Monday, October 11, 2010

Paying it Forward, to my friend Chris

Saturday 10/16/2010:

Words simply cannot describe what I want to say. Many many many thanks to all of the wonderful participants and donations that made Pay-It-Forward to TEAM CHRIS an incredible moment for Chris and his family today.

Our running team of Jill, Mike, Emma, Tamar and Jane walked 2.5 miles from the Canton waterfront - to the Baltimore 5K start -- and arrived with 2 minutes to spare. There was no time to prep, as the 5K race started promptly at 8:30 am...and within 30 minutes we had all crossed the finish line - together. It was pretty miraculous that we finished together considering the size of the crowds, and the freakin' fast pace set by Tamar and Emma. We ran so fast that I never noticed the first or 2nd mile markers....but I think we were all somewhat inspired to do Chris proud today. We each had an opportunity to carry the Team-Chris banner during the 5K event - and of course proudly posed for this picture op.

By 11AM, Jill, Tamar and I presented Chris and his family with your donations and inspirations - and I have to say, it was a very moving moment. I may not know each and every participant in TEAM CHRIS today, but you need to know that your caring and support shed a beam of light, and hope for Chris. Thank you for making this moment happen. You really made a difference.

Monday October 11, 2010
One of my favorite movies - is Pay it Forward. NO, the movie is not new, but in case you haven't seen it, a young boy (Trevor), is caught up by an intriguing assignment from his social studies teacher. The assignment: think of something to change the world and put it into action. Trevor conjures the notion of paying favors FORWARD, and not BACK. Forward - means to repay good deeds not with payback, but with new good deeds done to three new people. Trevor succeeds to make good on his idea bring a revolution of GOOD DEEDS cropping up in an ever-widening circle of people completely unknown to him.

This Saturday, October 16, a group of friends have decided to PAY IT FORWARD - to my friend Chris. We've decided, at least in one small way, to shine a bright light in his direction. We believe that the power of kindness can make a difference. Most likely, you don't know Chris. He was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 throat cancer, his wife is in remission with breast cancer and they have 3 small children. We wanted to take this opportunity to pay forward to Chris - a simple moment of kindness. And just maybe, the collective power of well wishes from our "village" can make a difference to Chris and his family.

My friend Chris, is not aware that he will be the recipient of PAY IT FORWARD. He has no idea what is ahead or how you will have an impact. Try to imagine YOURSELF being the recipient of Random Acts of Kindness from many strangers. The moment is bound to be special and profound.

On Saturday, Oct 16, some of us from TEAM-TRI SISTAHOOD (Jane, Jill, Emma, and Tamar) will be running in the Baltimore Running Festival (5K) - carrying a banner inscribed with your INSPIRATIONS for CHRIS.

Should you choose...here is how you can be a part of PAYING IT FORWARD - to Chris:

DONATION and/or INSPIRATION: whatever you can give. We will collect all donations for Chris (to help defray medical expenses) and present to him in person on Saturday Oct 16. PLUS, please take a moment to Write an INSPIRATION that we will carry during our 5K run...and present to Chris as well. Send your inspirations via email HERE -- or simply write use the COMMENT box at the bottom of this POST. In case our paths don't collide this week, contact me if you prefer to mail a check.

Team TRI-SISTAHOOD will present the donations / inspirations to Chris shortly after the Baltimore 5K run on Saturday Oct 16. Even if you cannot make a donation, please take a moment to WRITE a brief inspiration (yes, you can remain anonymous) by POSTING A COMMENT at the bottom of this blog site. Thanks in advance for all you do!

Thank you for making a difference and for PAYING IT FORWARD - To Chris.
You rock.

Jane Wadsworth
TEAM TRI-SISTAHOOD
301.520.4954

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Chris - That which matters most, should never give way to that which matters least. You matter! Keep fighting. I'm rooting for you

Anonymous said...

Never stop laughing and smiling! Keep up the fight! We are pulling for your complete recovery!!

Anonymous said...

They say it takes a village Chris. Consider us your village.

Anonymous said...

You have what's inside to beat this. Draw from your core and know that can.

Anonymous said...

Wish you and your family all the best. Godspeed to a full recovery!

Lamie said...

"The greatest healing therapy is friendship and love." - Hubert Humphrey. I hope you know that you are surrounded by many friends and infinite love. Draw strength from that love and that foundation as you fight this fight. Keep on smiling!

Anonymous said...

Eat chocolate, have seconds, smile, laugh and enjoy every moment. Is there any other way to live. We wish you a complete recovery so that you can pay your good fortune forward.

Anonymous said...

Never give up -- we are pulling for you

Anonymous said...

Chris do you feel the love? You are surrounded.

Anonymous said...

Never underestimate your strength and BELIEVE. Wishing you a full recovery