"RING THAT BELL"

On September 2nd 1999, our forth wedding anniversary, we received a phone call from my wife's doctor that changed our lives. The Call-  "I am sorry to say this but YOU HAVE CANCER." After undergoing treatment 18 years ago, we have lived a blessed life that we know not all have the opportunity to experience. We have had the benefit of getting to RING THAT BELL!

While hearing the doctor say those three dreaded words "You have cancer" was the most devastating news my wife has ever heard, she will tell you there is one thing that Becky always says she can not even fathom hearing. That is "I am sorry to say Mrs. Cunningham but your daughter has cancer." That is why we as a family have decided to be involved with the Snowdrop Foundation, we love the mission and enthusiasm of the Snowdrop Family. The foundation raises money for cancer research at Texas Children's Hospital and also gives college scholarships for childhood cancer survivors.

One of the first things Becky did after ringing the bell to mark her cancer free date was to do the Inaugural Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon in 2000. It was her first marathon and as of this date has done 70 marathon or greater races. So when we found out about Snowdrop and participated in 2015, we felt like we had found home. 

Another part of Snowdrop is the Snowdrop Honor Team. As a Snowdrop Honor Team member you are paired with a child and family currently undergoing treatment for cancer. In 2016 Becky ran in honor of Lillie Beth! The first year Lillie Beth was to weak from treatment to be able to come out to the race but, this year the highlight of the race for our family was Lillie Beth and her mom surprising Becky on the last day as she crossed the finish line for her 163rd and final mile of the 55 hour event. It was amazing to get see Lillie Beth smiling and recovered from her intense year of treatment. There is nothing that has warmed our hearts more this last year than when we watched online as Lillie Beth had her chance to RING THAT BELL and exclaim from the top of her lungs "I'M CANCER FREE!"

So this year there will be two Cunningham's in the race! Not only will Becky be doing her 4th year, this year I am going to be leaving the support tent and running too! I am also looking to see if I might not find a local Oklahoma child to have as my Snowdrop Honor child for the year.I just love what Kevin, co-founder of Snowdrop Foundation, told me after the race this year "Until every child gets to RING THAT BELL, I hope our families always spend New Year's Weekend together out here."

So please consider a donation to Snowdrop Foundation! #ForChelsey

Thank you,

Mark Cunningham