WILLPower at The Woodlands Marathon!

This week was a very busy and emotional week.  But maybe it was better that it was busy, because it helped to distract us from the anniversary of "The Call."  But even traveling to DC and then to Minnesota couldn't distract us from the very real and very difficult anniversary of Little Buddy's MPS diagnosis.  However, we worked to make this week as positive as we could by focusing on our mission of spreading awareness and WILLPower!  And it seemed only fitting that we do that during The Woodlands Marathon events that we had this weekend.

First us, Little Buddy's race!  After all his hard work at Run Club this year, it was finally time to show his stuff at his 2K!  We also loved all the other WILLPower runners and supporters whom came out Friday night to spread the message!

"Dad, no time for selfies.  I need to focus!"

Cheering section is in place!

     

Look at those awesome WILLPower runners!

There he goes!

WILLPower supporters coming across the finish line!

Here comes Little Buddy with a PR!

Love all the WILLPower at the 2K!

Rocking his 2K medal and his Kids' Marathon medal!  We are so proud of you, Little Buddy, and hope that you can run this event for years to come!

The next morning it was Momma's turn for her Half Marathon.  It was a tough run as I battled internally with keeping the anniversary ghosts away, but I still managed to find my own WILLPower and finish with a PR!  And seeing all the WILLPower on the course and along the course meant more than words can say!

So much WILLPower ready to run!

The best training partners, running buddies, and friends that anyone could ask for!

Our cheering squads were ready to go!

And we're off!

Our WILLPower runners were going strong!  We even had one pregnant momma out there for us!  Nothing stops you when you have WILLPower!

 

Coming into the finish...Momma WILLPower was feeling super rough, but her wonderful friends helped her make it through!

     

     

So blessed to have so many people willing to champion our cause!

Traditional victory lunch at Chuy's!

After some naps and recovery time for all parties, we spend the rest of the evening at Uncle M and Aunt S's, for swimming and grilling.  Just being surrounded by friends and enjoying their company helped keep our mind off of the reality of it being a year since we found out that our Little Buddy was going to have a long road ahead.  We couldn't be more thankful for a fun evening of distraction.

Little Buddy loves swimming!

This past year has been nothing like we could have every imagined.  We have been shattered and devastated, but we have found room for hope and joy.  Our hope comes not only from the clinical trial, but from the amazing people who have stood by our side this past year and assured us that we will never fight alone.  I hope one day to read this post to Little Buddy to show him how many people love and support him and our family.  Thank you, thank you all.  We couldn't have made it through this year without you.

With WILLPower, 

LBM

Little Buddy's Momma