Here a photo of me at the end.
My 1 mile route took me 2 laps around my neighborhood block. I prefer looped routes but I thought laps were appropriate today and if it weren't for the rain I might have gone to the local middle school for 4 laps around the track because well, Laps 4 Lexi, get it? Ok, moving on...
Lexi loved the color purple so I wore the only purple shirt I own. The words you can't see on the shirt say "Old Enough to Know Better, Young Enough Not to Care". Appropriate given the weather, I thought.
Lexi also loved Care Bears. My bear's name is ALGEE. ALGEE is not a trademarked Care Bear. ALGEE is the mascot for Mental Health First Aid. A different kind of care bear. ALGEE kept me company for my walk.
I probably looked a little silly hugging a bear while walking the rain. I would have welcomed the opportunity to explain. 💜💜
Lexi Speight was an exuberant and hilariously funny 8-year old. After complaining of a "tummy ache" Lexi was diagnosed with liver cancer and died just 12 weeks later. There were no other indications -- the doctors called it an unexplainable "lightning strike."
Since Lexi's death in 2010, over 7,000 people have participated in the Laps for Lexi annual 5K run/walk that raises money for both pediatric cancer and a scholarship in Lexi's name. It’s more than just the money raised. Laps for Lexi has energized a community; They’ve raised awareness about children’s cancer; They’ve helped improve the quality of life of children.
Please consider a donation so other children and their families can Keep Smiling and Keep Moving. . (http://www.lapsforlexi.org/contributions.html) Running, walking or singing in the rain is optional!
-Paula
