Shout Out to Jessie’s Juice Bar

Image Posted on September 3, 2015 Updated on September 3, 2015

The countdown is on!!!!!

In 8 weeks I will be running in the 2015 TCS New York City Marathon for my daughter Persephone who suffers daily from the physical symptoms of brain and spinal tumors as well as learning difficulties associated with the genetic condition Neurofibromatosis or ‘NF’. I am running as a member of the Children’s Tumor Foundation Endurance Team. The Children’s Tumor Foundation is a non-profit organization dear to our family’s hearts and is dedicated to Ending NF Through Research and to improving the health and well-being of individuals and families affected by NF.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that affects 1 in 3,000 people regardless of ethnicity. In the past 6 years our daughter Persephone has undergone regular MRIs to monitor the growth of tumors in her brain, optic nerves and spine as well as regular occupational and speech therapy to deal with developmental and learning challenges. Despite living with this condition, Persephone has an incredibly positive spirit, bringing love and light into the lives of her family and friends. I am proud and excited to run to raise awareness for NF and show Persephone that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

There are so many local businesses in Cayman who have supported our family’s fundraising efforts over the years. Today, we thank Lachie and Jessie from Jessie’s Juice Bar in Camana Bay for stocking our ‘I Know A Fighter’ hats – please stop by and grab one for summer. $20KYD for adult or kids sizes, all proceeds go to the Children’s Tumor Foundation to fund research for NF and help children like our daughter Persephone living with this devastating genetic condition. Limited numbers also available at Bon Vivant, Carey’s Karma Closet, Kid’s Karma Closet, Anytime Fitness and Little Trotters Nursery.

Heading for the hills ….

Image Posted on September 3, 2015 Updated on September 3, 2015

Its been a long, wonderful summer and I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world with my three little monkeys. Combining marathon training with globetrotting has, however presented its challenges – from navigating new cities to squeezing longer runs in between sightseeing and busy itineraries. This article amongst others was invaluable holiday reading and helped to keep things in perspective …! With 8 weeks to go until D-day the logistical nightmare of fitting in runs whilst travelling throughout the UK, America and Italy with three small children has proved to have been worth the effort. Having trained in my home town Grand Cayman for months, the hills of the English countryside and Tuscany were a bit of a shock to the system – flying downhill into Tuscan sunsets felt amazing, and running back uphill in the dark predictably painful …. often necessitating a post-recovery glass of Chianti. However, with the help of some very dear friends and family (in the form of affordable childcare ..!) I’ve kept up my training and my mileage and am now ready for the real work to begin!

With the kids settled into the routine of school, I’m once again heading for the hills and packing (literally as I type) for the Kauai marathon to run the half marathon as part of my training. The one and only time I’ve visited Hawaii was almost 20 years ago and I’m looking forward to a sentimental reunion …. once I get over those hills!!