The Glass Slipper Confessions: Running for Noah's Light

During the 2013 Princess Half Marathon something happened to me that I will never forget. I was feeling a little off that morning, I can't remember why. But something was off. It could of been pre-race nerves or the fact that it was 3:00 in the morning.

I had been through tons of Disney races before and it was the same every time. So why did this time feel so off? I loaded the bus in front of Coronado Springs to head to the start line. I sat alone in the first seat looking out the window at the night sky wondering what the course had in store for me this time. I should be excited! This was my favorite runDisney course EVER! But still I felt different. I got off the bus and started toward the start line with about 15,000 other women and the 6 men that signed up for this race.

As I approached the entrance I could hear the DJ playing music and lights flashing I knew the party had already started. I heard a volunteer yell "Princesses this way! Leave your frogs at the door!", I giggled when I heard that. I started to pass the charity tents. I noticed two tents that where packed with people, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Team in Training and the Autism Speaks. I looked and wondered to myself, how do you become part of these organizations. That thought quickly passed and I started to walk again.

Photo courtesy of noahslightfoundation.org

Towards the end of the charity tents there was a group of ladies hugging and handing out water bottles. But what struck me as different was that they where not huddled by their tent. They where out talking to runners. One woman approached me gave me a big hug and said "Good Luck Princess! You're going to do great!" handed me a water bottle and a wrist band. I walked away stunned. I had never seen a charity organization do that before. I had no idea who the organization even was! Quickly I looked down at my wrist band and it said Noah's Light. As soon as I got to my corral, I took out my phone and looked up their website. And as I looked at the Noah's Light website that feeling of being off went away.

Photo courtesy of noahslightfoundation.org

I never got to thank that woman for her kind words and inspiration that got me through that race. But I wore that Noah's Light bracelet through that race. And now it is my turn to give back.

Noah's Light is an organization that wants to find a cure for children's brain cancer. Everyday 12 children are diagnosed with brain cancer. 12 children. Of the 4,200 children diagnosed each year, fewer than 20% will survive this battle.

Photo courtesy of noahslightfoundation.org

I have decided that during the 2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend, I will be running the Glass Slipper Challenge (10k & Half Marathon) on behalf of Noah's Light Foundation. I've set a personal goal of $2,000. So I'm hoping and asking for your help to reach my goal, and to help this wonderful organization. Your contribution will help Noah's Light Foundation Fund "The Noah Protocol" under the direction of Dr. Laurence Cooper.