1000 Runners for 1 Heart: A Run for Sofia Ysabel on 27 August 2011

I almost wept when I read this. I never met Sofia Ysabel’s mom but, as a mother myself, I could feel her pain…

You were in my arms as you peacefully took your last breath…

While the grief is great, your Dad and I are, in a sense, consoled/happy that it happened the way it did. That we were there during your final hours. That we got to hold and kiss you. That it happened peacefully. No hint of pain. It was like you were just sleeping through all the activity around you.

Excerpt from http://sofiaysabel.wordpress.com/

The running community is coming together to show their support for the Rosal family this coming Saturday, August 27, 2011 in a run called One Thousand Runners for One Heart: A Run for Sofia Ysabel. If you’re available and you would like to help, late registration will be available near the starting line near the fountain of the Venice Piazza at McKinley Hill.

Click HERE for the race website.  Visit its Facebook page HERE.

Here’s more information…

Three months ago, Sofia Ysabel Rosal was born with Down’s Syndrome and Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), a congenital heart disease. She has undergone dialysis to address kidney failure apart from the other tests and procedures that were regularly administered to keep her condition stable. But through all these, Sofia remained strong and steadfast in her will to live a full life with her family. Last July 23, Sofia’s battle finally came to an end. However short her life was, it was fully lived as she stood as an inspiration and a shining example of how one should face a life filled with seemingly insurmountable adversities.

Sofia’s strength and determination has inspired friends and family to put together a fund raising activity to support her family since the cost of her treatment had reached alarming heights. “One Thousand Runners for One Heart: A Run for Sofia Ysabel”, is a 3k and 5k fun run happening on August 27,2011 (6:00am) at the Venice Piazza , McKinley Hill, Taguig City.

Registration is now open at R.O.X Bonifacio High Street and The Brick Mckinley Hill. Registration for both 3k and 5k is Php 500 with the proceeds to be turnover to Sofia’s family. Part of the proceeds will be donated to charity benefiting patients with congenital heart disease. Professional runners, leisure runners, and first- time runners are all welcome to run, not to beat previous records but to be one of a thousand runners running or walking for Sofia , the little girl with a big brave heart.