Deacon and I ran the 15th annual and final Finnish For A Guinness 5k to support the Christopher Stone Fund which donates to local families and other Rhode Island organizations that aide patients and their families suffering from ALS. It was bittersweet. I started running this race after losing our friend Chris to ALS. The Kee sisters have done such a phenomenal job year after year putting together this event, and we were so sorry to hear that it would be the last. Christopher Stone’s story
Deacon started running the race with me about 6 years ago, and it became even more special to me. Not only were we having one-on-one time, but he was asking questions and learning about ALS and how it affects people in our own community. He was always very excited when I let him know registration was open. He takes such pride in running for a cause.
I have run a lot of races, but this one was always my favorite. The location, the sponsors, and the staff running it made it the BEST. Although the race will be no longer, the cause is still there. We will find other ways to support and bring awareness.
The ALS Association covers all the bases — research, patient and community services, public education, and advocacy — in providing help and hope to those facing the disease.