But look for a peek into what I do in my professional life next week!
* * *
Sometimes life works in funny ways. Months ago, when the Challenge was just getting up and running, it was mentioned to me that I should really touch base with Kate Hall - the spirit behind Richmondmom.com. Now, as a kid-less girl, I had never heard of Richmondmom.com before, but as I put together my list of dream meetings, Kate rose right to the top when I realized how many folks in RVA she brings together through her website.
Well, as is often the case when lists are involved, as my list grew and grew with the expansion of the Challenge, I got slower at reaching out to all the people I really really wanted to contact. I hadn't made it to Kate yet when the piece I mentioned here found its way into the Richmond Times Dispatch.
And SHE reached out to ME.
Yeah - Ill admit that seeing her name in my inbox sent me into fan-girl mode for a few minutes. I mean, Kate's a local celebrity, and she had reached out to ME.
Just a few weeks later, Lauren and I found ourselves sitting down with her to chat about the Challenge and were hoping she might send a shout out to our efforts on the site.
She did me one better:
You can read their sweet post here.
Thanks to Kate and Richmondmom.com for your support!!
* * *
Sometimes life works in funny ways. Months ago, when the Challenge was just getting up and running, it was mentioned to me that I should really touch base with Kate Hall - the spirit behind Richmondmom.com. Now, as a kid-less girl, I had never heard of Richmondmom.com before, but as I put together my list of dream meetings, Kate rose right to the top when I realized how many folks in RVA she brings together through her website.
Well, as is often the case when lists are involved, as my list grew and grew with the expansion of the Challenge, I got slower at reaching out to all the people I really really wanted to contact. I hadn't made it to Kate yet when the piece I mentioned here found its way into the Richmond Times Dispatch.
And SHE reached out to ME.
Yeah - Ill admit that seeing her name in my inbox sent me into fan-girl mode for a few minutes. I mean, Kate's a local celebrity, and she had reached out to ME.
Just a few weeks later, Lauren and I found ourselves sitting down with her to chat about the Challenge and were hoping she might send a shout out to our efforts on the site.
She did me one better:
Thanks to Kate and Richmondmom.com for your support!!
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Honored
The first time I accepted the Massey Challenge, I didn't really know what to expect. I was shy about it. Nervous about sharing my story with friends and family (even though 99% of them already knew it!). I felt like if I could just raise a couple hundred bucks, I would be able to give something back to Massey, and say thank you for my second chance at life.
What I didn't know? How much the Massey Challenge would give back to me. And how far that would outweigh any amount of money I could raise.
Grab us a couple of coffees and I will spend hours telling you about the people the Challenge has brought into my life. The woman who participates with her son, to help him honor and remember the father who passed away from cancer before he was born. The 30 year survivor who is my age - and who defied the odds when he was just a tiny boy - and continues to do so today. The man who runs for a coworker battling the disease, and who told me that "Massey is the kind of place you hope no one you love ever needs, but when they do, you are awfully grateful that its there."
Ill tell you about the strangers who notice my SURVIVOR bib and give me quick one-armed hugs as they pass me running down Monument Avenue. About the other slow runners who sidle up to Tim and I to tell us about the father who battled brain cancer. The best friend currently going through chemo. The people who were strangers until they logged half a mile of that 6.2 with us and became etched in our minds and hearts.
And after last week, I'll also tell you about Terry.
You may have heard that the University of Richmond and VCU have honored the Massey Challenge by making us a beneficiary of the 2013 Black & Blue Classic - a 2 game series pitting the cross-town rivals' mens basketball teams against each other. The first of these games was held at UR's Robins Center last Thursday night:
Committee members were out in full force spreading the Massey message and selling competing cheer signs - "CANCER BITES" for the UR fans out there and "WREAK HAVOC ON CANCER" for those who prefer VCU.
And I had the special privilege of getting to run onto the court during a timeout along with Becky Massey, Will Massey, and David Lyons to help promote our efforts. And then hang out court side to watch the rest of the first half!
When I got back up to our table, Jay said he had someone he wanted to me to meet. It was Terry - a sweet gentleman who was at the game with a friend. He told me about his sister-in-law - also Teri! - who lived in Texas and had recently undergone a mastectomy. He had purchased this sign in her honor and planed to mail it to her:
But he didnt just want to send her the sign. Terry had been at Outback when we were live on the UR Coach's show with Coach Mooney the Monday prior. And he felt like I could give Teri some inspiration. So he asked me to write her a note on the back of the cheer sign.
For all the people I have met, all the conversations I have had, all of the stories I have heard - no one has ever asked me to do something like this. And I was so touched, and honored. I mean, this is what its all about, right? We share our stories in large part to help others.
On the drive home - utterly exhausted physically from the long day and emotionally from a week of sharing my story - I tried calling both Greg and Tim to tell them what happened. Neither picked up, so I took to my late night run with the question of what on earth I was going to write on that sign running along with me.
A mile later, I didnt have an answer. I didnt have one the next day either.
So I sat down over the weekend and thought long and hard about what I would have wanted someone in my shoes to say to me nearly 11 years ago. What words could bring peace and comfort and a reminder that one isnt alone in the battle against cancer?
It was one of the hardest letters I have ever written.
Because nothing I can say will make it any better.
I'm planning to deliver the finished product to Massey on Friday so it can be sent on its merry way to Teri in Texas. I am hoping it will help buoy up her spirit a bit. Although with a brother-in-law like Terry, I have a feeling she is going to be just fine.
What I didn't know? How much the Massey Challenge would give back to me. And how far that would outweigh any amount of money I could raise.
Grab us a couple of coffees and I will spend hours telling you about the people the Challenge has brought into my life. The woman who participates with her son, to help him honor and remember the father who passed away from cancer before he was born. The 30 year survivor who is my age - and who defied the odds when he was just a tiny boy - and continues to do so today. The man who runs for a coworker battling the disease, and who told me that "Massey is the kind of place you hope no one you love ever needs, but when they do, you are awfully grateful that its there."
Ill tell you about the strangers who notice my SURVIVOR bib and give me quick one-armed hugs as they pass me running down Monument Avenue. About the other slow runners who sidle up to Tim and I to tell us about the father who battled brain cancer. The best friend currently going through chemo. The people who were strangers until they logged half a mile of that 6.2 with us and became etched in our minds and hearts.
And after last week, I'll also tell you about Terry.
You may have heard that the University of Richmond and VCU have honored the Massey Challenge by making us a beneficiary of the 2013 Black & Blue Classic - a 2 game series pitting the cross-town rivals' mens basketball teams against each other. The first of these games was held at UR's Robins Center last Thursday night:
When I got back up to our table, Jay said he had someone he wanted to me to meet. It was Terry - a sweet gentleman who was at the game with a friend. He told me about his sister-in-law - also Teri! - who lived in Texas and had recently undergone a mastectomy. He had purchased this sign in her honor and planed to mail it to her:
WHAT???
For all the people I have met, all the conversations I have had, all of the stories I have heard - no one has ever asked me to do something like this. And I was so touched, and honored. I mean, this is what its all about, right? We share our stories in large part to help others.
On the drive home - utterly exhausted physically from the long day and emotionally from a week of sharing my story - I tried calling both Greg and Tim to tell them what happened. Neither picked up, so I took to my late night run with the question of what on earth I was going to write on that sign running along with me.
A mile later, I didnt have an answer. I didnt have one the next day either.
So I sat down over the weekend and thought long and hard about what I would have wanted someone in my shoes to say to me nearly 11 years ago. What words could bring peace and comfort and a reminder that one isnt alone in the battle against cancer?
It was one of the hardest letters I have ever written.
Because nothing I can say will make it any better.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Clear Minds, Strong Hearts, Can't Lose
Yes, I just quoted Friday Night Lights. Get over it.
Last year, my darling friend Rachel and I logged hours upon hours dreaming about where we'd love to take the Massey Challenge. She was my Lauren last year (aka - a development office liaison who turned into a bestie pretty fast) and we each had this feeling in our guts that the Massey Challenge could be so much bigger. So much more.
So lucky for me, when Lauren joined me this year, she was ready to hop right on board that train. We culled together our fantastic committee. We brainstormed for pages on end. We emailed. We called. We met. And RVA responded.
It became clear in our minds pretty early on - it was up to us to turn the Massey Challenge into the best version of itself, and we totally had the partnerships to do that.
But what we didnt realize is quite how many partners we had out in that community. Its been a whirlwind, but one that strengthens our hearts each time we take another step. Its crazy to experience what Rachel and I imagined coming true.
The last two weeks have seen a ton of that support. Starting over at Clear Chanel Radio.
Isnt Kat just adorbs?
And if you missed it when the interview aired, you can catch it here:
Not only will we be on air with Kat once a month, but both Kat and Jackson are having their own Challenge teams this year! Listen in to their shows to find out how to join them if you dont have a team of your own.
Then there was Sportsbackers sponsor day. Can you tell that talking in front of the likes of Bobby Ukrop might have made me a bit more nervous than usual?
For reference - "usual" involves no notes.
Monday I had the chance to make my sports radio debut with the Richmond Spiders mens basketball team and Coach Mooney. For a gal who once considered becoming a sportscaster (hey - it seemed like a good way to cross "meet Boomer Esiason" off the bucket list), this was a pretty amazing night.
But these aren't the only moments filling my heart in the last two weeks. In just two nights speaking at area YMCA's, I have met two survivors and the father of a survivor. The number of people at the Swift Creek YMCA who declared their acceptance of the Challenge last night was beyond moving.
Last year, my darling friend Rachel and I logged hours upon hours dreaming about where we'd love to take the Massey Challenge. She was my Lauren last year (aka - a development office liaison who turned into a bestie pretty fast) and we each had this feeling in our guts that the Massey Challenge could be so much bigger. So much more.
So lucky for me, when Lauren joined me this year, she was ready to hop right on board that train. We culled together our fantastic committee. We brainstormed for pages on end. We emailed. We called. We met. And RVA responded.
It became clear in our minds pretty early on - it was up to us to turn the Massey Challenge into the best version of itself, and we totally had the partnerships to do that.
But what we didnt realize is quite how many partners we had out in that community. Its been a whirlwind, but one that strengthens our hearts each time we take another step. Its crazy to experience what Rachel and I imagined coming true.
The last two weeks have seen a ton of that support. Starting over at Clear Chanel Radio.
And if you missed it when the interview aired, you can catch it here:
Then there was Sportsbackers sponsor day. Can you tell that talking in front of the likes of Bobby Ukrop might have made me a bit more nervous than usual?
Monday I had the chance to make my sports radio debut with the Richmond Spiders mens basketball team and Coach Mooney. For a gal who once considered becoming a sportscaster (hey - it seemed like a good way to cross "meet Boomer Esiason" off the bucket list), this was a pretty amazing night.
And perhaps most of all was the response I received to this piece that appeared in the Richmond Times Dispatch on Sunday morning. Not only did I receive several sweet emails from friends and colleagues, but I have received an outpouring of emails from folks I have never met before. I have often said that part of why this small-town girl has fallen in love with RVA is because in many ways it is a small town itself. And the support I've been shown by total strangers in response to a piece that I was admittedly pretty nervous to put out there confirms that for me once again.
I feel like I am living what Rachel and I dreamed last year. Thank you RVA for making that dream come true!
We know with all the support you're showing Team Massey, there's no way we can lose this battle!
Sunday, December 2, 2012
How Bizarre . . . How Bizarre
Come on. I couldn't pass up an OMC reference. They come along . . . basically never.
Its officially the holiday season. In my world, that gets rung in with three things.
This little puppy in my office:
These lights strung along my mantle:
And the Bizarre Bazaar at Richmond International Raceway - in particular the Massey Opening Night shopping spree:
If you've never been to the Bizarre Bazaar, its basically a craft show on crack. But with more than just crafters - every kind of vendor you can imagine is there, selling everything necessary to ensure the happiest of holiday seasons.
It. Is. Bananas.
The night before it officially opens, folks have the opportunity to buy tickets to get a sneak peek (and avoid the crazy crowds the rest of the weekend) while also supporting the VCU Massey Cancer Center. Its quite the night. Here are my top 7 loves of this annual event:
#1 - It feeds into my love of eclectic accessories. In particular, reindeer antlers.
#2 - As with most things Massey, it brings all of my favorite people under one roof for an amazing reason.
#3 - Wine.
(Please ignore that Mike and Carl are holding beer. And that this picture could also equally come within the parameters of #2, above).
#4 - The unique items you'll find at Biz Baz are hilarious and breathtaking. And on Opening Night, the vendors have their fullest stock of the weekend - first dibs!
#5 - Those in charge of decorating totally get my love of the whimsical.
(Its possible that I've been brainstorming how to make this happen in my house since Wednesday).
#6 - There are balloons. Lots and lots of balloons.
But there is one last reason that by far has a lock on the title of "Kaity's Most Favorite Feature of Biz Baz".
#7 - The Massey Tribute Tree.
For a donation to Massey, people can add the name of a loved one or a message to those fighting, or any other thing they desire, to an ornament that will adorn this tree:
After the event, the tree is moved to Massey for patients to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
Of course I added one of my own.
I love watching that tree fill up with notes of love, support, thanks, hope, and optimism. I love seeing how many people share the same belief that I do. That we are going to win this battle.
Because we are.
* * *
There's an exciting announcement coming tomorrow - stay tuned!
Its officially the holiday season. In my world, that gets rung in with three things.
This little puppy in my office:
It. Is. Bananas.
The night before it officially opens, folks have the opportunity to buy tickets to get a sneak peek (and avoid the crazy crowds the rest of the weekend) while also supporting the VCU Massey Cancer Center. Its quite the night. Here are my top 7 loves of this annual event:
#1 - It feeds into my love of eclectic accessories. In particular, reindeer antlers.
#4 - The unique items you'll find at Biz Baz are hilarious and breathtaking. And on Opening Night, the vendors have their fullest stock of the weekend - first dibs!
#6 - There are balloons. Lots and lots of balloons.
#7 - The Massey Tribute Tree.
Of course I added one of my own.
Because we are.
* * *
There's an exciting announcement coming tomorrow - stay tuned!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Celebrating Massey
Those who know me well would probably agree that I am up for celebrating just about anything. I actually used to send out "Happy Groundhog Day!" cards to my nearest and dearest. Finally cleaned out that closet? I'd be glad to toast that with a glass of wine. Puppy finally housebroken? We probably need to head to happy hour.
But last night's celebration was of something much bigger and much more special. Once a year we gather to Celebrate Massey and the support the VCU Massey Cancer Center receives from the community. Its definitely an affair.
There are chandeliers:
And teeny, tiny cups:
And most of my very favorite people:
(I forced Travis to take a legitimate picture to prevent a repeat of the photobomb incident addressed back here.)
(Apologies for the blurry picture - but I couldn't leave Julie out).
And my personal super-star spoke, which obviously meant I got into fan-girl mode for more than a few minutes:
I've been to Celebrating Massey several times before. And its always special - the air thick with belief and faith and hope. But this year was particularly special for me for two reasons. First, it was announced that an endowed chair is being named in Dr. Ginder's honor. I already knew this, and teared up when I first heard the news, but I almost downright bawled last night. Dr. Ginder is far too humble and for him to be honored this way lifts my heart right up. I was so happy to be in the room to hear him acknowledged in that way.
Second, because Julie and Brian revealed a crazy amazing video they worked on together for the Research for Life Campaign.
It was truly a mind-blowing piece, and if I can get my hands on a public link to it, I will come back and post it. They are both so talented and it was great to see what they did together. I love those two!
Yesterday was a difficult day for many of us, as we lost a dear friend and heroic fighter to this terrible disease. To be able to gather together and recommit to our mission was good for all of our souls.
But last night's celebration was of something much bigger and much more special. Once a year we gather to Celebrate Massey and the support the VCU Massey Cancer Center receives from the community. Its definitely an affair.
There are chandeliers:
And teeny, tiny cups:
And most of my very favorite people:
(I forced Travis to take a legitimate picture to prevent a repeat of the photobomb incident addressed back here.)
(Apologies for the blurry picture - but I couldn't leave Julie out).
And my personal super-star spoke, which obviously meant I got into fan-girl mode for more than a few minutes:
I've been to Celebrating Massey several times before. And its always special - the air thick with belief and faith and hope. But this year was particularly special for me for two reasons. First, it was announced that an endowed chair is being named in Dr. Ginder's honor. I already knew this, and teared up when I first heard the news, but I almost downright bawled last night. Dr. Ginder is far too humble and for him to be honored this way lifts my heart right up. I was so happy to be in the room to hear him acknowledged in that way.
Second, because Julie and Brian revealed a crazy amazing video they worked on together for the Research for Life Campaign.
It was truly a mind-blowing piece, and if I can get my hands on a public link to it, I will come back and post it. They are both so talented and it was great to see what they did together. I love those two!
Yesterday was a difficult day for many of us, as we lost a dear friend and heroic fighter to this terrible disease. To be able to gather together and recommit to our mission was good for all of our souls.
Friday, September 21, 2012
Running Amongst The Lemons
No - There isn't a lemon grove hiding out in Richmond.
But us Richmonders are crazy-lucky to get to live among the amazing ladies of Lululemon Athletica Short Pump Store. They do amazing things every week to make our community happier, healthier, and more beautiful inside and out. Don't believe me? Check out the profiles of their amazing ambassadors who living among us here or their calendar of events here.
Last year, Julie and I had the pleasure of meeting Brooke Wyman at Sportsbackers' Media Day for the Monument Avenue 10k. I was immediately taken with her beautiful personality and the warmth that just shines through her. So when she told us that Lululemon has a Thursday evening running club, I was interested immediately. Even more so when she let us in on the fact that they call it "5k and Chardonnay". I mean - whats not to like?
So whenever a Thursday permits, Julie, Becky, and I try to meet the Lemons for a run around the city. Last Thursday was no exception as Becky and I decided to sneak in a last warm, sunny run with them.
If the great company weren't reason enough to head out for a run, the directions they give us to follow:
Always end up at Palani Drive for a beer or two and some really great food:
Over the last year, Brooke and Alli Morris (another amazing Lemon) have blown me away with the way they have taken on their support of the Massey Challenge. Over the course of a few runs last spring they gradually learned my story and the stories of others and more about the Massey Challenge. Last year they surprised Julie and I with the news that they were generously awarding their 10k spirit group winnings to our cause. And they have continued to support me and the Challenge with their friendship, laughter, and love.
Thats another reason I love the Challenge. You never know the friends you'll find through it.
Like Alli:
Or Brooke:
If you ever want to run amongst some seriously awesome women and men, you can find them gathering at Palani Drive on Thursdays at 6pm. They run some great 3 mileish routes and laugh a lot after. Don't worry if you are slow - I almost always bring up the rear and Brooke and Alli and the rest of the group are always right there cheering me on when I'm (finally) finished. Its one of the most inspiring places to be on Thursdays in Richmond. I promise.
But us Richmonders are crazy-lucky to get to live among the amazing ladies of Lululemon Athletica Short Pump Store. They do amazing things every week to make our community happier, healthier, and more beautiful inside and out. Don't believe me? Check out the profiles of their amazing ambassadors who living among us here or their calendar of events here.
Last year, Julie and I had the pleasure of meeting Brooke Wyman at Sportsbackers' Media Day for the Monument Avenue 10k. I was immediately taken with her beautiful personality and the warmth that just shines through her. So when she told us that Lululemon has a Thursday evening running club, I was interested immediately. Even more so when she let us in on the fact that they call it "5k and Chardonnay". I mean - whats not to like?
So whenever a Thursday permits, Julie, Becky, and I try to meet the Lemons for a run around the city. Last Thursday was no exception as Becky and I decided to sneak in a last warm, sunny run with them.
If the great company weren't reason enough to head out for a run, the directions they give us to follow:
Always end up at Palani Drive for a beer or two and some really great food:
Over the last year, Brooke and Alli Morris (another amazing Lemon) have blown me away with the way they have taken on their support of the Massey Challenge. Over the course of a few runs last spring they gradually learned my story and the stories of others and more about the Massey Challenge. Last year they surprised Julie and I with the news that they were generously awarding their 10k spirit group winnings to our cause. And they have continued to support me and the Challenge with their friendship, laughter, and love.
Thats another reason I love the Challenge. You never know the friends you'll find through it.
Like Alli:
Or Brooke:
If you ever want to run amongst some seriously awesome women and men, you can find them gathering at Palani Drive on Thursdays at 6pm. They run some great 3 mileish routes and laugh a lot after. Don't worry if you are slow - I almost always bring up the rear and Brooke and Alli and the rest of the group are always right there cheering me on when I'm (finally) finished. Its one of the most inspiring places to be on Thursdays in Richmond. I promise.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Video Shoot for the Massey Challenge
While there is still so much to tell about the Massey Challenge and my history with it, a big part of why I wanted to start a blog this year was to record all the amazing things that the Challenge brings into my life. Things like this:
And this:
Which led to shots like this:
Thursday was the first ever video shoot for what is to become our "Why Will You Accept The Challenge?" video. It was a day so amazing that thinking about it now - 48 hours later - still makes my heart swell.
One of my greatest joys as part of the 2012 Massey Challenge was spending Saturday mornings talking to, and then running alongside, members of the YMCA training teams. And it seemed that each time someone would speak to those runners, the next day registrations for the Challenge increased. Which led to the question - how can we get even more stories in front of even more people in 2013?
And my darling friend Lauren and I thought a video might just work.
But I'm pretty sure the day of that conversation, Lauren and I were picturing she and I in an office with a flip camera. And thats definitely not what we got.
Julie often comments that it is amazing to discover who comes into your life and why. A year ago, I took up Muay Thai and met my friend Brian, who I came to discover is a very talented videographer. So when Lauren and I hatched this plan, I figured I had nothing to lose by asking Brian if he would be willing to edit together some footage that Lauren and I would shoot ourselves. He readily agreed - and told me his own story of the loss of his father to cancer just over a year ago. His father had been a patient at Massey.
With some editing talent on our side, Lauren found someone at VCU to help shoot the interviews we hoped to turn into an inspiring video. But when scheduling made it impossible for him to follow through with that plan, Brian quickly stepped up to not only edit, but shoot the footage as well.
After weeks of emailing and meeting, Brain gave Lauren and I a crash course in scheduling video shoots. The lighting, the backdrops, the space needed, the time for each person. How each question had to be carefully crafted. How set up takes 2 hours, not 10 minutes. How you really do need 6 hours of tape for a 3 minute video. We found 15 willing participants to be part of our project, and we all came together on Thursday, August 16, 2012 to gather the stories, the smiles, and the statements that would make up a video that we hoped would give others just a glimpse of what makes the Massey Cancer Center such a special place - and the Massey Challenge such an amazing endeavor.
As we celebrated wrapping a 10 hour day of shooting, Lauren, Julie, Becky, Brian, Mary Harvard, and I were all so full of the spirit that surrounds every part of the Challenge. Our hearts were filled with the stories we had heard, the people we hugged, the laughter that so often filled our "studio" even as heartbreaking stories were being told. And I think we all knew that there was no way we could ever not be part of the Challenge. Because each day like that ingrains it deeper into our spirits.
And then yesterday, Brian sent us the most amazing stills that he captured from our film. Stills like these - which show the passion and love and life in all these supporters of Massey and the Challenge:
(all photos except the first two above are courtesy of Brian Rule).
Its part of why I encourage everyone I know to be part of the Challenge. In hopes that they can experience that amazing joy - the joy that comes from knowing with certainty that we are making a difference in the fight against cancer. From knowing that someday, stories like these wont have to be told. Because we will have found a cure.
And this:
Which led to shots like this:
Thursday was the first ever video shoot for what is to become our "Why Will You Accept The Challenge?" video. It was a day so amazing that thinking about it now - 48 hours later - still makes my heart swell.
One of my greatest joys as part of the 2012 Massey Challenge was spending Saturday mornings talking to, and then running alongside, members of the YMCA training teams. And it seemed that each time someone would speak to those runners, the next day registrations for the Challenge increased. Which led to the question - how can we get even more stories in front of even more people in 2013?
And my darling friend Lauren and I thought a video might just work.
But I'm pretty sure the day of that conversation, Lauren and I were picturing she and I in an office with a flip camera. And thats definitely not what we got.
Julie often comments that it is amazing to discover who comes into your life and why. A year ago, I took up Muay Thai and met my friend Brian, who I came to discover is a very talented videographer. So when Lauren and I hatched this plan, I figured I had nothing to lose by asking Brian if he would be willing to edit together some footage that Lauren and I would shoot ourselves. He readily agreed - and told me his own story of the loss of his father to cancer just over a year ago. His father had been a patient at Massey.
With some editing talent on our side, Lauren found someone at VCU to help shoot the interviews we hoped to turn into an inspiring video. But when scheduling made it impossible for him to follow through with that plan, Brian quickly stepped up to not only edit, but shoot the footage as well.
After weeks of emailing and meeting, Brain gave Lauren and I a crash course in scheduling video shoots. The lighting, the backdrops, the space needed, the time for each person. How each question had to be carefully crafted. How set up takes 2 hours, not 10 minutes. How you really do need 6 hours of tape for a 3 minute video. We found 15 willing participants to be part of our project, and we all came together on Thursday, August 16, 2012 to gather the stories, the smiles, and the statements that would make up a video that we hoped would give others just a glimpse of what makes the Massey Cancer Center such a special place - and the Massey Challenge such an amazing endeavor.
As we celebrated wrapping a 10 hour day of shooting, Lauren, Julie, Becky, Brian, Mary Harvard, and I were all so full of the spirit that surrounds every part of the Challenge. Our hearts were filled with the stories we had heard, the people we hugged, the laughter that so often filled our "studio" even as heartbreaking stories were being told. And I think we all knew that there was no way we could ever not be part of the Challenge. Because each day like that ingrains it deeper into our spirits.
And then yesterday, Brian sent us the most amazing stills that he captured from our film. Stills like these - which show the passion and love and life in all these supporters of Massey and the Challenge:
(all photos except the first two above are courtesy of Brian Rule).
Its part of why I encourage everyone I know to be part of the Challenge. In hopes that they can experience that amazing joy - the joy that comes from knowing with certainty that we are making a difference in the fight against cancer. From knowing that someday, stories like these wont have to be told. Because we will have found a cure.
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