I first want to thank all of my Team Challenge friends for their commitment to finish this goal to complete the Las Vegas Rock and Rollathon 1/2 marathon AND raise a bunch of money and awareness for Crohn's and Colitis research and support. This is no small undertaking and really shows dedication. Even those of you who were not able to commit at this time are owed a huge debt of gratitude for your efforts toward finding a cure. These are tough times and EVERY little bit counts - and many of you raised BIG bits!! So THANK you a million times over for everything that you have done and continue to do. Together we WILL get to the finish line - a cure!
This fall seems to be one brick wall after another for me. After getting late on my Remicade and experiencing some Crohn's symptoms for the first time in about 6 years I managed to sprain an ankle and get into some poison oak. My latest adventure - H1N1! BUT, I'm back amongst the living and ready to get to training again. No matter what happens, I know how lucky I am to have my general strength and overall health and most importantly - the best family and friends in the world.
My kids really are the unbelievable...I can't even put into words how terrific they are. They gave me the most wonderful letter, just when i really needed a pick me up. They so clearly reminded me that the most important things in this world are things that I have in truckloads...love, faith, hope, joy. I am so very, very blessed. Thank you, God and thank you EVERYONE for your support. Let's do this thing!
My world!
Homecoming Princess and Football Star
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Running as an Rx
Morning, all!
Hope you are doing well and feeling strong. Training for me is coming along pretty nicely - though I'm a little bummed at the ice on the roads and the darkening skies. I LOVE to run outside so transitioning more and more inside is going to take some determination! I know many of us are in the same boat. The key is to remember that all those good runner high feelings inside - the stress relief, the tightening of muscles, the euphoria on REALLY good days...it still happens in the gym; and the days that we DO get outside will be all that much better!
I've managed to survive my bout with poison oak - and my twisted ankle - and my knee is holding out well. I think that the run program CCFA puts together for us is really fantastic. We are so lucky to have the guidance.
I'm wondering how I will get in sufficient practice running in my Elvis costume before the race, but I'm sure that is on Coach Mel's training list somewhere down the line...how to run with bell bottoms!
Fundraising is so tough in these challenging economic times...but I continue to be devoted to the cure - and I know you are too. If everyone chips in just a little, we'll get this done. So as much as I want to feel discouraged about the trickling in of checks..I believe they'll come and together the National Team Challenge - and all the other teams, will once again be able to contribute an impressive some to this great cause!
So today this update is really to say - keep on keeping on! Let the running or walking that you are so diligently doing lift you up. After all, life is about the journey! To the extent possible, let's enjoy this journey together...it'll make Vegas EVEN better!
jd
Hope you are doing well and feeling strong. Training for me is coming along pretty nicely - though I'm a little bummed at the ice on the roads and the darkening skies. I LOVE to run outside so transitioning more and more inside is going to take some determination! I know many of us are in the same boat. The key is to remember that all those good runner high feelings inside - the stress relief, the tightening of muscles, the euphoria on REALLY good days...it still happens in the gym; and the days that we DO get outside will be all that much better!
I've managed to survive my bout with poison oak - and my twisted ankle - and my knee is holding out well. I think that the run program CCFA puts together for us is really fantastic. We are so lucky to have the guidance.
I'm wondering how I will get in sufficient practice running in my Elvis costume before the race, but I'm sure that is on Coach Mel's training list somewhere down the line...how to run with bell bottoms!
Fundraising is so tough in these challenging economic times...but I continue to be devoted to the cure - and I know you are too. If everyone chips in just a little, we'll get this done. So as much as I want to feel discouraged about the trickling in of checks..I believe they'll come and together the National Team Challenge - and all the other teams, will once again be able to contribute an impressive some to this great cause!
So today this update is really to say - keep on keeping on! Let the running or walking that you are so diligently doing lift you up. After all, life is about the journey! To the extent possible, let's enjoy this journey together...it'll make Vegas EVEN better!
jd
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
How BADLY do I want a cure for Crohn's and Colitis?
How BADLY do I want a CURE For Crohn’s and Colitis?
Badly enough to run the Las Vegas RockNRoll ½ Marathon dressed like:
ELVIS!!
Please help me to raise $2,500 by October 15th!
All monies will go to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America in support of their efforts to provide patients with extensive resources AND fund much-needed research. I know that together, we will find a cure, in my lifetime!
I also know that times are tough, but these diseases don’t take a break during recessions or economic downturns, and in fact they can hit even harder. Your generosity is particularly appreciated!
Every single little bit helps! Here are some incentives!!
$1.00/mile ($13.10) to $4.00/mile ($52.40)
You will receive one sequin or star/mile pledge on my costume in your honor
$5.00 / mile ($65.50) to $7.00 ($91.70)
You will receive one sequin or star/mile pledge on my costume – plus a set of 8 hand-designed note cards
$9.00 / mile ($104.80) and up
You will receive one sequin or star/mile pledge – plus a set of 8 hand-designed note cards and your name somewhere on my costume…photos will be supplied for proof!
Please log onto my fundraising site http://www.active.com/donate/lv09national/2009JDeLay and make your pledge TODAY!
If you would prefer, please drop a check in the mail payable to CCFA (write Jodie DeLay National Team in the memo) to: Jodie DeLay, 706 Home Run Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714, as soon as possible!
Besides me and my brother, I know that most of you probably know someone else who suffers with these often debilitating diseases. This is one way you can truly help them! Your money and your support will make a difference!
Jodie DeLay ~ aka the King of Crohn’s for a day ~ Dec. 6, 2009
Badly enough to run the Las Vegas RockNRoll ½ Marathon dressed like:
ELVIS!!
Please help me to raise $2,500 by October 15th!
All monies will go to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America in support of their efforts to provide patients with extensive resources AND fund much-needed research. I know that together, we will find a cure, in my lifetime!
I also know that times are tough, but these diseases don’t take a break during recessions or economic downturns, and in fact they can hit even harder. Your generosity is particularly appreciated!
Every single little bit helps! Here are some incentives!!
$1.00/mile ($13.10) to $4.00/mile ($52.40)
You will receive one sequin or star/mile pledge on my costume in your honor
$5.00 / mile ($65.50) to $7.00 ($91.70)
You will receive one sequin or star/mile pledge on my costume – plus a set of 8 hand-designed note cards
$9.00 / mile ($104.80) and up
You will receive one sequin or star/mile pledge – plus a set of 8 hand-designed note cards and your name somewhere on my costume…photos will be supplied for proof!
Please log onto my fundraising site http://www.active.com/donate/lv09national/2009JDeLay and make your pledge TODAY!
If you would prefer, please drop a check in the mail payable to CCFA (write Jodie DeLay National Team in the memo) to: Jodie DeLay, 706 Home Run Drive, Belgrade, MT 59714, as soon as possible!
Besides me and my brother, I know that most of you probably know someone else who suffers with these often debilitating diseases. This is one way you can truly help them! Your money and your support will make a difference!
Jodie DeLay ~ aka the King of Crohn’s for a day ~ Dec. 6, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
September 29 letter to Team!
Good morning my fellow Team Challengers!
Hope you are all having a fantastic day! The weather in Montana this morning is just spectacular, though our long summer is supposedly ending as early as this afternoon. It’s been such a wonderful Fall so far. The other night on my long run (75 minutes) I felt like I might just be in heaven…the sun setting in the mountains, a gentle breeze, my golden retriever darting in and out of the ditches…birds chirping. I think that is about as good as it gets!
How are you all doing? I’ve been in touch with most of you, but haven’t been able to connect with a few others. If we haven’t visited on the phone yet, will you please drop me a note and let me know when would be a good time to call you? (make sure you include your time zone!) I don’t want to bug you – just chat for a few minutes and lend my support. This little group is my personal team – Team Jodie - and I want to be sure that you feel truly supported in every way as you prepare for this experience. I’m here for the good and the bad! Even if you have a non-race related reason to just need a friend, that’s what I’m for!
Also, if you have a Facebook page, please consider adding me as your friend (Jodie Farmer DeLay)…it is such an easy way for me to communicate! Any of you can feel free to call me anytime, too. If I don’t answer, leave me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. (406-209-0277)
So I think the biggest stressor for some of us is probably the commit date, coming up mid-October. My fundraising was on hold up until this past weekend because my sister had signed up for a JDRF fundraiser before I decided to do this race and I agreed to help her up until that event passed. It was this last weekend and let me tell you, it was AWESOME!!! I’m even more pumped for this race now. There is something about thousands of people coming together for a good cause that really gets me inspired! The families and friends all coming together to help kids was just a phenomenal feeling. VEGAS will be the same, I promise.
Anyway, because of the JDRF walk, I haven’t even begun to fundraise, so if any of you are feeling like you don’t have time…I hear ya! However, this is a great time to really put on the full court press, send a blitz, etc! Here is what I’ll be doing this week….
Issuing the following challenge to all my friends and family…If I get 10 donations of $100.00 or more OR hit a total of $2,500 by October 15, I will run the half with an Elvis wig… I’ll be photoshopping a wig on my pretty little head and putting it as my profile picture on Facebook… I know a few of my so called friends will find this pretty compelling!
I’m going to offer anyone who makes a donation of $3.00/mile ($39.30) or more before October 15th a set of 8 hand designed note cards. These can be used as Thank you cards or whatever – and the back will have in small letters, my fundraising site and the CCFA web page. My kids and my daughter’s boyfriend are really talented artists. I know I’m their mom, but they really are…: ;-)
I’m going to have a tailgate party at my house during the AWAY football game this weekend and ask my guests to make a donation.
Does anyone else have any ideas that they wish to share with the group? We are so geographically diverse that I think we can help each other a lot! Most of all, I don’t want anyone feeling alone in this journey! We have each other and I KNOW we can all be successful! Drop me a note, okay?
Oh, and I have a blog too…kodyandjodie.blogspot.com. I haven’t been keeping it up very good so far but will be doing better J )
Have a great day!
jd
Hope you are all having a fantastic day! The weather in Montana this morning is just spectacular, though our long summer is supposedly ending as early as this afternoon. It’s been such a wonderful Fall so far. The other night on my long run (75 minutes) I felt like I might just be in heaven…the sun setting in the mountains, a gentle breeze, my golden retriever darting in and out of the ditches…birds chirping. I think that is about as good as it gets!
How are you all doing? I’ve been in touch with most of you, but haven’t been able to connect with a few others. If we haven’t visited on the phone yet, will you please drop me a note and let me know when would be a good time to call you? (make sure you include your time zone!) I don’t want to bug you – just chat for a few minutes and lend my support. This little group is my personal team – Team Jodie - and I want to be sure that you feel truly supported in every way as you prepare for this experience. I’m here for the good and the bad! Even if you have a non-race related reason to just need a friend, that’s what I’m for!
Also, if you have a Facebook page, please consider adding me as your friend (Jodie Farmer DeLay)…it is such an easy way for me to communicate! Any of you can feel free to call me anytime, too. If I don’t answer, leave me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible. (406-209-0277)
So I think the biggest stressor for some of us is probably the commit date, coming up mid-October. My fundraising was on hold up until this past weekend because my sister had signed up for a JDRF fundraiser before I decided to do this race and I agreed to help her up until that event passed. It was this last weekend and let me tell you, it was AWESOME!!! I’m even more pumped for this race now. There is something about thousands of people coming together for a good cause that really gets me inspired! The families and friends all coming together to help kids was just a phenomenal feeling. VEGAS will be the same, I promise.
Anyway, because of the JDRF walk, I haven’t even begun to fundraise, so if any of you are feeling like you don’t have time…I hear ya! However, this is a great time to really put on the full court press, send a blitz, etc! Here is what I’ll be doing this week….
Issuing the following challenge to all my friends and family…If I get 10 donations of $100.00 or more OR hit a total of $2,500 by October 15, I will run the half with an Elvis wig… I’ll be photoshopping a wig on my pretty little head and putting it as my profile picture on Facebook… I know a few of my so called friends will find this pretty compelling!
I’m going to offer anyone who makes a donation of $3.00/mile ($39.30) or more before October 15th a set of 8 hand designed note cards. These can be used as Thank you cards or whatever – and the back will have in small letters, my fundraising site and the CCFA web page. My kids and my daughter’s boyfriend are really talented artists. I know I’m their mom, but they really are…: ;-)
I’m going to have a tailgate party at my house during the AWAY football game this weekend and ask my guests to make a donation.
Does anyone else have any ideas that they wish to share with the group? We are so geographically diverse that I think we can help each other a lot! Most of all, I don’t want anyone feeling alone in this journey! We have each other and I KNOW we can all be successful! Drop me a note, okay?
Oh, and I have a blog too…kodyandjodie.blogspot.com. I haven’t been keeping it up very good so far but will be doing better J )
Have a great day!
jd
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Sept 1 letter to team
Hi Team,
Just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself to those of you who I haven't had the chance to meet yet, and touch bases with the rest of you! I'm your national team mentor and couldn't be more excited about getting to know all of you and enjoying the journey together. I have a blog at www.kodyandjodie.blogspot.com. If you didn't get my "all about me" email you can see it posted there. In a nutshell, I'm super passionate about finding a cure for Crohn's and Colitis cause its caused a lot of trouble for my family and I hate to see what it does to LOTS of families.
In my intro note, I said that I hadn't really had an episode in almost six years. Unfortunately, I seem to be moving into a bout now. I had remicade last Friday, but it was about 3 weeks late and I'm paying for it a little bit. I have an amazing doctor who is pulling out all the stops to make sure that I don't get too out of control. I'm on cipro, flagyl, prevacid now and getting an abdominal/pelvic ct scan on Thursday. I feel like we'll be able to get it back into remission. One thing I've learned in the 16 years i'v had Crohns is that you don't mess around with it. I'm putting all my energy into feeling better. I'm behind on my training program and my fundraising, but I'm not worried. One thing I'm completely confident of is that this team, OUR TEAM, has the strength to pull everyone up when any of us falter. There is a lot of time and we are going to get through this.
I'm not trying to be over dramatic....but I want to be serious for a minute. Feeling how I am right now is freaking me out. It's scary. I know that all of you know what I mean. YOu wouldn't be committed to this race if you didn't. When Carly asked me about being a mentor, I said yes, without even thinking. I have a very deep faith and I just want you all to know that I believe ths race will be a huge part of my getting well again. When I told my doctor about it; he said, well we better get this thing whipped, you got work to do. I really want to thank all of you for your prayers and your thoughts. I know I'll be back on track in no time. Hope to talk with many of you tomorrow.
I'm here for you if anyone needs anything!
Jodie
Just wanted to take a minute to introduce myself to those of you who I haven't had the chance to meet yet, and touch bases with the rest of you! I'm your national team mentor and couldn't be more excited about getting to know all of you and enjoying the journey together. I have a blog at www.kodyandjodie.blogspot.com. If you didn't get my "all about me" email you can see it posted there. In a nutshell, I'm super passionate about finding a cure for Crohn's and Colitis cause its caused a lot of trouble for my family and I hate to see what it does to LOTS of families.
In my intro note, I said that I hadn't really had an episode in almost six years. Unfortunately, I seem to be moving into a bout now. I had remicade last Friday, but it was about 3 weeks late and I'm paying for it a little bit. I have an amazing doctor who is pulling out all the stops to make sure that I don't get too out of control. I'm on cipro, flagyl, prevacid now and getting an abdominal/pelvic ct scan on Thursday. I feel like we'll be able to get it back into remission. One thing I've learned in the 16 years i'v had Crohns is that you don't mess around with it. I'm putting all my energy into feeling better. I'm behind on my training program and my fundraising, but I'm not worried. One thing I'm completely confident of is that this team, OUR TEAM, has the strength to pull everyone up when any of us falter. There is a lot of time and we are going to get through this.
I'm not trying to be over dramatic....but I want to be serious for a minute. Feeling how I am right now is freaking me out. It's scary. I know that all of you know what I mean. YOu wouldn't be committed to this race if you didn't. When Carly asked me about being a mentor, I said yes, without even thinking. I have a very deep faith and I just want you all to know that I believe ths race will be a huge part of my getting well again. When I told my doctor about it; he said, well we better get this thing whipped, you got work to do. I really want to thank all of you for your prayers and your thoughts. I know I'll be back on track in no time. Hope to talk with many of you tomorrow.
I'm here for you if anyone needs anything!
Jodie
Sunday, August 30, 2009
well..
Okay everyone, I'm supposed to be the mentor...the one lifting others up...so I'm going to try and turn this around and make it a positive.
I am very lucky to have a good working relationship with my insurance group. Our director of benefits for the university system is a wizard. If he had a role in the national health care system, it would be in good hands. Honestly, he thinks out of the box, he considers expenses to the plan and the patient, evaluates potential efficiencies of resources including the time and family issues of the patient and creates very sound fiscal and human options for our members. He's a genius. Because of him, all my insurance issues were resolved and I was able to get my Remicade Friday - in Bozeman - with zero copay. The plan paid less, I didn't have to drive 90 miles for my treatment and my finances didn't take a hit. Win, win.
I was late getting this treatment, largely because of life happening and a lot of the happenings were really good...but I'm paying for it. When I went in for my infusion I had a fever - and I've been feeling Crohnsy for a couple weeks...low right quadrant pain, general soreness and fatigue, feverish, diarrhea (which is actually weird for me, but we can discuss that later). It's just tough right now. Work is super busy - last week was kind of the culmination so this week should be a little better; my family life is in a bit of a tough spot, and I'm still trying to save my house.
I mention this here only because it affects my overall stress load significantly and though Crohn's is certainly not caused by stress, we all know that when we are in a bout, stress seems to complicate things. Anyway, I found a bank willing to do a new appraisal for no cost to me, so that is something to maybe look forward to... I've been jerked around so much over a new mortgage for the last year that I'm not willing to get too excited about it just yet..but at least there is some miniscule amount of hope there.
So how is all this positive, well - I did get my infusion and I"m sure that it will help get me back to feeling good soon. I'm going on my low fiber low residue diet for awhile at least and will really be concentrating on listening to my body. I've been here before and I'll get through it. I"m super happy actually to have Team Challenge...there is a built in support group there and it means a lot. Maybe some of my teammates can find strength in knowing that we all have struggles and we'll get through them together. I haven't run in five days...which is a huge bummer for the spirit as much as anything. Two of those days I got some good exercise, just not running, but the last three I"ve been pretty much laid up. I'm going to take a walk later and see how that goes - getting outside always seems to be a big help. I see my GI on Tuesday so that will shed some light too. ONe thing I know, for me, is that exercise helps so I'll be back to running no later than Tuesday...as long as I can, I will.
SO I'm going to get going. Will rest up today, get the house and kids ready for school and work and be ready to tackle life with new zest come tomorrow!
Fight on, Team Challenge!
I am very lucky to have a good working relationship with my insurance group. Our director of benefits for the university system is a wizard. If he had a role in the national health care system, it would be in good hands. Honestly, he thinks out of the box, he considers expenses to the plan and the patient, evaluates potential efficiencies of resources including the time and family issues of the patient and creates very sound fiscal and human options for our members. He's a genius. Because of him, all my insurance issues were resolved and I was able to get my Remicade Friday - in Bozeman - with zero copay. The plan paid less, I didn't have to drive 90 miles for my treatment and my finances didn't take a hit. Win, win.
I was late getting this treatment, largely because of life happening and a lot of the happenings were really good...but I'm paying for it. When I went in for my infusion I had a fever - and I've been feeling Crohnsy for a couple weeks...low right quadrant pain, general soreness and fatigue, feverish, diarrhea (which is actually weird for me, but we can discuss that later). It's just tough right now. Work is super busy - last week was kind of the culmination so this week should be a little better; my family life is in a bit of a tough spot, and I'm still trying to save my house.
I mention this here only because it affects my overall stress load significantly and though Crohn's is certainly not caused by stress, we all know that when we are in a bout, stress seems to complicate things. Anyway, I found a bank willing to do a new appraisal for no cost to me, so that is something to maybe look forward to... I've been jerked around so much over a new mortgage for the last year that I'm not willing to get too excited about it just yet..but at least there is some miniscule amount of hope there.
So how is all this positive, well - I did get my infusion and I"m sure that it will help get me back to feeling good soon. I'm going on my low fiber low residue diet for awhile at least and will really be concentrating on listening to my body. I've been here before and I'll get through it. I"m super happy actually to have Team Challenge...there is a built in support group there and it means a lot. Maybe some of my teammates can find strength in knowing that we all have struggles and we'll get through them together. I haven't run in five days...which is a huge bummer for the spirit as much as anything. Two of those days I got some good exercise, just not running, but the last three I"ve been pretty much laid up. I'm going to take a walk later and see how that goes - getting outside always seems to be a big help. I see my GI on Tuesday so that will shed some light too. ONe thing I know, for me, is that exercise helps so I'll be back to running no later than Tuesday...as long as I can, I will.
SO I'm going to get going. Will rest up today, get the house and kids ready for school and work and be ready to tackle life with new zest come tomorrow!
Fight on, Team Challenge!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Nice meeting some teammates on call!
Had a great visit with some of the National Team on the weekly conference call last night. I get more excited about this event every day. We have a really great group. It was on the call when someone mentioned Remicade that I realized I am WAY late for my infusion...DANG IT!!! This summer has been so busy and flown by so fast that I literally forgot about it and for some reason my Dr. office which is usually great about keeping me on track if I faulter...hasn't called me either. So I'll be making that appointment asap. I'm sure that not having it is the reason that I've been so tired and sore lately. Part of the reason it isn't done now is that I started a new plan year and apparently my insurance company has decided that people with Reumitoid Arthritis should take Humira instead of Remicade and thus that Remicade won't be fully covered any longer. I need to get them to understand that A) I don't have RA!!!! that isn't the only use for Remicade and B) there is medical evidence that suggests that switching BACK to Remicade after being off it for a period often renders it INEFFECTIVE C) there is NO medical reason for my switching a treatment that has helped me for years - ONLY a financial reason. D) if i try Humira and it DOESN"T work, there is a significant risk that REMICADE will no longer work either and THUS, my years of wellness could be seriously jeopardized by our CURRENT healthcare system. Now I don't want to get political here...my point is that ALREADY insurance and MONEY affects our healthcare...we need solutions and I'm not saying the government is the solution I'm just saying that anyone who thinks that insurance companies don't already make decisions about treatment - even at the anquish of physcians is crazy. It's always the bottom line. We need reform - not partisan reform...REFORM.
Anyway, after the call I went to the gym to run my 3 miles. It was really frustrating! First, I had no hair twisties in my locker...how in the world did that happen???!!!! I'll have to post a picture of my hair...lets just say if you can't tell from other photos - it's long and really thick and heavy. Running with it down instantly put a damper on the whole thing. It was super warm (90 degrees) and as noted above I've been feeling a little generally sluggish anyway. So I really took it easy and just got in the miles and called it done. I even walked part. I guess this is where we have to use our brain and not our heart. I really wanted to run...after the call I was even more amped up than ever for the training. It just wasn't to be. So I'm off now to fight with the insurance and stock my locker with twisties!!!
Good day to all!
jd
Anyway, after the call I went to the gym to run my 3 miles. It was really frustrating! First, I had no hair twisties in my locker...how in the world did that happen???!!!! I'll have to post a picture of my hair...lets just say if you can't tell from other photos - it's long and really thick and heavy. Running with it down instantly put a damper on the whole thing. It was super warm (90 degrees) and as noted above I've been feeling a little generally sluggish anyway. So I really took it easy and just got in the miles and called it done. I even walked part. I guess this is where we have to use our brain and not our heart. I really wanted to run...after the call I was even more amped up than ever for the training. It just wasn't to be. So I'm off now to fight with the insurance and stock my locker with twisties!!!
Good day to all!
jd
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