After months of planning by so many wonderful people, the First Annual Joshua Newman 5K Run/Walk took place today.
The mood was festive with a twinge of sadness. Noone could be more proud than I am of the group of volunteers who set up tables, manned water stations, cheered folks on, and set up. The National Anthem was sung by our sweet neighbor who truly sounded like an angel.
We welcomed Team Jeff....those who loved Jeff Beaupre, a 40 year old father of two lost to SUDEP in February 2012. Jeff's wife helped us introduce Lucas, an adorable four year old who is this year's first recipient of an Emfit Seizure monitor system from this year's 5k proceeds.
Joshua's friend, John, read Joshua's bio which was heart warming, and then it was time for us to speak...my heart was racing, and my voice faltered at times, but we made it through.
Here are the highlights of our words, along with some photos of this incredible event in Joshua's memory.
"We would like to thank
Thank you all for your endless energy, and open arms.When Josh died, we were afraid for a little while that people would forget Josh. You all have made us realize that could never happen, and have helped us try to turn heartbreak into something good. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and unending support.
Today we are
here to celebrate a sweet and ornery boy who touched our lives to the very
core. His death brought epilepsy to the forefront, and made us hug our kids and
each other more tightly.
We know Joshua “never knew a stranger” and we are in awe at how many lives he touched in his short but so colorful life!
Thanks to your overwhelming response we would like to introduce you to the first recipient of seizure equipment from today’s proceeds, and to help us do this, I’d like to invite Allison Austin (wife of Jeff Beaupre)to the front."
Hugs were given throughout the course as we chatted and walked with our friends and family.
In the end, hearts were warm even though fingers and toes were freezing. Lots of Josh stories were shared.... it was just so great to talk about Joshie again. Oh, how I miss the boy!
Hugs,
Sherri
 |
| Lining up at the Start Line |
 |
| Natalie & Jenna - Joshua's classmates |
Joshua's friend, John, read Joshua's bio which was heart warming, and then it was time for us to speak...my heart was racing, and my voice faltered at times, but we made it through.
Here are the highlights of our words, along with some photos of this incredible event in Joshua's memory.
"We would like to thank
·
Danny
Did Foundation
· The
Joshua Newman 5K Planning Committee
Thank you all for your endless energy, and open arms.When Josh died, we were afraid for a little while that people would forget Josh. You all have made us realize that could never happen, and have helped us try to turn heartbreak into something good. Thank you for your thoughts, prayers and unending support.
Today we are
here to celebrate a sweet and ornery boy who touched our lives to the very
core. His death brought epilepsy to the forefront, and made us hug our kids and
each other more tightly.We know Joshua “never knew a stranger” and we are in awe at how many lives he touched in his short but so colorful life!
Thanks to your overwhelming response we would like to introduce you to the first recipient of seizure equipment from today’s proceeds, and to help us do this, I’d like to invite Allison Austin (wife of Jeff Beaupre)to the front."
Hugs were given throughout the course as we chatted and walked with our friends and family.
 |
| The perfect balloon art....an angel! |
Hugs,
Sherri
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