Meet the 2015 Spirit Award Winners!

There is a story to share about each of the 19,000 runners and walkers participating in this year’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon.  Many have overcome physical and emotional challenges to be part of this year’s event.  While we unfortunately can’t share every story, we want to spotlight this year’s Spirit Award winners.  The Spirit Award is awarded annually to ten individuals who demonstrate perseverance and dedication.  During the weeks leading up to this year’s Marathon and ½ Marathon, we will be sharing their stories of inspiration and spirit.  Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!

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Sonya Rae Evans, West Union, OH

In the spring of 2012, Sonya started having what she thought were minor health issues, being treated for sinus and allergy issues. When antibiotics did not help (numerous times) and the symptoms started interfering with her breathing, she was referred to a pulmonologist.  She was told that it was not lung related and that she “looked too healthy” to have a lung disorder. Although she still felt something was wrong (due to her increased shortness of breath), she continued on with her daily life and exercise regimen of Zumba, Yoga, and, of course, running.  She even competed in the distance run in Charleston, WV on September 1, 2012—a complicated 15 mile run.

In January 2013, on her 43^rd birthday, Sonya learned she had stage 3, non-small cell lung cancer.  Sixteen months after completing her radiation and chemotherapy treatments, Sonya ran in the 2014 Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati.  Sonya’s tumor has stopped growing but it is inoperable.  She attributes her determination and strength to God and God’s healing powers.  According to her nomination, “Sonya sees the world with such gratitude and grace and is an inspiration to all who know her.”

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Rachel Schade, Delaware, OH

Rachel is participating in her first half marathon shortly over a year after enduring tragic loss. Rachel was in her mid-20s with an English degree and a part-time job and was living with a roommate when her parents died in an accident. As the oldest of three children in her family, Rachel assumed responsibility for her youngest sibling who was just beginning his senior year of high school. Rachel selflessly knew what she had to do- she got a full-time job at a daycare to give herself and her brother benefits. Additionally, she and her roommate moved into a bigger apartment so he could have his own room and homeschooled him through his senior year.  This fall, her brother started college. While Rachel had a good support group of close friends as well as family in other states, she has persevered and through it all is determined to run her first half marathon on Oct. 18.

Meet the 2015 Spirit Award Winners

There is a story to share about each of the 19,000 runners and walkers participating in this year’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon.  Many have overcome physical and emotional challenges to be part of this year’s event.  While we unfortunately can’t share every story, we want to spotlight this year’s Spirit Award winners.  The Spirit Award is awarded annually to ten individuals who demonstrate perseverance and dedication.  During the weeks leading up to this year’s Marathon and ½ Marathon, we will be sharing their stories of inspiration and spirit.  Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!

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Jenn Smiechowski, Westerville, Ohio

Jenn began running in 2012, after the birth of her son, and participated in several half marathons and the Columbus Marathon in 2013.  The birth of her daughter prevented her from participating in the 2014 Columbus Marathon but she resumed her mileage as soon she was able.  This spring, near the end of a training run, she experienced dizziness, chest pain and shortness of breath and was rushed to the ER where she was found to be in a life threatening arrhythmia.  She recovered but received the diagnosis of a rare progressive heart disease known as ARVD (Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Dysplasia) which meant that she could no longer participate in distance running or competitive sports.  Jenn instead will walk the 1/2 marathon this year, with her husband to support her friends who are running and advocate heart health awareness for runners.

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Terence Tobias, Columbus, OH

Terence is a member of Columbus Sole, a running group made up of the male residents of the downtown YMCA. The mission of the team is to empower the residents through running by providing the opportunity to commit to a goal, experience accomplishment, build trust in others and connect to their community.  Terence, along with the other members of the team, has faced many obstacles in life.  Yet, despite setbacks, these men come out to practice every Monday and Thursday, work hard and bond with individuals they may have never gotten a chance to meet otherwise. Terence is a leader within the group. He promotes camaraderie, team unity, hard work and dedication to accomplishing goals. Terence set the goal to train and complete a marathon by the end of the season. With guidance from YMCA volunteers, Terence was able to make a training plan, incorporate healthy eating habits and set realistic pace goals. He recently ran and completed the Dublin Emerald City Half Marathon run in 2:10, which is a significant accomplishment for someone who could barely run a mile when Columbus Sole first started over two years ago. His dedication to this goal has been nothing short of inspiring and motivational for the rest of the team.

Meet the 2015 Spirit Award Winners

There is a story to share about each of the 19,000 runners and walkers participating in this year’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon.  Many have overcome physical and emotional challenges to be part of this year’s event.  While we unfortunately can’t share every story, we want to spotlight this year’s Spirit Award winners.  The Spirit Award is awarded annually to ten individuals who demonstrate perseverance and dedication.  During the weeks leading up to this year’s Marathon and ½ Marathon, we will be sharing their stories of inspiration and spirit.  Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!

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Cristina Saint-Blancard, Plantation, FL

While volunteering and working on her graduate research in the NICU at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Cristina acquired an infection that lodged through her ears and quickly spread to her brain, leaving her basically deaf and almost killing her. Cristina, who along with hearing challenges, suffers from asthma and meniere’s (a disorder of the inner ear that causes spontaneous episodes of vertigo, along with fluctuating hearing loss, ringing in the ear and sometimes a feeling of ear fullness or pressure). Cristina has lost over 170 pounds through courage and positive attitude and living life as a survivor not a victim, and is excited to complete her first half marathon with her “angel”, service dog, Tatiana, back in Columbus to benefit of the hospital where “it all started.” “There are no obstacles if you’re willing to work hard to overcome them” is Cristina’s motto.

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Andrew Leatherman, Dublin, OH               

Andy has cystic fibrosis and was not expected to live past age 18.  Now, at age 36, Andy will participate in his second 1/2 marathon on Oct. 18. Andy has been a patient at Nationwide Children’s Hospital since birth. After losing his brother Peter at age 26 from cystic fibrosis and developing type II diabetes from disease progression, Andy was inspired by his girlfriend to begin running. Andy embodies a “no excuses” mantra that inspires others. According to one of the four Spirit Award nominations submitted on Andy’s behalf, “If he can overcome work/health/life obstacles to still conquer his goals, while dealing with Cystic Fibrosis, then I certainly can as well!” Andrew is grateful to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for everything they’ve done for him, and for Peter when he was alive and is excited to show his support and encouraging others along the way

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Shanel Mees, Cincinnati, OH

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic arthritis. That typically affects the large joints, especially those of the lower extremities, distal joints of the fingers and toes, and also can affect the back and sacroiliac joints of the pelvis. Shanel is not letting a diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis prevent her from running her first full marathon this year.  Despite joint pain, stiffness and swelling caused by the autoimmune condition, Shanel has pushed herself to increase her running pace of 8:15-8:30 mile (before she was diagnosed) to 7:20-7:30 mile.  Shanel will run to raise money for the National Psoriasis Foundation and prove that determination is stronger than any condition.

Meet the 2015 Spirit Award Winners

There is a story to share about each of the 19,000 runners and walkers participating in this year’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon. Many have overcome physical and emotional challenges to be part of this year’s event. While we are unfortunately unable to share every story, we want to spotlight this year’s Spirit Award winners. The Spirit Award is awarded annually to ten individuals who demonstrate perseverance and dedication. During the weeks leading up to this year’s marathon and ½ marathon, we will be sharing their stories of inspiration and spirit.

Congratulations to all of this year’s honorees!

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Justin Thomas, Roaming Shores, Ohio

  

Justin is competing in his first half marathon this year with a goal of 1:13 or better.  Justin’s journey began in 2004 when he was in a tragic car accident when he dislocated his hip, suffered spine injuries and severe lacerations, resulting in eight surgeries in 3 days. His journey back to running was long and difficult and included 15 more surgeries and severe pain. Still, Justin with encouragement from his wife and best friend, Justin went on to qualify and participate in the Boston Marathon. According to Justin, “It’s not the overall time that makes one special, not the speed, or even the endurance. It’s not the glory of victory or even the agony of defeat. At the end of the day, YOU and only you make yourself special. There is always a finish line in the distance. You may not always see the finish line, but keep pushing, and I promise, your legs and heart will find it.”

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Andrea and Alyson Hoffman, Marion, Ohio

Andrea and Alyson are twins with cystic fibrosis and are patients at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.  They are running the 1/2 marathon this year to prove how important exercise is to those living with cystic fibrosis.  The girls endure daily regiments of more than 30 pills a day, nutritional supplements, inhaled medications, and 80 minutes each day on the Vest which provided air way clearance.  The girls have seen improvements in their health by taking one step at a time. TEAM HEAL (Hoffmans Exercising Adding Life) is raising money for the estimated one million children who will walk through NCH this year.

Searching for this year’s Spirit Award Winners!

Whether you’re running or walking, a novice or an expert, striving for a PR or doing it just for fun, completing a ½ marathon or marathon is no easy feat. While each participant should be proud of their accomplishment, every year we honor a select group of individuals who not only participate, but do so despite adversity.

If you know of a registered race participant who is overcoming a major obstacle while training for the 2015 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon, nominate them for a Spirit Award!

“The Spirit Award is a way for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon to recognize individuals who inspire and embody perseverance and strength. They are a testament to our sport and this event and it’s always an incredible privilege to celebrate them and their accomplishments.” – Darris Blackford, Race Director.

To nominate an individual for a 2015 Spirit Award, please email sarah@irvinpr.com by Wednesday, August 26 with the following information:

• The nominee’s name, phone and email address;
• The nominator’s name, phone number and email address;
• A 200-word-or-less description of why that person deserves to be recognized.

The board of trustees of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon will 10 select Spirit Award winners; the 2015 event marks the eighth year for the program.

Read about last year’s inspirational winners here:

• Johnita Anderson and Barry Baker
• Jeff Beringer and Sarah Cawley
• Todd Lustig, Elizabeth Smith and Fred Girscht
• Guy Margiotta, Bill Reed and Jeness Sigman

Meet this year’s Spirit Award Winners

On October 19, there will be 18,000 people with 18,000 stories to share about why they are running or walking the course’s 13.1/26.2 miles. Some will be achieving a life-long fitness goal, some will be retaining tradition by running the Columbus Marathon for the 35^th time and thousands of others will celebrate the triumph of mind, body and spirit that has come through training for this year’s race. 

Since 2007, the Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon has recognized individuals who have overcome major obstacles while training. The Spirit Award is given to those whose strength; dedication and perseverance motivate us, inspire us and oftentimes, moves us to joyful tears.

Though there are 18,000 stories to share, we will share those of this year’s Spirit Award winners in our blog through the weeks leading up to the race. If you see them at the race, give them a high five!

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Guy Margiotta, Hilliard, OH

 

This Sunday, Guy will walk the ½ Marathon in honor of his daughter, Sophia Rose.  Sophia Rose was 12 years old when she was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and died three days after the diagnosis.  Guy and his wife, Missi, became involved in the Leukemia and Lymphoma’s Team-in-Training program and have made it their crusade to raise money for blood cancer research. Guy’s optimism and spirit to find a cure for blood cancer has inspired the group, Sophia’s Stars, a group of 13 members who will participate in this year’s Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon to honor Sophia and raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma.

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Bill Reed, Louisville, Kentucky

The Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will bring Bill one stride closer to his goal. This Sunday, Bill will be running his 48^th marathon, making him just two races away from his goal of 50. Bill has been running in marathons for more than 30 years, including qualifying for the Boston Marathon 15 times and participating five times. However his course over the past 30 years has not been smooth. After dealing with back surgery, Bill also was diagnosed with Parkinsons in 2011. While this made reaching his goal more difficult, he refused to let it keep him from his love of running. Bill plans to complete his 50^th race in his hometown of Louisville.

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Jenness Sigman, Bellbrook, Ohio

For 20-time marathon participant Jenness, running has always been a part of her life, however, the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon has taken on a new meaning for her. Jenness was forced to put running on hold after her son, Payne, was in a horrible car accident.  Payne suffered major brain trauma and required extensive rehabilitation at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, during which, Jenness stayed at the Ronald McDonald House to attend Payne’s daily therapy sessions. Jenness and her family have focused on giving back by donating the “Play for Payne” funds their community raised for them to a local fire department and through numerous contributions to the Nationwide Rehab unit. They will continue to support Nationwide Children’s this Sunday when Jenness and others will be running with Payne’s name on their backs in honor of Payne and the care he received.

Meet this year’s Spirit Award Winners

On October 19, there will be 18,000 people with 18,000 stories to share about why they are running or walking the course’s 13.1/26.2 miles. Some will be achieving a life-long fitness goal, some will be retaining tradition by running the Columbus Marathon for the 35^th time and thousands of others will celebrate the triumph of mind, body and spirit that has come through training for this year’s race. 

Since 2007, the Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon has recognized individuals who have overcome major obstacles while training. The Spirit Award is given to those whose strength; dedication and perseverance motivate us, inspire us and oftentimes, moves us to joyful tears.

Though there are 18,000 stories to share, we will share those of this year’s Spirit Award winners in our blog through the weeks leading up to the race. If you see them at the race, give them a high five!

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Todd Lustig

It runs in the Lustig family. After watching his son Robbie complete his first ½ marathon (as a 2013 Spirit Award Recipient at that), Todd decided to follow in his son’s footsteps and start training for the 2014 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus ½ Marathon. With his wife of 30 years, Joan, battling ovarian cancer, running soon became a coping mechanism as well as a stride towards a healthier lifestyle. Todd hoped to run the October race with his wife on the sidelines, but on August 10, 2014, Joan lost her battle with cancer. While this has been an extremely difficult time for Todd and the entire Lustig family, he continues to train and will be running the 13.1 mile race in October in memory of his wife and her brave battle with cancer.

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Elizabeth Smith

The 2014 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon holds a very special meaning to Elizabeth; it marks the 1-year anniversary of her diagnosis with stage 4 lung cancer, as well as her return to the first marathon she ever ran. Elizabeth, a non-smoker, is an experienced marathoner who refused to let her diagnosis stop her or break her spirit. As soon as she was capable, Elizabeth got back to running after a very aggressive course of treatment. She wasn’t running as she had before, but she was running and that’s all the mattered. Come race day, Elizabeth’s friends will join her on the course, as she has been an inspiration to them all.

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Fred Girscht

The course for Fred Girscht has been paved with many obstacles, but it is his perseverance and determination that made him the perfect candidate for a 2014 Spirit Award. After years of diabetic complications, which lead to kidney failure and dialysis, and a kidney and pancreas transplant, Fred decided to start training for his first half marathon in 2009. Since, Fred has run several half and full marathons, and equally as important, Fred has become a very active promoter of organ transplantation. In 2013, he ran the New York City marathon representing the Kris Klug foundation. When he is not running himself, Fred can be found volunteering, supporting other runners and promoting running within his own family. This year, Fred’s two son-in-laws will be running the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus ½ Marathon right there with him.

Meet this year’s Spirit Award Winners…

On October 19, there will be 18,000 people with 18,000 stories to share about why they are running or walking the course’s 13.1/26.2 miles. Some will be achieving a life-long fitness goal, some will be retaining tradition by running the Columbus Marathon for the 35^th time and thousands of others will celebrate the triumph of mind, body and spirit that has come through training for this year’s race.

Since 2007, the Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon has recognized individuals who have overcome major obstacles while training. The Spirit Award is given to those whose strength; dedication and perseverance motivate us, inspire us and oftentimes, moves us to joyful tears.

Though there are 18,000 stories to share, we will share those of this year’s Spirit Award winners in our blog through the next few weeks. If you see them at the race, give them a high five!

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Jeff Berringer, Marion, Ohio

A lot can happen in a year. Just ask Jeff Berringer. Last fall, at age 55, Jeff weighed 280 lbs. and was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, diabetes and high blood pressure. He made a pledge to get healthy and started walking, biking and swimming with a goal of running the ½ Marathon this year. After completing his four 5K races this spring, Jeff is ready to show how he has taken control of his health and is running the ½ Marathon 130 lbs. lighter than last fall. Jeff is an inspiration to the students and his co-workers at Marion City Schools. A lot can happen in a year!

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Sarah Cawley, Medina, OH

Sarah is a busy working mom to two daughters, Addie and Meghan. Meghan has had a long list of significant impairments as a result of a long list of medical issues: hydrocephalus (a buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling), Klippel-Feil syndrome (abnormal joining of two or more spinal bones in the neck), severe scoliosis, kidney problems and a heart defect. Sarah, a runner, has run the Nationwide Children’s Marathon the past several years in Meghan’s honor declaring, “My goal is to run this ½ marathon every year until Meghan can walk, or I can’t.” Her tireless dedication is worthy enough of the Spirit Award; however Sarah’s story doesn’t end here. In April, Sarah was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is now undergoing chemotherapy and expects to begin radiation treatments about two weeks before the race, but she is continuing with her training while dealing with the physical effects of her treatment. Sarah is determined to complete the race again this year in spite of the tremendous obstacles she is fighting to overcome. She is “training for triumph” – Meghan’s and hers.

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Janna Driscoll, Westerville, Ohio

Anyone who says they do not have time for physical fitness needs to meet Janna Driscoll. Janna first joined a walking group to help her lose weight. In May of 2013 she walked her first ½ marathon.  Shortly after, she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer.  Following surgery to remove her thyroid, her cancer treatment consisted of radiation and medication.  The medications Janna took left her exhausted and with flu-like symptoms.  Janna has not let the side effects of her medication or her demanding 80-hour/week work schedule derail her from her training and gym routine so that she can participate in this year’s ½ marathon. Janna’s determination and commitment is an inspiration to everyone who knows her.

Meet this year’s Spirit Award Winners

On October 19, there will be 18,000 people with 18,000 stories to share about why they are running or walking the course’s 13.1/26.2 miles. Some will be achieving a life-long fitness goal, some will be retaining tradition by running the Columbus Marathon for the 35^th time and thousands of others will celebrate the triumph of mind, body and spirit that has come through training for this year’s race.

Since 2007, the Columbus Marathon and ½ Marathon has recognized individuals who have overcome major obstacles while training. The Spirit Award is given to those whose strength; dedication and perseverance motivate us, inspire us and oftentimes, moves us to joyful tears.

Though there are 18,000 stories to share, we will share those of this year’s Spirit Award winners in our blog through the weeks leading up to the race. If you see them at the race, give them a high five!

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Johnita Anderson, Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Johnita Anderson will step up to starting line of her first ½ marathon weighing 50 lbs. lighter than last year after changing her life through exercise and healthy living. Her dedication to health and fitness is contagious and she has inspired friends to exercise, stop smoking and eat better. Her daughter, one of three people who nominated Johnita for this year’s Spirit Award applauds her mom’s never ending optimism and perseverance during her good health and weight loss journey. “She has made many sacrifices to maintain on the path of this journey. My mother continually proves her dedication and commitment attending her fitness classes and running daily.” In her new chapter of life Johnita found true love and got married in September.

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Barry Baker, Loudon, Tennessee

Barry Baker will participate in his first ½ marathon on when would have been his 50^th wedding anniversary. After losing his wife Becky to an 18-year battle of cancer earlier this year, Barry began walking as a way to cope with his grief. He had his eyes set on commemorating Becky’s strength and spirit on the date of their anniversary at the Columbus Marathon. On Sunday, Oct. 19, Barry will be joined by family members to remember Becky and to prove her mantra, “you only fail if you don’t try.”

It’s time for Spirit Award Nominations!

We are in search of registered race participants who are overcoming major obstacles while training for the 2014 Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon.

“The Spirit Award is a way for the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon to recognize individuals who inspire and embody perseverance and strength. They are a testament to our sport and this event and it’s always an incredible privilege to celebrate them and their accomplishments.” – Darris Blackford, Race Director.

To nominate an individual for the 2014 Spirit Award, please email sarah@irvinpr.com by Monday, Aug. 25 with the following information:

• The nominator’s name, phone number and email address,
• The nominee’s name, phone and email address;
• A 200-word-or-less description of why that person deserves to be recognized

Each year, the board of trustees of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus Marathon & ½ Marathon names 10 people from thousands of participants for this award. The 2014 event marks the seventh year the award has been given out.

Read about last year’s inspirational winners here.