Running For A Cause

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Running For A Cause

Contributed by Debra Patkin

I discovered running in college. Between the research papers, theater, sorority events, and of course those keggers, I was woefully out of sync with my body. When my roommate and a friend decided to go running one cold night in Rochester – and those who know Rochester, cold is COLD – I refused to look like a wuss and opted to join them. Half-hour later, my lungs were frozen, but my mind was absolutely clear. I started to run on my own. Running became my escape – allowing me to take in the wonders of nature while giving me much needed “me time”.

Ten years later, I still run. However, I do not run as much as I’d like, given arthritis of my left hip. Despite expediting my future hip replacement surgery, I cannot let go of the one thing that provides me with a peace of mind. Furthermore, as a mother to a beautiful, delightful and active one-year old girl, I am determined to show her that positive body image comes from taking care of yourself. I feel by running, I am showing her how strong a woman’s body can be.

When a friend shared the scoop on Deaf Camp 5k on April 17, I immediately signed up. I did several 5ks and 10ks before having my daughter, but none ever since. The fact it was for camps for deaf children was the icing of the cake. According to Deaf Camps, Inc.’, this volunteer-run non-profit is “dedicated to providing fun, safe, communication-rich camps that promote the physical, spiritual, and social development of Deaf/hard of hearing children and children learning American Sign Language.” Although my daughter is hearing, I was a deaf child myself and some of my best childhood memories were from deaf camps I attended.

I was very shocked to discover that I was one of the very few Deaf participants at the race, which took place at Hains Point at Washington, DC. I even hesitated to use ASL in communicating with the volunteers – they did not seem to understand ASL. What was more – the race actually started on time. My friends and I, as subscribers to DST, actually had to run to the start line from the registration desk to catch up with the other runners. It was a small race, about 100 or 150 runners I think.

My disbelief at the lack of Deaf representation was soon forgotten as I ran along the water. It was a pure joy to be in race mode once again, seeing volunteers cheering us on and trying to gulp cups of water they were passing out. Of course, the goodies waiting for us at the end were great – bagels, donuts, water, juice and cookies. The sheer high of completing a race was the best part, and this is what will bring me to many more races in the future.

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