Well if we can keep Maggie in town, we’ll try fit another chemo admission around her busy schedule. After our whirlwind weekend in Jackson for Batson celebration and fundraising, Maggie and Molly took a trip to Nashville for a concert and plenty of cousin time (they have six cousins from three of my siblings who call the Nashville area home along with my brother Tim and his wife Pamela). Several of the cousins have children, so that made the time extra fun. Maggie flew home (her first solo flight) yesterday. If all goes according to plan, she’ll be admitted tomorrow for round 49. Chemo infusions are not enjoyable, but the special people at Batson always are which makes the three days not only tolerable but lighter. This trip is our last planned one (knock on wood) before Christmas, so we’ll be delivering goodies to the clinic and hospital.

I promised to share highlights involving Team Maggie at the Jingle Bell Jog on December 2nd. The event is held each year at Madison-Ridgeland High School to benefit the Childen’s Cancer Center. Runners (and walkers) can choose 5k, 10K, and half-marathon distances with the courses taking them down Highland Colony Parkway and, in the case of the half-marathon, through Ridgeland.

Team Maggie was made up of 5K runners/walkers:

Susan Blakeney, a friend and fellow Pine Belt pacer
Scott, Stephanie, Hannah, Haley, and Heidi Hanberry (Phil’s brother and family)
Cindy Rush (Phil’s sister) and her son, Clayton Rush
Renee Megehee, family friend
Phil Hanberry
Me (Melissa)

We had one 10K runner – Dr. Berch, Maggie’s surgeon.  

The team had an incredible photography and tech crew:

Karen Berch and Hannah Grace Berch (Dr. Berch’s wife and daughter) along with Maggie. They produced some incredible action shots.

And the most incredible cheering section in the town (collectively known as the Sassy Sisters along with the fourth “sister” Sandra Peebles):

Gay Hanberry (Phil’s mom)
Lillian Breland
Barbara Curry

I want to thank each of them for honoring Maggie and other CCC patients with their time and support. I want to offer a special thanks to Scott and Stephanie for handling the t-shirt sales, ordering, and delivery. Susan Blakeney is a dear friend. She made the drive from the Hattiesburg area Saturday morning, rocked the 5k, then drove to Laurel for her daughter’s soccer game.  Where would we be without the support of friends?

The weather was perfect for running. We had several team members walk away with extra hardware for placing in their age divisions. Dr. Berch was on call that morning, so he went to the hospital prior to the race and made rounds. He came in time for pictures, placed 2nd in his 10K bracket, raced home for a shower, then returned to the hospital for two surgeries. Wow.

Another big highlight was watching Heidi Hanberry collect a medal for placing in her bracket. This was her first (but I’m hoping not last) 5K.

Clayton was the fastest 5K member of Team Maggie and placed 2nd in his age group. Phil seemed a bit shocked when his name was called for a 2nd place medal. My goal for the 5K was to run a PR (personal record – my fastest 5K time). I did and placed 3rd in my age. I wish I had space here to share more photos. You can find the complete album on Facebook – Phil’s, Maggie’s or mine. I think I can speak for the entire group when I say the event was a blast. We plan to do it again next year with a bigger version of Team Maggie. I hope you’ll plan to join us. You have one full year to train, so you have no excuse!

Thank you for your prayers as we head north in the morning for chemo. I’ll update at my earliest opportunity. Goodnight.