If you ever thought the road ahead was too difficult or too bumpy, or you weren’t fast enough, or strong enough, didn’t train hard enough, didn’t have the right shoes, or the right clothes or that you didn’t even care if you finished anyhow, this story is for you.

This is a story of determination, spirit, togetherness, love, community and God Speed. Really truly, the kind of God Speed that no human being can ever muster, or will to happen, the kind that is bigger than you.

The Broad Street Run, a ten mile race through our City of Brotherly Love, was quickly approaching.  We had committed this year once again to run with our “Game ON!” crew. Our Haddonfield gang ran this race for Dean the year he was diagnosed. Over the past three years, that group has grown to 21 or 23 depending on the day, who train together, text incessantly, quit drinking for 30 days prior to the race, and literally carry each other through to the finish in all ways. Some do it for time, some for fun, some just to lift Dean up and take a stab at something they never imagined they could do, and he has inspired them, myself included.

Training had been on the back burner in our house, with Dean’s back problems, and his seemingly never ending treatment schedule of radiation and chemo, 5 days a week. Add to that our busy travel schedule (yay!) and the girls sports – there was just no time. He bought new runners (thank you soccer families for all the coach gifts at the end of the season!) based on the fact that they looked fast, laced them up and ran exactly once. My own training schedule non existent, with the exception of trail run at Whistler #ambassadorlove and one “long” 3.4 mile run with Sophia. The kids, having double practices some days felt they were OK, although having never clocked more than 5 miles had no idea what they were in store for.  But in our family it’s “go big or go home” so we couldn’t quit.

Earlier this week, while in New Orleans, Dean started having acute pain in his right side. I kept him down only a few moments amongst the thrill of Jazz Fest but became a literal knife in his side the day we got home.  By mid-week I had called his friends with serious concern for his well being. His spirit took a nose dive and his light seemed to dim.  He put his foot down on Thursday. He wasn’t running. He wasn’t even going to watch.

Then something happened.

On Saturday, still limping in pain, and on very little sleep, he decided he’d START and FINISH the race with us, because “those were the best two parts.” We didn’t talk about the middle, nobody cared how he got from point a to point b, he’s got stage four cancer for pete’s sake! We joked about the subway being free, and made sure he had cab fare. really truly.

He started with us, sent us to run ahead at mile 2 and we crossed the finish as a family. He ran all ten miles, on his own, every step a gift.  He said it was like meditation. Truly a miracle, truly other worldly, and a testament to determination, pride, a bigger family and his commitment to LIFE.

I asked the girls to write a few words about their experience, without consulting each other their message is the same. The day was life changing.  I think they can speak for all.

I’ll let you read and enjoy.

And pssst….the next time you want to quit, dig deep – keep it going. Your spirit will thank you again and again and you might just inspire someone to go the extra mile as well.

Today was a life changing day!

My mom Nicole, my sister Sophia, my dad Dean, and myself ran Broad Street. It’s a 10 mile race all through Philadelphia!  Me, not as prepared as I should of been, was amped up at 6:00am to run! I started by pulling myself out of bed and getting dressed. The rush of the morning breeze woke me up! We drove to the Hurley’s house all decked out in our red socks and Game On shirts, some photos were taken, the off to Philly it was!

The subway was a rush! hundreds of people crammed into the subway car, the small cramped space was getting to me. Smiles, laughter, and jokes were exchanged between the Game on crew! The chill of walking out of the subway station was a thrill. Walking to our corral was interesting. Crowded, loud, stretching runners some wearing  ridiculous outfits! We all walked to the bathrooms which were nasty – lets not get into detail about that. As we were warming up the national anthem was sung. As soon as that beautiful voice hit the earth the sun started gleaming on us! We started waking into the street, the beginning jitters came to me. We were all together talking and taking pictures – suddenly this sketchy guy walked up to us and was asking to get through claiming to try and get to his son to start with him. His black backpack made him even more sketchy – never mind that.  The race started and we couldn’t get in because we were in a side street. we finally got fed into the crowd 20-30 minutes later.

Running was a thrill,as a family was even better! We were running and running! As we gradually made it to each mile mark, I knew I would be getting even more tired. I pushed and pushed! This was my goal – to cross that finish line. Running to the beat of my music was good but listening to all the cheers and live music made me gleam and smile as bright as the sun!

Each mile I would tell myself you just keep getting closer and closer! The five mile mark was the best! I was half way there!! A little past the 8 mile mark the lululemon station was cheering with signs and saying come on girls you can do it!  We got so many cheers, high fives, and go girls. We kept on pushing no matter what! Near the end it started getting really crowded and loud – that made my adrenalin pump even more! Just before the nine mile mark my dad calls me and says ‘what’s up?’ I say ‘just running, what about you?’ ‘I’m at the lulu lemon station ill see you at the finish line!’ (me asking if it’s ok to run ahead) goes with a beaming smile to the finish line! I hear screaming, and cheering- for me…the rest of the Game On crew was cheering and so proud!

As I crossed the finish line I screamed in joy! Waiting for my mom and my sister to come I was still racing with adrenalin. We got our medals and I put it on like I was being honored for a special Medal of Honor. We grabbed the food bags and some water and walked to meet up with the rest of the gang. I got so many “I’m so proud of you and your so amazing!” it was awesome.

We made a plan to get a boot over the fence when daddy came close! Mrs. Stolarick saw my dad and Mr. Jacovini helped me over! Everyone was screaming to me, “you’re going the wrong way!” I ran to my dad with my arms wide open ready to embrace his hug! We all grabbed hands and finished the race then slowly crept over to the crowd. We took our adventure back to the car. We walked and walked. Each time we would go into a lot we would say “oh it’s this one…nope it’s the next one” we kept going! We finally made it, a 2.9 mile walk back to the car and my aching muscles were killing me. I decided to lay down on the warm ground. everyone followed, the soreness of my muscles told me to stay down and not move but I knew I had to get up, stretch, and congratulate everyone once again. A police officer came over and told us we had to leave. The day wasn’t over but my muscles told me that the rest of the day I would rest!

Today is a day I will remember for the rest of my life!!

 

 

Broad Street Run By: Sophia Cucinotta

May 5, 2013 was at life changing day for me an my family! That day we all ran the Broad Street Run! It was a 10 mile race all through Philadelphia.  We needed to wake up at 6 a.m. to get ready. The morning birds and the rush of my family woke me up. At the exact moment I got out of my bed, I saw my calendar and noticed it had said, May 5, 2013 Broad Street Run!  I was overjoyed! I got to experience the race for my first time! We drove our car to the Phillies stadium, then took the subway to the starting line.

When we got there we all went to the bathroom and then headed to our line. When the first pop gun when off I was jumping for joy! We ended up having to wait 26 more minutes until the people started to move. Then the second pop gun wen’t off and everybody started running! I gave my mom and dad a big kiss, and I was off!

All down the streets there were people cheering us all on! I started off running with my dad, but then I ran with my mom and sister! When we were running it felt amazing! At mile 3 I pitched my long sleeve and sweatshirt. At mile 8, there was the Lululemon Cheer Squad! I saw so many people I knew cheering me on! right from then I was pushing myself to finish strong!  When I saw the finish line I was so happy! Right when I crossed the line I hugged my mom and my sister! I had run 10 miles!

We met up with my moms friends, and waited for my dad to come by. When we saw him Mr. Jacovini and Mr. Stolarick  helped my mom, sister, and I over the fence to finish the race again with my dad! I sprinted to my dad and squeezed him so hard! We all held hangs and finished the race.

I will never forget that day! That is one of the most important days in my life! I am so thankful that I got to run it with my friends and family! And I am aspecally proud of my dad, he ran it! He has cancer, and is going through radiation and treatment!  So dad if you are reading this, I love you very much, keep on fighting and…… GAME ON!