My Mom and a Marathon

"RUN LIZZIE RUN!"

As I slogged through the Marine Corps Marathon course in 2000, that's what I heard - my mom cheering for me throughout the race. It wasn't just once that I heard her shouting out to me - she staked out FIVE prime spots along the course so she could wave me on and feed me orange slices to keep me going. As always, she was my biggest support.

Just a little over 3 years later, she was gone. Murdered in her home by a serial killer who it would take 12 years to find and bring to justice.

When I considered running another marathon, the idea caught in my throat - how could I run without her? Without my cheering section and booster? Without my Mom?

On March 11, my Mom would have celebrated her 70th birthday. I can't run a marathon with her - but ran run one for her, raising my voice and raising funds to prevent gun violence every step of the way.

I ran for my Mom - and for all that ache with loss and struggle with the absence of someone stolen by gun violence, in the hope that if we all stand up and act, we can ensure there are fewer of us with this particular hole in our hearts.