Finding the right words to say what I want to say about Jania Fox is somewhat challenging.  My fingers have been sitting on the keyboard for about 5 minutes.  I type, then erase, then type then erase.  I am challenged because she was reluctant to let me share her story.  I appreciate her modesty,  but I hope she will feel better once realizes that her story might help one of my readers take a step towards their goals as she herself has done.  

I heard that Jania was training for a half marathon in San Francisco with the Luekemia and Lymphoma Society when she sent out an email to her friends looking to raise $5,000 dollars.  She made a brief mention of the fact that she lost her father to Lymphoma when she was in high school.   When I asked for more information, she shared that her dad was quite sick for a period, yet she remembers his strength and focus on the kids.  She said, “He was incredibly brave.  Even though the Chemotherapy wreaked havoc on his body, he dedicated himself to taking care of my mom and his six children until the end.”

Now, 25 years later, she has found a way to honor his memory by raising money and awareness to help others who are in a similar predicament to that of her late father.  Before taking on this challenge, Jania couldn’t run more than a couple of miles.  Then, shortly after signing on to the team, her husband had to undergo two consecutive spine surgeries and one of her daughters broke her tibea.  Rather than using these two setbacks as excuses, she kept the memory of her father’s strength in the forefront  of her mind and has continued her training.  She said something that encompasses the essence of what I am trying to accomplish with this site, ” It would be too easy to get lost in the traditional female caretaker/self neglect role.  So, (in light of the obstacles this summer) I find it all the more important to carve out the ‘me’ time.”

I asked Jania for 5 things that keep her inspired during her long runs:

5. Those white jeans in my closet
4. Meeting new running buddies, some as young as 25, and thinking: I am totally keeping up with these guys
3.  The image of my 2 year old looking at me, wide-eyed, in my running outfit and asking, “Is you doing running mommy?”
2.  The fact that I’ve told too many people already.  No quitting now!
1.  Having some quiet time to think about my dad, and taking a minute to cherish my health and strength on behalf of all those who can’t.

To support Jania’s cause click the link below to donate:

http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf08/jfox