On the left is Mariah- she is 14 and has Crohns disease so badly her entire colon has been removed.  She is part of our team so that people that aren’t personally affected by Crohns and don’t have someone they love to run for can run for her.  She is a total sweetheart- it’s unreal what she’s had to endure in her short life because of Crohns.  I’ll post her story for all of you shortly.

Also- check out the “Cork Necklace” that Becky (on the right) is wearing.  This is a necklace made of Wine Corks and is given to someone on the team each time we meet for training.  I was telling my Mom about it and she said “Is it kind of like the Immunity Idol on Survivor?”  I guess it kind of is except it doesn’t “save” you from getting kicked off the team or anything- it’s more a recognition and encouragement necklace.   I thought it was a really cute idea to help keep people motivated.