In 2023, shortly after Joel’s initial diagnosis, I heard about a Race For Hope. With my close friend by my side and my two little ones in tow we joined the 5k to help raise money to support The National Brain Tumor Society.

As we walked, my 3-year-old Theo noticed that some people were carrying balloons. Since there are few things more exciting than a balloon, he wanted to understand why some people had one, and more importantly understand how he could get one.

I explained to him that the balloons were for people who were sick, or who used to be sick and are called ‘survivors’. We talked about how cool it was to see the balloons, and how each person walking was walking to encourage and celebrate these people. Theo didn’t say much, and as the walk went on the topic changed (spoiler, there is ice cream at the end).

We were almost back to the car when Theo said, “Mommy, next year when Mr Joel feels better, then he can come and he can get a balloon too.”

I cannot express the joy I feel to be getting to do just that, and to have Joel and Kristen join us on the walk this year.

We hope that some of you can join us and celebrate the gift that is being together with the added benefit of raising money for a great cause.