As with all parents, Emilio was the center of Richard and Diane's universe. The first three years of Parenthood brought the most profound love a human can experience. Shortly after Emilio's 3rd birthday, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. For the next 3 years, Richard and Diane lived in fear and hope. Their little soldier lost his courageous battle shortly before his 6th birthday.
On April 19th, 2010, Richard ran his first Boston Marathon. By doing so, he kept his promise to Emilio, a promise that he made to him almost 11 years ago. Within his first couple of miles, Richard experienced a roller coaster of emotions. Tears of sadness, mingled with tears of jubilation. As he entered downtown Boston, the final leg of the 26.2 mile run, familiar sights came into view and he was reminded of the many places in Boston that Richard and Diane enjoyed with Emilio.
Approaching the last turn which would take him to the end of this personal goal, he could see the sign "Boston Marathon Finish Line". Thousands of people lined the streets, cheering them on. He felt like and Olympic champion!
He crossed the finish line, achy and sore, but he knew that it was Emilio who pushed him through the most difficult moments. It is Emilio who inspires him to run marathons and to do the meaningful and necessary work of ENF.
Since 2004, Richard has run 15 marathons and many friends and family members have joined in support of ENF. On June 3rd, Richard will be running his 9th Rock n Roll Marathon as part of "Team Emilio". Please join Team Emilio and help us raise funds to support the families whose children suffer from cancer. All proceeds from all members of "Team Emilio" go directly to the programs at Emilio Nares Foundation, benefiting San Diego and Orange County families. If you would like to support "Team Emilio", please click here.
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