After running in the 2010 Boston Marathon with every step of 26.2 miles of pain shooting through my foot due to plantar fasciitis, I took 6 months off from running and enjoyed cycling last year with a cycling vacation trip to the eastern coast of Italy. My passion for running would not go away, therefore since October of 2010, my focus was to get back into running shape and foot recovery. I’ve been inspired to run the Boston Marathon on April 18, 2011 as a dedication to a brave young man in support of his legacy.
Throughout my connection with other heart patients and inspiring athletes, three years ago I was inspired by a special young man, Jacob Jackson whom I met through the Levine Cardiac Kids, www.levinecardiackids.com Jacob was an inspiration to his family, high school friends, and children born with a heart defects. Jacob was a participant and camp counselor for Camp Taylor in California for children with CHD’s. Jacob and his mother, Kim, were the driving force to the 1st annual Camp LUCK at Kings Mountain State Park, Rock Hill, SC. Camp LUCK, Inc. is to provide a positive camp experience to children born with CHD’s and siblings.
December 3rd, 2010 at the age of 17 Jacob passed away after his 4th open heart surgery. Jacob had talked to me on occasion about wanting to play sports in school and his limiting heart condition. He knew he would be facing this surgery in his future, and the future came too quickly. When Jacob was asked “Do you wish you were not born with this heart defect?” Jacob answered “everything happens for a reason”. Jacob’s Obituary: http://lincolntribune.com/?p=1889
Jacob’s legacy is Camp LUCK, Inc. 501c3 non-profit organization to inspire other CHD children and to not be embarrassed of scars on their chest. http://campluck.blogspot.com/ Please help me by supporting Camp LUCK, INC. Please contact me on how to donate: jdavenport7@carolina.rr.com
