I run for hope, i run to feel, I run for the truth, for all that is real...I run for life

2005 was my nightmare year.

the words that dominated my year: cancer....surgery...radiation...chemotherapy.

the words I focused on: hope. cure.

uterine cancer at age 45. and a song that played on the radio as I drove to Good Samaritan for my treatments:

It's been years since they told her about it
The darkness her body possessed
And the scars are still there in the mirror
Everyday that she gets herself dressed
Though the pain is miles and miles behind her
And the fear is now a docile beast
If you ask her why she is still running
She'll tell you it makes her complete

[Chorus:]
I run for hope
I run to feel
I run for the truth
For all that is real
I run for your mother your sister your wife
I run for you and me my friend I run for life

It's a blur since they told me about it
How the darkness had taken its toll
And they cut into my skin and they cut into my body
But they will never get a piece of my soul
And now I'm still learning the lesson
To waken when I hear the call
And if you ask me why I am still running
I'll tell you I run for us all

[Chorus]

And someday if they tell you about it
If the darkness knocks on your door
Remember her remember me
We will be running as we have before
Running for answers
Running for more


One of the things that saved my sanity during that terrible year -- the American Cancer Society helped me find Look Good, Feel Better

Four and a half years later...I am in the habit of "giving back".

so now I participate in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

looking good, Melissa: