My Heart Is Full, Ethan's Run 2011

Ethan's Run 2011 was a WONDERFUL day! We were able to raise $10,000 to donate to families battling CHD's. I can't believe the generosity of so many. The money raised was made possible by runners, walkers, children playing, people eating a yummy pancake breakfast, from generous donations, sponsors,an eagle scout, and from the MANY wonderful volunteers who helped plan and carry out the event. Thank you sooooooo much!
I had to keep my sunglasses on the whole time. . . I didn't want anyone to see the tears that kept creeping up everytime I saw someone walk by with a shirt dedicated to a CHD warrior and/or angel. At one point I looked over at the kids zone, and all the fun that was occurring there, and I whispered "Happy Birthday" to Ethan. What a beautiful day to celebrate his life, to increase CHD awareness, and to raise funds for a great cause. I was also very impressed with the class of athletes participating in the event. There is a picture of the 1/2 Marathon overall male winner. He and his brother finished in 1hr and 18 min. Wow! Again, thank you to all who came out!

ABC 15 NewsCovering Ethan and the Event

So we may not have careers in TV, but anything for CHD awareness!

Jakey's Blankies

If you have time, please check out my Friend Liz Dennison's blog.  It's under "Angel Jake".  He lost his HLHS battle right before Ethan was born.  She gave Ethan one of the super soft, comfy blankets she started making for heart families.  She is doing a drive to raise money for more special blankies to give to more special babies!!

2nd Annual Ethan's Run: Hope for Heart Defects

The Event is back!  It is Saturday February 12, 2011.  1/2 Marathon, 10K, Fun Run, Pancake Breakfast and Kids Zone.  There is something for everyone!

Details

Kids Zone (bigger and better) 2 jump houses, an inflatable game, rock wall, face painting, and cotton candy.  Children 4 and older will be $5 this year and that includes both the Fun Run and unlimited Kids Zone.  All CHD kids are free (just show us your zipper).

Pancake Breakfast $5 or $20 per family.  It will be provided by a scouting organization and proceeds go to Ethan's Run

Fun Run is 1.3 miles.  We encourage friends and family of heart warriors to band together to represent thier loved one.

10K is the same route as last year and chip timed!

1/2 Marathon goes through Las Sendas then out to McDowell road, around north east Mesa, and finishes back in Las Sendas.  This 1/2M is also chip timed and in process of certification.

Please go to www.ethansrunaz.com or active.com to register and get more information.

Or email me with any questions

There is also an Ethan's Run CALIFORNIA

My dear friend is putting it on in Menifee, CA  April 30, 2011*  (10k and fun run)

You can register at active.com or via http://www.ethansrunca.com/

Please help spread the word and raise CHD awareness!

Sometimes I question myself for putting on this event b/c of the time it takes, not only my families part, but all the volunteers as well.  Then I get word of another little precious CHD baby (Ella) who loses her life to a complex defect and I am reminded of the purpose, the cause, and my little Ethan. . . We are grateful we can put on this event.  And THANK YOU to all those who make it possible!

Family Pictures

My mom always tells me our family pictures are so boring and lack color. . . So here you go mom. This one was for you. Color, color, color! We had so much fun taking them. There are too many good pictures. I have 250 to choose from and I just can't decide. I LOVE them all, but I also want to have money in the bank for Christmas! We just wish Ethan was in the pictures with us.  Family pictures will never be the same. Thanks for putting up with us Melissa!

October Fun

Life has been crazy busy. . . Fall sports, fun parties, and working way too much! Here is a peak at our month. It started off w/ Crazy Cannon turning 5! I can't believe he is five. Anyone who knows Cannon knows there is never a dull moment with him. He is either up to something sneaky, or the center of attention! This kid is hilarious and loves to keep us on our toes. And our poor puppy. . . he is often the culprit of Cannons antics! We rode trains and the carousel at McCormick train park and then had a picnic and games. I also have an annual Halloween party. Lots of yummy eats and fun treats. The pumpkin carving contest has become increasingly competitive each year. I may need to stop that part of the party to keep love and harmony within the family :)

Ethan Slide Show

Here is a very rough draft of a video I was trying to do with some of Ethan's pics (since I hate scrapbooking). We miss him so much. I cannot find a picture of him smiling big! He HATED the camera. Every time I lifted it up he would scowl. I don't blame him. Machines were all too much a part of his life. He always just wanted a finger to hold or a face to look at. Love you son... I can't believe you have been gone 1 year. . .

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