Chalk Letters

Published: May 10, 2009  ~   0
By Laura Edwards

This morning, flanked by two angels, Taylor completed the Girls on the Run 5K 12 minutes faster than she reached the finish line of the Jingle Jog 5K in December. 
On the last lap around picturesque Latta Park, we came across the word “Believe” written in big chalk letters that stretched across the pavement. Believe – that’s the gift T gives us each and every day.
“Oh, my friend, it’s not what they take away from you that counts. It’s what you do with what you have left.” –-Hubert Humphrey

The T Zone

Published: May 7, 2009  ~   0
By Laura Edwards

This Saturday, Taylor will run in her second 5K when she joins her Girls on the Run teammates at Charlotte’s Latta Park for the culmination of their spring program.

The expression on T’s face as she crossed the finish line of the Jingle Jog 5K this past December with her running buddy, Mary-Kate, is still fresh in my memory. The bungee cord that connected them was T’s lifeline that day. For me, it symbolized hope: proof that nothing – even a disability like T’s – is cause enough for giving up on a dream.
T has a lot of fans, and while I know you’ll all be there in spirit on Saturday, she needs some of you there in person. The Packers have the Cheeseheads. Duke has the Cameron Crazies. Michigan State has the Izzone. If you’re in Charlotte this weekend, please consider coming out to Latta Park and forming a cheering section for T – call it the T-Zone. Then, watch her finish the race. When she crosses that line, you’ll understand the magic that is her story. And it’s not just her story, not really. Rather, it’s the story of any girl who’s ever overcome an obstacle, discovered her own gifts and embraced them.
The race starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday at Latta Park in the Dilworth neighborhood. Click here for details.
Go, T, go!