Empowerment of a 5K

Yesterday was my second 5K, (EIF + Revlon Run/Walk for Women's Cancer), and I have to admit, I think I'm addicted. There is not another activity where I have felt so empowered and activated. 40,000 people arrived bright and early in Times Square, sprinkled with confetti and inspired by speakers such as Jessica Alba and Fran Drescher. While I'm not sure the total amount of money raised - there is no doubt that the participants were all there to help make a difference. While it was a whole lot of "yay!s" before coffee - I was inspired by the good the entertainment industry is doing, and the survivor's powerful stories. Knowing - we're all in it together with this one - was really the bottom line. The top of society and the bottom - we all have parents, friends, joints and body parts with risks.

Last year, my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. And of course, like all her life trials and tribulations - managed to turn her rainy day into a rainbow for the world to share by starting a foundation focused on providing resources and information to women diagnosed with cancer, to protect their potential for being a mother. (MyVisionFoundation) While running won't take back the suffering or pain that my sister had been through, or anyone has gone through - it's a powerful metaphor for the hope and belief of finding a cure for the future.

Running amongst young girls who had lost their mothers, survivors, and friends of friends - left me with a powerful and optimistic feeling about our culture and my city. People of all races, ages, backgrounds - coming together to help solve a problem that touches us all. While NYC is the center of this culture convergence on a daily basis - never have I seen such a rally of positive emotion and good will.

I'm going to keep running. Never was I a runner before - but I'm a huge advocate for optimism, hope and charity.

Here's a list of all the runs taking place, listed by state
I think we should all do a 5K or two... who knows, maybe one day I'll start my own 5K. Now there's a big thought for a Sunday night...