running up for downs 2013

Saturday, May 11, 2013 will be a day I remember as a very good day!!  The Inaugural 3.21 Run Up For Downs/Running for Lily was held at Old Trace Park in Jackson.  Lily was born in September, same month as our sweet Chandler and was also born with Down syndrome.  The race was to increase Down syndrome awareness and acceptance in Mississippi and the proceeds went to the Central Mississippi Down Syndrome Society and the Little Light House of Central Mississippi. They only expected 150-200 participants to show up and that number doubled!!  A 5k race is usually 3.12 miles, but to represent the third replication of the 21st chromosome, which is Down syndrome, the race was 3.21 miles. 

We had 27 friends and family show up and support our girl, and had three little supporters, Madeline, Sawyer and Niley!!  Yes, you heard me right...29 people took time out of their busy lives to run and/or walk in honor of one special little girl!!  As Hunter and I discussed, we should've gotten an award for the most supporters! :)  Everyone finished the race and to me that in itself was a big accomplishment and even Madeline walked across the finish line saying, "I DID IT!!!"  Which were my thoughts when I crossed it!!  Big sissy probably walked a little over a mile..those little legs were working overtime!  Needless to say I was an emotional wreck pretty much all day..my cup runneth over, that's for sure.  We would like to thank each and every supporter from the bottom of our hearts..means so very much to us..

We even had some supporters who placed in their age groups..
Alexa Manning placed first in her age group.
Bro. Brent Causey (our preacher at Fernwood Baptist) placed second in his age group and gave his award to Chandler and said he won it for her!  Yes, this Mama was really a mess by this time!!
Papa J placed second in his age group and Chandler was so excited..she just knew that he won for her!
Chandler's Daddy and Mr. Doug "placed" fourth and fifth in their age group and didn't like it too much that Papa J placed and they didn't...better luck next time!!  Doug ran for our sweet girl and also for his sweet nephew Ferris, who lives in Orlando.

Hooray!!!

 Overall it was a very good day and we are looking forward to next year!  I might even train to run...I said MIGHT!!!

Here are some pictures from this fun day...

Hunter and Madeline are running/walking for sissy!

We are going to say that she was Diva #1 on this day cause she expected to be carried!! ha

These folks are here for me (Diva #2)!!

Aunt Colleen, Shimmy, Jillian and me..let's get this race started!

Me and my co-workers/friends, Melanie W. and Melanie K.

Just chilling!

This 5k is hard work!

I DID IT!!!!  She crossed the finish line with Nana and Kayla (one of her fwends!)

This is better than any trophy!!

And so is this!!

Kris and Doug...best friends forever!!  haha

Doug, Sawyer and Kris were Running for Ferris and Chandler!

Awwww...sorry Daddy, it looks like Sawyer is smitten, already!!  Chandler is checking him out, too though!

Nanny B ran for her sweet girl!

We love our friends, Ginger and Josh!

First 5k for the Smiths!!!

Again, thanks to everyone who came out for such a wonderful event and we hope to see even more next year, Running/Walking for Chandler!!

overwhelmed with appreciation,
Megan