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Thanks, as always, to Alan Lam. This is the next article in a series that started September 13.
Day 11. We regrouped at the "Fitts paradise" (as their house is known) and then we ran to their old high school where we were greeted by a group of proud teachers of the twin girls. From there we ran to a YMCA outdoor summer camp campus, Stony Brook Acres, where a group of teenage students were cheerfully awaiting our arrival. About a 100 of them lined the street and gave us high five's as we entered. That was truly uplifting. We also had a chance to speak to them briefly. We thought that reception was great at the time. But we had no idea what was to come. Our next stop was Wilbraham Middle School where the twins' mother, Sue, teaches Math. Their school started collecting quarters in the month of May. Their goal was to collect 1600 of them to match our 1600 miles of running. They tallied FOUR times that much to raise an amazing $1600. Plus another $400 matching donation from a local restaurant. WOW! We arrived at the school to a screaming crowd of about 200. With large banners and encouraging signs. A few students pulled out a long banner that had "Eye of the Tiger" written on it and asked us to run through it as if crossing the finish line. Talk about energy boosting moments! And then we all ran together back to the lunch hall. I spotted a student in the crowd pushing her wheelchair along. I offered to give her a push. We chatted about different things then Katie asked how many miles had I run. I answered her with hesitant, feared where it was heading. Then my heart broke as my fear came true when Katie said, "I wish I could do that too." I have a feeling that she will one day. Once inside the school we found more support signs bearing "Camp Sunshine" and "Miracle Marathon." There was also a thermometer chart on the wall showing their quarter collecting progress. The chart had to be placed horizontally because of their amazing effort. The chart grew taller than the height of the room! After lunch we had a chance to speak to the students and thank them for the support. We also answered many questions that they had. One student stood up and told us that his grandparents lived in West Palm Beach, where the Miracle Marathon kicked off in Florida 11 days ago. He said he knew exactly where that was and that even driving that distance was FAR! No arguments there. Spending time with the students that day was one of the most unforgettable
The copyright of the article We Made It! All 1,600 + Miles! in Running is owned by . Permission to republish We Made It! All 1,600 + Miles! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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