We Did It. . . $10,000 to help CHD families!

Ethan's Run was a huge success thanks to many of YOU! The weather held out just long enough and the main events were able to take place. The 10K course was awsome! It was hard and challenging. . . and shockingly no complaints about it. Most people said they loved the challenge and there are no other 10K like it in the valley. I was afraid no one would come back after they ran it :)

The fun run was great. I LOVED all the kiddos running and scooting their hearts out! There was a HUGE heart family and friend turn out too. I love seeing everyone, just wished I had actually had time to talk to you all. I love you guys! And I have loved receiving all your pictures and comments!

I also want to THANK all those that sacrificed so much time to help. The volunteers and support was awsome. I am humbled by it to tell you the truth!

I ran the 10K (which didn't leave me much time to visit) but I did it for Ethan. I could not put on an event in honor of my son, call it Ethan's Run, and not run it!

Now starts the PAY IT FORWARD part. We raised $10,000! After I finish up with post race details I will start working on the details with the Congenital Heart Foundation on how to distribute the funds to benefit those families struggling with complicated battles!

There will definately be an Ethan's Run: Hope for Heart Defects 2011!

I have tons of new pictures to still go through! I will post more later. This week I need to finish up race stuff and, oh maybe, tend to my neglected house.

Love- Heidi

Any Picture Takers???

Does anyone have a decent camera that would like to SNAP PICTURES at Ethan's Run???
I would like some candid shots of the event as a whole. You do not need to take a picture of everything. . . I just want to make sure and capture some memories. . . Any takers???

MapMyRun.com | View Ethan's Route #4 -- Final in Mesa, Arizona

MapMyRun.com | View Ethan's Route #4 -- Final in Mesa, Arizona

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You can view the 10K route for Ethan's Run by clicking the link above.

***Boulder Mountain Park is the base camp for the whole event. Please make note that the road "Red Mountain" that Boulder Mtn Park is located on, will be closed to through traffic starting at 8:15 am. The 10K and fun run will be starting and finishing on this road, so traffic will be closed. If you need to arrive after 8:15, then plan to park a half mile or more away! We will have a few golf carts for people to get shuttled into the park.

10K starts at 8:30am
Fun/run starts at 8:40

Ethan's Run, Final Countdown

The FINAL COUNTDOWN is on for ETHAN'S RUN: HOPE FOR HEART DEFECTS! Please help spread the word. It has come together very well. The event is in the community of Las Sendas in NE Mesa. Please enter from Power & Thomas Rd. and plan on arriving by 8 (so not to cut it too close). I have been very blessed to have two boy scounts want to help with Ethan's Run for their Eagle Projects. . . I could not be more grateful. And quite frankly, my mini stress breakdowns as of late might have been a full blown breakdown if they hadn't come along. Thanks Max & Sam.

If you didn't notice, the fun/run is now ONLY A 1 MILE. Sorry if you were planning on a two miler, but I just couldn't make it work without messing up the 10K. There will be complimentary snacks, drinks, and messages for the 10K runners. The fun zone (8am to 11am) is at the park w/ free bounce houses, and tons of play equipment. Tropical Smoothie will be there, and the newest edition is a PANCAKE BREAKFAST for purchase! And of course, CUTE SHIRTS to all registrants. There is day of registration w/ cash, but shirts are not guaranteed. To pre-register go to my button on the side and it will connect you to online reg! Thanks to all the sponsors and those who are helping to make this a great event! If you can't make it, just try to always spread Congenital Heart Defect Awareness! It is the number one birth defect and the number one cause of infant death from birth defects.
Cannon asks everyday if it is "Efin's Run yet?" Almost buddy, almost!

15 Grandkids Nine & Under

What could be more fun than seeing 15 grandkids running and screaming together at Grandma's house? Maybe just Grandma and Grandpa's faces! We are lucky enough to have lots of fun cousins to play with. These are the pics we took at New Years. Thanks Sara. . . they are so fun. However, could you please photoshop the bags on my eyes? They are still terrible. I think Ethan pushed them to the point of NO RETURN! All the sleepless nights and tears were worth it(like they're over). Just wish grandkid number 16 was running around with the others. . .

Cannon is my angel on Earth!

Yes, I used Cannon and angel in the same sentence. He has been more joy than mischief lately. And even though Ethan has been gone over 5 months. . . Cannon continues to be his biggest fan.
My sister-in-law asked me if I was writing down the sweet things Cannon has been saying. And I am guilty. I have not. So here are just a few glimpses.

Cannon ALWAYS blesses Ethan when it is his turn to pray. Sometimes he adds "bless Ethan to be resurrected". I without a doubt know I will see Ethan again on the other side. I also know one day he (we all) will be resurrected and his physical state will be made perfect. My older kids grasp that the timing of the second coming of Christ and resurrection is unknown (and far off). Cannon doesn't get it, although I have explained it to him 3-4 times a week since Ethan's passing. Tonight during prayers Cannon prayed: "Bless Ethan to come back alive fast. . .it is taking too long."

A few weeks ago my friend returned a cradle I had lended her. We used it for the first week or so Ethan was home. Even though he was a little baby, it wasn't working out, because he was a little baby with way too many tubes and wires attached to him and I just had no room to "work" when I was taking care of him and giving meds, feeds, suctioning, diapers, dressing changes, etc...). So we put up the crib and eventually lent the cradle out. Cannon and I walked into the garage after she returned it and there it was. . . Cannon gasped with excitement, put his hands on his cheeks and shouted (with the biggest grin ever) "Is that for Ethan? Is he coming back ALIVE? Can we put it in my room? I will take good care of him and help him when he wakes up at night!"

And as you can imagine he was quite disappointed when I told him the situation. But none the less he went on to talk about Ethan for the next 2 days straight. . . Including: "Mom, you need to have another baby boy so when Ethan comes alive he will have a buddy to play with like I have Gage."

And on the note of Gage. . . I heard Gage saying he was scared after we tucked them in tonight. Cannon and Gage share a room w/ two twin beds. A few minutes later I heard Cannon tell Gage he could come sleep with him. I thought it was sweet, but didn't think much more of the comment. This is how I found them when I went to check on them an hour later.

As I have pondered Cannon's change in demeanor, I can't help but wonder if he has changed, or have I just changed the way I view and love him. I must thank Ethan for those lessons. Learned the hard way, but none the less, learned (and hopefully never to forget).

XOXOXO

Neighbors & Good Times

So this post is a little late. I have been wanting to put up my Christmas card because I ran out this year. I thought I ordered plenty. . . but it turns out this year not only brought us our Ethan, but it also brought us a whole lot of new friends and loved ones. I wish I could tell you all the special thoughts and feelings I have for ALL of our old and new friends. I would like to say I could go on praising them for hours, but the truth is that my feelings are so tender and so full of gratitude for all of them that I still just break down in tears everytime I think about it. The feelings are too overwhelming to describe (it might also be difficult to express because English/writing was not my best subject)!



Today I had a chance to catch up with Melodie (Scarlett's mom). She is Super Heart Mom! Scarlett was Ethan's first neighbor in the PCTICU. She was born one day before him with Tetralogy of Fallot. She is now almost a year old, starting to walk, and has the most beautiful eyes and smile. Melodie has become dedicated to the cause. She connects more heart moms than anyone I know. She continues to support CHD families whether their child is alive, or has earned its angel wings. And she is a busy full time working mom with lots of other stuff to worry about too, but she still cares about us! We had so many good "neighbors" on the unit. I love them all. And they are part of why I want to put on Ethan's Run. To continue to support the cause.

Ethan is 11 months old today, and 5 months gone. . .

On a lighter note, Greg planned a fun trip for us this past week. Realizing the toll this last year had taken on us (notice my card... still looks like I haven't slept in a year). . . he planned a get-a-way. We went on a 7 day cruise to MEXICO. Oh, it was fun! We had a blast and for the first time in I don't know how long. . . we were able to relax and let loose! Can anyone say KARAOKE, zip lines, and snorkeling. Just a few of the highlights!

By the way Brianne. . . what happens in Mexico, stays in Mexico!