The Tjeerdsma Team Ronald McDonald House Training Blog
November 1, 2005
The Tjeerdsma family at the Nike Half-Marathon finish line |
We met our goals and finished the race and, as William tells people, "I'm not too sore anymore!" It was an incredibly beautiful race through San Francisco and an even more incredible journey. A journey that started not on race day and ended with a FINISH line, but one that started a year ago when we first came to Lucile Packard Children's Hospital in need of (medical) help. Now, because of the help we received, we were able to return to California and help others.
As a result of our helping others, however, we received more than we could possibly give. William utilized this principle all along the race in order to keep going. As the miles progressed, and the fatigue set in, William was greatly encouraged and empowered by the cheers of well wishers along the way. However, he did not merely accept the encouragement for himself. Rather, he started telling other walkers "keep up the good work!" or "you are doing a good job!". Somehow, (I can't say I understand it) this served to strengthen him more and more.
That is the lesson that I want William to come away with from this great adventure. I'm afraid that William will never be another Lance Armstrong (of walking or anything else!). But if he can possess the wisdom of giving to others he can achieve something far greater. A desire to give was demonstrated by all those on the Team Ronald McDonald House as well. It was a team where a very diverse group of people with a unified purpose were able to come together for this race and raise over $110,000!
That is the lesson I hope you, too, can gain from William's adventure. By giving to and encouraging others in seemingly small and insignificant ways, you too, can achieve something great.
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October 6, 2005
Our adventure continues!
William takes a break from a training walk to pose for a picture. |
People ask us what we DO when we are walking. The answer is we talk about anything and everything we can think of to distract our minds. We do constructive things like review spelling words and math facts. We also have fun praying, singing, reminiscing and planning what we will eat when we get home!
The best part of the training, however, is spending time together. I can never take for granted precious moments spent with my son and enjoy the opportunity to get away for just a short time from the busyness and interruptions of home to talk and laugh together.
Finally, when our walk is finished for the day, we have a routine where William says to me "Thanks for taking me out (to walk) Mom" and I smile and reply "Thanks for being such a good sport, William".
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September 1, 2005
Hi! My name is Melissa Tjeerdsma and I’m from Sioux City, Iowa.
William Tjeerdsma (lower left) and his siblings |
William and I spent 10 weeks at the Ronald McDonald House last year while he had neurosurgery at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and then received subsequent radiation at Stanford Medical Center. When he was 10 months old, William was initially diagnosed at another medical facility with a large “inoperable” brain tumor. Now, by the goodness of God and the skill of his neurosurgeon Dr. Michael Edwards, who has operated on the tumor twice, he is a happy, healthy 4th grader!
Training for this race is turning William, who would prefer sitting around playing his Gameboy and watching Spongebob, into the next Lance Armstrong –for walking, of course!!. (This training is also a perfect opportunity to comply with Dr. Edwards's orders to get more exercise!). When we first started training, a month ago, William could barely walk a mile and a half without stopping to rest. Now, after many early morning walks (and junk food bribes), he is up to 7 miles and counting.
I’ll start sharing our experiences with you as I keep you up to date on William’s progress!
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