In memory of Kate and the steps she didn't take
Donation protected
On November 14th 2000, the lovely baby girl Kate Lonergan was born in Portland, Oregon. She was the daughter and second child of my Uncle John and Auntie Ita and a sister to my cousin Jack. She was a very happy and playful wee girl. On February 8th 2002 Kate died suddenly.
Kate had Down Syndrome and received significant support for her short 15-month life from an Early Intervention Program in Oregon.
From birth to age 3, the Early Intervention program provides services and supports children at home or in other caregiving settings. Their educators use a parent-coaching model, which empowers parents to become more confident and competent caregivers. The organisation that runs this program provides specialised services and support to children from age birth through 5 who are experiencing developmental disabilities or delays.
Kate did not get to reach the age where she could walk, or even run. When Ita told Jack that Kate had Down Syndrome, she explained that Kate would be able to do what everyone else could but it might take her a little bit longer, he replied, "So what you are really saying is that she is clever!" At age 9, Jack wrote "To me there is completely no difference between her and anyone else. I think she liked me because every time I walked up to Kate, her face suddenly exploded with happiness as she smiled as bright as the Sun." Just because someone has a disability does not mean we should judge their abilities and how much joy they can bring to our lives.
I have found myself feeling incredibly lucky for my body's capabilities over the last few months of training. I find myself thinking of Kate and if she were alive if she would have liked running and if we could have ran together. I'm running the Athens Authentic Marathon on 10th November in memory of Kate. I have trained solidly for the last two and half months, my body probably would have deserved a little more time.
However, my mind is entirely set on completing the marathon and Kate will be with me every step of the way. She was a smiling bundle of warmth from my memory and I felt it was about time the people who helped and nurtured her be helped right back. They are hard working and provide support to so many families and babies who have disabilities or delays and this needs to be recognised.
We as humans can build strength in our bodies' muscles, we can make them grow and tackle whatever sport we want it to endure. However, it's our minds that have the last say. In 490 B.C, Pheidippides (530–490 BC) ran a total of 150 miles to complete his role as a professional running courier. He paved the way for millions of athletes worldwide to set a goal in their hearts of finishing a marathon distance. The majority of runners will not just run for themselves but for a charity or in memory of someone else. All runners have their own message to send.
What I have learnt while training is how incredibly blessed we are and how much we are capable of achieving if we set our minds to it. Most of all how important it is to share memories with one another, however long we live for. Although Kate’s life was short she is well remembered by all who knew her. This is best summed up by the words of her younger brothers, Joe and Ewan "one's heart never leaves."
Kate had Down Syndrome and received significant support for her short 15-month life from an Early Intervention Program in Oregon.
From birth to age 3, the Early Intervention program provides services and supports children at home or in other caregiving settings. Their educators use a parent-coaching model, which empowers parents to become more confident and competent caregivers. The organisation that runs this program provides specialised services and support to children from age birth through 5 who are experiencing developmental disabilities or delays.
Kate did not get to reach the age where she could walk, or even run. When Ita told Jack that Kate had Down Syndrome, she explained that Kate would be able to do what everyone else could but it might take her a little bit longer, he replied, "So what you are really saying is that she is clever!" At age 9, Jack wrote "To me there is completely no difference between her and anyone else. I think she liked me because every time I walked up to Kate, her face suddenly exploded with happiness as she smiled as bright as the Sun." Just because someone has a disability does not mean we should judge their abilities and how much joy they can bring to our lives.
I have found myself feeling incredibly lucky for my body's capabilities over the last few months of training. I find myself thinking of Kate and if she were alive if she would have liked running and if we could have ran together. I'm running the Athens Authentic Marathon on 10th November in memory of Kate. I have trained solidly for the last two and half months, my body probably would have deserved a little more time.
However, my mind is entirely set on completing the marathon and Kate will be with me every step of the way. She was a smiling bundle of warmth from my memory and I felt it was about time the people who helped and nurtured her be helped right back. They are hard working and provide support to so many families and babies who have disabilities or delays and this needs to be recognised.
We as humans can build strength in our bodies' muscles, we can make them grow and tackle whatever sport we want it to endure. However, it's our minds that have the last say. In 490 B.C, Pheidippides (530–490 BC) ran a total of 150 miles to complete his role as a professional running courier. He paved the way for millions of athletes worldwide to set a goal in their hearts of finishing a marathon distance. The majority of runners will not just run for themselves but for a charity or in memory of someone else. All runners have their own message to send.
What I have learnt while training is how incredibly blessed we are and how much we are capable of achieving if we set our minds to it. Most of all how important it is to share memories with one another, however long we live for. Although Kate’s life was short she is well remembered by all who knew her. This is best summed up by the words of her younger brothers, Joe and Ewan "one's heart never leaves."
Organizer
Charlotte Dean
Organizer