Monday, June 10, 2013
How to Donate
I've been told that people are finding it hard to locate the website where donations can be made to the United Way Sandy Hook Support Fund through 26 in 2013 for Sandy Hook. Here is the direct link to my fundraising page:
http://www.crowdrise.com/26in2013forsandyhook/fundraiser/lindsayknauf/
Thank you all very much for your support!
Lindsay
http://www.crowdrise.com/26in2013forsandyhook/fundraiser/lindsayknauf/
Thank you all very much for your support!
Lindsay
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Race Reflections: Jesse Lewis
On May 19th, I ran the O'Neil's 5k to Benefit the Jesse Lewis Foundation in Norwalk, CT for the amazingly brave Jesse Lewis.
Jesse was six years old when he died at Sandy Hook. Six years old. Want to know what his final act on this planet was? He was trying to lead other children to safety. What six year old does that? When shots rang out, he ran to the hallway to see what he could do to help. He was six. I can't get that through my mind. Adults are one thing. We are programmed to protect children. But to have a child act on that instinct is something incredible. What a strong young man.
The race day for Jesse was a cold and wet one for mid-May. But heck if you would have known it. People were out in droves to show their support for the Jesse's family. Such a beautiful thing to see. On a day where staying in bed curled up under the blankets watching movies would have been a far superior option, people ventured out to make sure that the Lewis family knew that we would forever stand beside them. Regardless of the weather.
As I was walking towards O'Neils that morning on my way to sign in, a man at a local bakery popped his head out and asked me where everyone was headed to. Apparently he noticed all the people out and about that wet morning and realized it was odd. I told him that O'Neil's was putting on a race that benefited the Jesse Lewis foundation and that Jesse was one of the little boys that passed away on December 14th. "God bless them." He had said to me. And followed it up by saying, "What a strong community Newtown is. We could all learn a thing or two from them about how to treat one another." I couldn't have said it better myself.
The stories, like Jesse's, of heroism are endless. The acts of kindness that followed in the wake of this tragedy, are too many to count. The number of people looking to ensure those lost are never forgotten, are vast. And I personally have turned a very significant corner. In the wake of December 14th, if someone asked where I was from, I would hesitate. I didn't want to see the look in their eyes when I told them that I was from Newtown. I didn't want to see the pity. Now? I jump at the chance to tell you where I am from. Because I'm working past the grief. I'm seeing the good instead of the bad. I am so beyond proud to be able to tell you that I am born and raised in Newtown because we have done everything right from the moment that horrible creature entered one of our beloved schools. We have so much to be thankful for and our community will forever be impacted in the most positive way because of how we learned to come together and be there for each other through the worst possible scenario. We are Newtown and we choose love every single day.
Love-
Lindsay
Here is the handsome Jesse Lewis. The 13th angel that I have now run for.
Jesse was six years old when he died at Sandy Hook. Six years old. Want to know what his final act on this planet was? He was trying to lead other children to safety. What six year old does that? When shots rang out, he ran to the hallway to see what he could do to help. He was six. I can't get that through my mind. Adults are one thing. We are programmed to protect children. But to have a child act on that instinct is something incredible. What a strong young man.
The race day for Jesse was a cold and wet one for mid-May. But heck if you would have known it. People were out in droves to show their support for the Jesse's family. Such a beautiful thing to see. On a day where staying in bed curled up under the blankets watching movies would have been a far superior option, people ventured out to make sure that the Lewis family knew that we would forever stand beside them. Regardless of the weather.
As I was walking towards O'Neils that morning on my way to sign in, a man at a local bakery popped his head out and asked me where everyone was headed to. Apparently he noticed all the people out and about that wet morning and realized it was odd. I told him that O'Neil's was putting on a race that benefited the Jesse Lewis foundation and that Jesse was one of the little boys that passed away on December 14th. "God bless them." He had said to me. And followed it up by saying, "What a strong community Newtown is. We could all learn a thing or two from them about how to treat one another." I couldn't have said it better myself.
The stories, like Jesse's, of heroism are endless. The acts of kindness that followed in the wake of this tragedy, are too many to count. The number of people looking to ensure those lost are never forgotten, are vast. And I personally have turned a very significant corner. In the wake of December 14th, if someone asked where I was from, I would hesitate. I didn't want to see the look in their eyes when I told them that I was from Newtown. I didn't want to see the pity. Now? I jump at the chance to tell you where I am from. Because I'm working past the grief. I'm seeing the good instead of the bad. I am so beyond proud to be able to tell you that I am born and raised in Newtown because we have done everything right from the moment that horrible creature entered one of our beloved schools. We have so much to be thankful for and our community will forever be impacted in the most positive way because of how we learned to come together and be there for each other through the worst possible scenario. We are Newtown and we choose love every single day.
Love-
Lindsay
Here is the handsome Jesse Lewis. The 13th angel that I have now run for.
Full race album available on the facebook page 26 in 2013 for Sandy Hook:
Monday, June 3, 2013
Race Reflections: Lauren Rousseau
Back on May 18th, I ran in Danbury at their "Spring Forward for Sandy Hook" event. I ran this race for Lauren because the school that was hosting the event was where Lauren had been a regular substitute teacher and her presence was still strong in their walls. Her loss, a heavy weight on all of their shoulders. Two things struck me particularly hard that day. One. People that work towards good will always out number those that strive to do harm. Two. Meeting family members of those that we lost on December 14th is sort of like meeting a celebrity. Allow me to elaborate on both those points...
Firstly, the overwhelming love and support that radiated through the crowd at this race was beyond moving. Each of the elementary schools, as well as different organizations through out Danbury, sat stationed, poised and ready at various check points throughout the race. They were armed with massive signs that preached love, community and above all, unity. As you ran, you were enveloped in their shouts of love and support. Children ran out into the road to race a few steps along your side and reach for your hand, even though they you were a total stranger to them. They passed out water. They cheered us on. It was a beautiful reminder that there is so much more good in this world than bad. And that children are our greatest assets in finding the good in anything.
Secondly, I need to touch upon what it's like to meet family members of those lost. I met with Lauren's aunt at this race. The night before the race, my friend Beth had reached out to me to ask if I would like to meet her because she had a mutual connection. I, of course, said that I would be honored, and ran through some ideas of things that I would like to say to her so that I would be prepared. I went into race day confident of what I would say when we came face to face. But as we approached her that afternoon, my mind went blank. Nothing that I had planned to say felt good enough. It felt too superficial. It wasn't enough. What on Earth do you say to someone that lost so much in the blink of an eye? I just wanted to hug her and not say anything. I wanted to cry on her shoulder suddenly. Grieve along her side. Lauren isn't mine to mourn. But I will mourn for her every day. And saying something like, "I'm so sorry for your loss", just isn't enough anymore. It's just not enough to be sorry anymore. This can never happen again. The only way to find some solace in this terrible thing is to make sure that people take what has happened here in Newtown, and use it to ensure that this never. happens. again. EVER.
It is the only way to properly honor those beautiful souls.
Love-
Lindsay
Here is the lovely miss Lauren Rousseau. The 12th angel I have now run for:
Firstly, the overwhelming love and support that radiated through the crowd at this race was beyond moving. Each of the elementary schools, as well as different organizations through out Danbury, sat stationed, poised and ready at various check points throughout the race. They were armed with massive signs that preached love, community and above all, unity. As you ran, you were enveloped in their shouts of love and support. Children ran out into the road to race a few steps along your side and reach for your hand, even though they you were a total stranger to them. They passed out water. They cheered us on. It was a beautiful reminder that there is so much more good in this world than bad. And that children are our greatest assets in finding the good in anything.
Secondly, I need to touch upon what it's like to meet family members of those lost. I met with Lauren's aunt at this race. The night before the race, my friend Beth had reached out to me to ask if I would like to meet her because she had a mutual connection. I, of course, said that I would be honored, and ran through some ideas of things that I would like to say to her so that I would be prepared. I went into race day confident of what I would say when we came face to face. But as we approached her that afternoon, my mind went blank. Nothing that I had planned to say felt good enough. It felt too superficial. It wasn't enough. What on Earth do you say to someone that lost so much in the blink of an eye? I just wanted to hug her and not say anything. I wanted to cry on her shoulder suddenly. Grieve along her side. Lauren isn't mine to mourn. But I will mourn for her every day. And saying something like, "I'm so sorry for your loss", just isn't enough anymore. It's just not enough to be sorry anymore. This can never happen again. The only way to find some solace in this terrible thing is to make sure that people take what has happened here in Newtown, and use it to ensure that this never. happens. again. EVER.
It is the only way to properly honor those beautiful souls.
Love-
Lindsay
Here is the lovely miss Lauren Rousseau. The 12th angel I have now run for:
Lauren's very brave and sweet aunt.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Race Reflections: Mary Sherlach
On Mother's Day I ran the "Run Like a Mother" 5k for the incredibly brave Mary Sherlach. A very sweet benefactor approached me about the race and offered to pay my admittance fee and while I was so grateful for the help in funding my cause, I was even more thankful that this person brought this particular race to my attention. What better race could I find to honor Mary Sherlach then a race entitled "Run Like a Mother"?
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the story, on December 14th, when the first shots rang out in the hallways of Sandy Hook elementary school, Mary Sherlach, ran towards the noise. She did not cower. She did not hide. She ran at a derranged gun man with nothing but her bare hands. Sit here and really take that in. How easy would it have been for her to duck for cover. To barracade herself in a closet or office? What would you have done in that same situation?
Mary Sherlach was a mother. But she wasn't just a mother to her own beautiful children. When she stepped foot into Sandy Hook elementary school, she was a mother to each and every child that took their education from under that roof each and every day. And like any mother would for their own child if they were in danger, Mary Sherlach ran directly into the line of fire to put herself between those children and the madman who meant to harm them.
Don't mess with a momma bear. We will tear you apart and think nothing of it if you try to hurt our cubs.
I am in awe of Mary. The selflessness. The instinct to protect. The complete disregard for her own safety over the well fair of the children that were intrusted in her care. And while she was not able to overcome the gun man who was ladden with ammunition, she saved countless lives by stalling him, even if just for a few precious moments. She distracted him long enough for the other teachers in the building to have a warning that something was terribly wrong. We will never know how many lives she saved that day. And I am in awe of her strength and her courage.
On Mothers Day, I ran for Mary. I ran for the woman who ran like a mother to save the most precious people my town has to offer. She is one of the bravest women that I will never get to meet. And she will forever be a local hero.
Mary, your sacrifice will be one of legend for all of time. Our community will speak your name in reverence and thank you every night in our prayers for all that you did that sad, sad day. You are a true hero. May we all show that kind of courage to face evil if ever confronted with it.
Love,
Lindsay
Here is Mary Sherlach. The 11th angel that I have now run for:
For those of you that are unfamiliar with the story, on December 14th, when the first shots rang out in the hallways of Sandy Hook elementary school, Mary Sherlach, ran towards the noise. She did not cower. She did not hide. She ran at a derranged gun man with nothing but her bare hands. Sit here and really take that in. How easy would it have been for her to duck for cover. To barracade herself in a closet or office? What would you have done in that same situation?
Mary Sherlach was a mother. But she wasn't just a mother to her own beautiful children. When she stepped foot into Sandy Hook elementary school, she was a mother to each and every child that took their education from under that roof each and every day. And like any mother would for their own child if they were in danger, Mary Sherlach ran directly into the line of fire to put herself between those children and the madman who meant to harm them.
Don't mess with a momma bear. We will tear you apart and think nothing of it if you try to hurt our cubs.
I am in awe of Mary. The selflessness. The instinct to protect. The complete disregard for her own safety over the well fair of the children that were intrusted in her care. And while she was not able to overcome the gun man who was ladden with ammunition, she saved countless lives by stalling him, even if just for a few precious moments. She distracted him long enough for the other teachers in the building to have a warning that something was terribly wrong. We will never know how many lives she saved that day. And I am in awe of her strength and her courage.
On Mothers Day, I ran for Mary. I ran for the woman who ran like a mother to save the most precious people my town has to offer. She is one of the bravest women that I will never get to meet. And she will forever be a local hero.
Mary, your sacrifice will be one of legend for all of time. Our community will speak your name in reverence and thank you every night in our prayers for all that you did that sad, sad day. You are a true hero. May we all show that kind of courage to face evil if ever confronted with it.
Love,
Lindsay
Here is Mary Sherlach. The 11th angel that I have now run for:
Friday, May 24, 2013
Race Reflections: Jack Pinto
On May 5th, I ran for Jack. I owe him this write up and I've been putting it off. I've been a bit emotionally burnt out these past few weeks and under no circumstances would I want to dishonor Jack, or anyone's, memory by writing something with my heart only half way in it. I've been running a lot. I've been reading too much. I've been too close to the sadness. So, I apologize for being late. But I'm back to feeling the need to put down thoughts on paper.....or to blog as it were.
Jack. Jack, Jack, Jack. Out of all the loved one's lost, this one hit the closest to home. Jack Pinto and his family were close family friends of my cousin's family. And my cousin's stayed closely by the Pinto's side during some of the worst times of their lives. But because of that, I feel just a little bit more connected to their sadness. To their loss. It makes me look at Jack's picture and see my own son's face reflecting back at me. It made it all that more personal and real.
Jack has this face that I can't help but look at and see what kind of a person he was. It's almost as if his eyes and his smile tell you everything you need to know. I look at him and can visualize what kind of person he was going to be. He looks like the kind of kid that was going to grow up and be captain of every sports team he tried out for. Ace every test. Prom king. Date the head cheerleader kind of a guy. The kind of guy that everyone wanted to be close to. Because he looks like the kind of kid I would have loved my son to look up to.
It's not too far fetched to imagine that there could have been a day where I would have brought my son to the town play ground to let him burn off some energy. And Jack could have been there. My son gravitates to older boys and Jack would have been someone that he would have bee-lined for. He would have instantly recognized that Jack was ruling to playground with a baseball or a football. Two sports that my son loves as well. And Jack would have tried to involve a much younger child into the game as best as possible. My son and I would have left that afternoon, and I would have smiled at the thought of the sweet older boy that took the time to be so kind to my baby. I would have left thinking that I hope my son grows up to treat younger children as well as that boy on the playground treated him that day. We would have gone our separate ways, lead of separate lives, and I would have hoped in the back of my mind that my brother, the Newtown High School chemistry teacher, would come across that boy in his class one day.
But my brother will never teach Jack chemistry. My son will never get to have a chance encounter on the playground with him either. Instead, my cousins will continue to stand next to the Pinto family whenever they need a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. And the Pinto's will have a seat empty at the table that can never be filled.
Jack. I ran a race for you on May 5th. I hand picked that race for you because it was a trail run. I ran through mud and high grass, over bridges and sawdust packed trails. I did that for you because to me, you will always be an athlete. You will always be the soul of sports and competition for me. I will carry your love of the game, of every game, with me for the rest of my life. I will play for you for the rest of my life. In your honor and in your place. And I will always remember to teach my son to love the game, which ever game he chooses, and play it with all the heart and dedication that you exhibited while you were here with us.
All my love,
Lindsay
Here is Jack Pinto. The 10th angel I have now run for:
Jack. Jack, Jack, Jack. Out of all the loved one's lost, this one hit the closest to home. Jack Pinto and his family were close family friends of my cousin's family. And my cousin's stayed closely by the Pinto's side during some of the worst times of their lives. But because of that, I feel just a little bit more connected to their sadness. To their loss. It makes me look at Jack's picture and see my own son's face reflecting back at me. It made it all that more personal and real.
Jack has this face that I can't help but look at and see what kind of a person he was. It's almost as if his eyes and his smile tell you everything you need to know. I look at him and can visualize what kind of person he was going to be. He looks like the kind of kid that was going to grow up and be captain of every sports team he tried out for. Ace every test. Prom king. Date the head cheerleader kind of a guy. The kind of guy that everyone wanted to be close to. Because he looks like the kind of kid I would have loved my son to look up to.
It's not too far fetched to imagine that there could have been a day where I would have brought my son to the town play ground to let him burn off some energy. And Jack could have been there. My son gravitates to older boys and Jack would have been someone that he would have bee-lined for. He would have instantly recognized that Jack was ruling to playground with a baseball or a football. Two sports that my son loves as well. And Jack would have tried to involve a much younger child into the game as best as possible. My son and I would have left that afternoon, and I would have smiled at the thought of the sweet older boy that took the time to be so kind to my baby. I would have left thinking that I hope my son grows up to treat younger children as well as that boy on the playground treated him that day. We would have gone our separate ways, lead of separate lives, and I would have hoped in the back of my mind that my brother, the Newtown High School chemistry teacher, would come across that boy in his class one day.
But my brother will never teach Jack chemistry. My son will never get to have a chance encounter on the playground with him either. Instead, my cousins will continue to stand next to the Pinto family whenever they need a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on. And the Pinto's will have a seat empty at the table that can never be filled.
Jack. I ran a race for you on May 5th. I hand picked that race for you because it was a trail run. I ran through mud and high grass, over bridges and sawdust packed trails. I did that for you because to me, you will always be an athlete. You will always be the soul of sports and competition for me. I will carry your love of the game, of every game, with me for the rest of my life. I will play for you for the rest of my life. In your honor and in your place. And I will always remember to teach my son to love the game, which ever game he chooses, and play it with all the heart and dedication that you exhibited while you were here with us.
All my love,
Lindsay
Here is Jack Pinto. The 10th angel I have now run for:
Pictures of race day. Full album available on the facebook page, 26 in 2013 for Sandy Hook:
For Jack, the biggest Giants fan the world have ever know.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Race Announcement: Lauren Rousseau and Jesse Lewis
On Saturday May 18th, I will be running the, "Spring Forward for Sandy Hook" race out of Danbury, CT for Lauren Rousseau.
On Sunday May 19th, I will be running the O'Neill's 5k to benefit the Jesse Lewis Foundation in Norwalk, CT for Jesse Lewis.
Another double header weekend, but after this weekend, I'll be half way through all my races which is crazy.
On Sunday May 19th, I will be running the O'Neill's 5k to benefit the Jesse Lewis Foundation in Norwalk, CT for Jesse Lewis.
Another double header weekend, but after this weekend, I'll be half way through all my races which is crazy.
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