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Member Spotlight: Meet Jessica

8/20/2015

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PictureNothing says "teamwork" like a Spartan.
Jessica, pronounced "Yessica," has served as an integral Stroller Warrior member for the past year in Monterey, CA. Through her membership she has assisted with any and every thing she could, supported and cheered the rest of the group, while reaching multiple personal running goals. Every race SW competes in, Jessica is there at the finish, encouraging everyone to finish strong and even running with you to the end. 

Jessica is a mother of two, an active duty doctor in the German army, and spouse to an active duty soldier. Her family came to Monterey for her husband’s program, giving her the unique opportunity to experience life as a stay at home mother. Jessica mentioned that they did not hesitate when given the opportunity to explore the United States, as they enjoy new opportunities to learn about and take part in other cultures.

Jessica grew up in the former German Democratic Republic, near Berlin with lots of family nearby. The Berlin Wall opened in 1989, when Jessica was only seven years old. Jessica commented, “I had the advantage to be influenced by sometimes quite different thinking.” She believes it is best to take from those experiences, as in any situation, and apply them to one’s own life for the better.

Jessica desired to be a doctor from early childhood, but decided to join this with becoming a soldier later in school. Jessica has accomplished over six years of medical and military training, and served in military hospitals and Afghanistan. Jessica will continue to specialize in family medicine once she returns to Germany. At Stroller Warrior workouts she is known to be asked medical questions. Her fellow warriors report they love having a doctor in the group.

Jessica never enjoyed running during childhood, “I even quit karate classes because we had to do a warm-up run for 45 minutes.”  She re-visited the idea of running when planning for military service, knowing this would be a requirement. Amazingly, the more she ran, the more she enjoyed it. “Over the years in the military I enjoyed the fantastic feeling while running more and more, and I always wanted to stay in good shape to meet the demands of being a military medical doctor and a superior. But during the last 2 years here in Monterey I really internalized the concepts of leading a life as a runner.”

PictureEnjoying smore's after a beach run.
Jessica first learned of Stroller Warriors by spotting one of our fabulous car decals, and thought “what a genius word creation!”  Her second son had just been born, and she was working on plans to spend time at the track. Jessica met the chapter coordinator soon after at a local base race, and states “that was the beginning of a year of growing and experiencing an unforgettable part of my life.”  Jessica, as many members are on their first day, thought she would try out the workout, but was doubtful that she would be able to keep up. However, she quickly realized that she “became a member of a group full of wonderful, diverse and loving moms and their kids. And that it doesn´t matter how fast you go or how many miles you log every week. I love this.”

Upon joining SW, Jessica’s goal was to complete her second half marathon. She was certain this was her ideal distance and did not consider anything farther. However, after crushing the Big Sur Half Marathon and watching other members go on to complete higher distances, her appetite grew for greater challenges.  Since feeding that appetite, Jessica has accomplished various distances of trail races, the Big Sur 21 miler (placing 14th overall!), and is about to compete in her first 50k. Jessica has logged over 650 miles so far this year! “This makes over 1000 km in our metric system, and for a lot of my friends and relatives this number is unimaginable.”

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Jessica fully embraces that running with a group such as SW is about more than just the running. “I’ve learned so much more. Through observing all of these ladies from all over the US and foreign countries, I have developed a more positive attitude towards my life and my role in family and society.”  She also embraces a runner’s love for new gear, receiving compression tights for her birthday. Her intuitive husband was kindly ordering her new shoes while she completed this interview. 

Favorite place to run: “Now I just love to enjoy sunny and not so crowded places like Jack’s Peak Park, Pebble Beach, and Fort Ord.”

Best piece of advice for runners: “As a professional I cannot express enough how important physical activity is for our health – body and mind. And we should never underestimate the power of being a role model for our kids.  It doesn´t matter how you look and how fast or slow you are, just thinking you will run/walk today - just go outdoors and be active. The fun comes automatically.”

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Big Sur 21-miler, crossing the finish!
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Spartan mud pit.
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Courage for Cole

8/6/2015

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Picture
By:  Stephanie

Courage. “The power or quality of dealing with or facing danger, fear, pain.” Most people know this word but perhaps have never pondered it in depth. Not many people would use this word to describe themselves. Yet, if you think about it, the word courage is not reserved for people who risk their lives. Courage can be exhibited by each of us every day because danger, fear, and pain are all a part of life.

Stroller Warriors, for one, show immense courage. Yes, I’m talking to YOU!  As awesome as this club is, most of our members are very nervous before their first workout. Fear of failure, disappointment, and loneliness can be so overwhelming that it seems easier to stay home.  Trying something new is intimidating…especially if they are also new to the area, new to parenting, or new to military life in general, as many military spouses are.  On top of that, their spouse might be deployed.  Their child might be struggling in school. Their family might be sick back home. They have never run a day in their life. Or, they did compete many years ago and they’re nervous to get back out there and fall short of their own expectations. This is enough to make anyone retreat to a safe cave and never emerge!  Somehow they find a way to rise above, get out of the house, and do something positive in the midst of this inner turmoil. THAT is courage and that is something to be proud of.

I want to share another story of courage. While some of us are striving to find courage to run, others are striving to find a way to move at all.


PictureLego reward for being brave!
Six years ago, my son Cole was born with a genetic neuromuscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Without going into a lot of medical jargon, this disease makes his muscles all over his body weak. We are very lucky that he is healthy and has actually gained strength over time, since the disease usually worsens. He’s had amazing therapists and doctors to guide us and we have a lot of hope for a bright future.

Cole’s life isn’t easy. From a very young age, he had to think about his limitations and make responsible decisions to work around it. I think it takes a lot of courage to try to crawl up a flight of stairs when he knows it might not be possible. He sometimes tries anyway, usually motivated to retrieve a toy from his bedroom! He has to ask an adult to help him use the restroom. He doesn’t act frustrated. Actually, he almost always tells me he loves me while we are in the bathroom. I think he feels love from us when we help him, and he appreciates it. Cole is unable to walk independently. He gets around anyway, whether he’s crawling, swimming, walking with his gait trainer, or racing in his power wheelchair.(And yes, I do mean RACE. He prides himself in his speed!) One way or another, he moves. He labors and struggles. When we urge him to try, he trusts us and forges on.

PictureCole sleeping after a procedure
That trust transfers over to probably one of the hardest things he’s ever done. Cole has had the privilege of participating in a clinical drug trial this year to try medicine with life-changing potential. (So you know all those fundraising dollars you helped us raise the past several years for Cure SMA?! Cole is DIRECTLY benefiting now by being a part of this amazing research.)

To be in this trial, he has to undergo a lot of tests, pokes, procedures, doctor visits, and overnight hospital stays. A hospital is an intimidating place for any kid. He picks up on the tension and tells me he doesn’t want to be there. He hates the anesthesia and fights going to sleep. The doctors wake him up at early hours for more tests. Sometimes my emotions and guilt get the best of me. I see the IV in his tiny arm and the questioning looks in his tired blue eyes. I think to myself, why am I doing this to him. We hear the cries in the hallways, and despite the noise, it feels lonely. I think to myself, we don’t have to be here. More than once, my husband and I have discussed in depth, are we making the right choice? These are the times when some anger can find it’s way into my soul. I wish Cole didn’t have to deal with all this.

How do I get through those moments? Well, my husband is always my rock...and so is my little 6-year-old. Despite the fact he knows a needle hurts, that blood is creepy, and going to sleep is scary, he trusts us and remains happy. He wakes up from the anesthesia and smiles. He teases the nurses and insists they race to get his apple juice. And runners you’ll be proud of this…he TIMES them. The nurse did not take him seriously at first. She returned and he promptly informed her she took 167 seconds, and he said it in a tone of voice inferring, "you’d better hustle next time." I burst out laughing and so did she! While we stay overnight, he plays X-Box incessantly and slyly requests chocolate cake for breakfast. I totally let him. These rewards seem small in comparison to the courage he shows. 
I am very proud of him.


PictureCole and Caden are very close friends
Cole is not the only family member to endure challenges. His 8-year-old brother Caden shoulders responsibility beyond his years. It’s not just about holding doors and retrieving things and helping Cole get dressed. It’s being asked to embrace the role as not only Cole’s brother, but his 24/7 caregiver and advocate. Caden is also asked a lot of hard questions about Cole. The pride he shows in talking about Cole, his abilities, and his equipment, makes my own heart swell with pride.

Then there’s Hailey. At 2 years old, she adores her brothers and takes pride in helping Cole. For example, when she asks for a cookie for herself, she won’t leave without taking one to Cole too! She serves as his messenger and comes and finds me when he needs help. I’ve also caught her trying to carry him places herself, which is not exactly safe, but you can’t help but marvel at a toddler trying to carry a 6-year-old.

I doubt these three kids grasp what courage truly means. But to me, they define it. There is no cure (yet) but these three children still show great courage in the face of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Despite any danger, fear, and pain over what Cole endures and what his future holds, they are HAPPY and I think perhaps that is the greatest display of courage of all. It takes courage to smile and persevere with a positive outlook when you’re faced with an insurmountable challenge. The attitude we have and HOW we face obstacles is our choice. As long as we rely on a team of loved ones around us, the courage to seek goals and happiness will present itself.

PictureHailey likes to help push Cole on the swing
I hope these important words resonate with you as you face your own challenges. And I hope you think of Cole, Caden, and Hailey and find renewed courage in yourself.

We hope you join us in celebrating courage this entire month! In honor of National SMA Awareness Month, Stroller Warriors Running Club is excited to present our fourth annual "Run for Cole" fundraiser for CureSMA. Throughout the month of August, we will be:

1) Selling "Courage for Cole" shirts until Aug 16:
http://www.3elove.com/pages/courage-for-cole
2) Hosting the "Run for Cole" Virtual 5K:
http://www.active.com/jacksonville-nc/running/distance-running-races/stroller-warriors-virtual-5k-for-cure-sma-2015
3) Accepting online donations:
http://fsma.convio.net/goto/StrollerWarriors


Please “Like” our business page and join our “Courage for Cole” Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/864672450284764/ to learn more about how you can participate. We've collectively raised $17,000 the past three years and our goal is to top $20,000 this year!

Family, friends, and Stroller Warriors, you have shown unwavering support over the years, and we can never fully express what that means to us. Your continued prayers, letters, donations, and moral support have been astounding. THANK YOU. We wish you all a courageous journey, no matter what yours may be.

Stephanie Geraghty
Founder and CEO
Stroller Warriors Running Club

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