We Finish Together

This past November, I came across an article in Runner’s World Magazine about a woman with a terminal illness who was running her last marathon, The Marine Corp Marathon. The woman in the story was Kim Garrard Stemple. Kim was once a special education teacher, then school principal and cross country coach, but when she became sick in 2009 she stopped working. Over the last several years, Kim has been diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, (which causes progressive mental and physical deterioration), as well as lupus, benign bone tumors, lymphoma, and sodium channelopathy. Kim is currently receiving treatment but her condition is terminal. Even with a grim prognosis, Kim doesn’t let her illness get in her way. Kim continues to live a positive life, doing what she loves, helping to support and inspire others along the way.

When first diagnosed and in the hospital, Kim received a race medal from a friend of hers who completed the Las Vegas Marathon (one she wanted to do, but couldn’t because she wasn’t allowed to travel) and that’s when the idea to create the We Finish Together (WFT) Organization started. This medal helped lift her spirits, supporting her through a very difficult time in her life. Kim knew she wanted to do the same for others. When Kim was released from the hospital she went home, gathered her own race medals, and then handed them out to the people who were in the hospital with her. The medals became a symbol of strength and courage, letting the person who received one know that they are not alone in this crazy journey called Life.

The WFT organization is broken down into fleets across the country. These fleets are in charge of collecting and distributing medals. The medals (i.e. running, swimming, triathlons, etc…) are donated along with a handwritten inspirational message or quote, that then gets sent to someone in need of a little pick me up. The medals and the note are meant to let the receiver know that they have the support they may need to get them through whatever challenges lie ahead; keeping the medal close, knowing that someone will always be there to hold your hand. The medals are a reminder to stay strong and to keep fighting.

Needless to say, Kim’s story captivated and inspired me. Right then, I knew that I needed to be a part of WFT, so I too could help support others going through challenging times. I also knew I needed to meet Kim. To start, I immediately reached out to my running group, told them about Kim and the organization, and quickly began collecting medals. To date, I have collected and donated about 50 medals. Medals have been sent to family members, friends, colleagues, as well as to a children’s hospital.

Then, over the past weekend, I had privilege and pleasure of meeting Kim. I was in DC for the Rock ‘n’ Roll half marathon and reached out to her to see if she wanted to meet and run with me, and she did!!!! Kim, her husband Jim, and I ran 3 miles together along the National Mall, stopping for pictures along the way. It was an incredible morning. There is so much positive energy and goodness that radiates from Kim, it was so wonderful to be around her. As we ran, we chatted about life, sharing stories of when we both lived in Boston and of course we talked about her organization. Kim is very humble and does not want the organization or stories to be about her, but rather, of all the wonderful people who are collecting and distributing medals, stories about the people who received them, and stories of hope and love shared along the way!

FullSizeRender 7 After our run, Kim asked me to join her and create my own Fleet, the Sparkle Fleet (she named me) based out of Princeton, NJ. Of course I was super excited and delighted to help. So with the help of my good friend, Anne Klein, we are going to continue collecting and distributing medals to children and adults in need of a helping hand or a little pick me up. So if you are interested in donating a medal or would like us to send a medal to a family member or friend, please email me- kmandell14@gmail.com or find me on FB at https://www.facebook.com/keri.mandell

I am so excited to be apart of the WFT community. I am grateful to be helping an amazing cause and sharing the spark initiated by Kim Garrard Stemple!!

Thank you. Stay tuned for some exciting things to come!

To read more about Kim’s story, check out: http://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/woman-with-terminal-illness-runs-her-last-marathon

AND be sure to check out We Finish Together FB page: https://www.facebook.com/wefinishtogether/?fref=ts