Late this past spring, I was running in my neighborhood when an idea popped into my head. The idea didn’t have any shape or sense of order to speak of; when I climbed up my mountainous driveway at the end of my run, all I knew was that I wanted to use running as a way to fight Batten disease. Running is one of my purest forms of therapy, and it’s also central to what many people have said is the most inspiring of many inspiring stories about Taylor. Without the advantage of sight but with the blessings of her own heart and a big-hearted friend, my sister completed two 5Ks during her time with the Girls on the Run program at her school.
Three months later, with the help of some very good friends of my own, my hodgepodge idea is becoming a reality. About a month from now, Taylor’s Tale will unveil an exciting new campaign that will allow us to touch every part of the globe that has Internet access. And no matter how you prefer to stay active – by running, swimming, cycling, hiking, walking – anything that allows you to to log miles – you’ll be able to do what you love in honor of kids all over the world fighting Batten disease. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to share your own stories through words, pictures and videos – and connect with others logging miles, from the tree-lined paths of Charlotte, North Carolina, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to the foggy streets of London, and even to faraway places like Australia and New Zealand (these are just some of the locales of friends who have already made a pledge to join our team!).
I’m so excited about this campaign that I’m having to work really, really hard to keep most of the details under wraps. With that said, it’s probably best if I wrap up this particular post for now, but please stay tuned, as the launch will happen in the very near future. Thanks for all that you do to help us believe in miracles!