Where do I start?

Where do I start?

The answer that has been alluding me for awhile.

Until last week.

Where do I start?  Right here. Right now.

I'm starting this blog to document my journey from "couch to 5k" as I prepare to run the Best Buddies Challenge in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts this summer in loving memory of the Captain of Team Justin's Love - Justin Kalligheri.  But more on his awesomeness later.

My journey started by finding out about the Best Buddies Challenge from Julian Edelman of the New England Patriots.  I'd often heard about this event before, but just brushed it off because it was in Massachusetts & I've never ever been a runner or biker.

When Julian posted it - it was perfect timing for me & I decided at that moment I was going to take up this challenge immediately.  I consulted two of my best buddies - TJL Cofounder Jeff Kalligheri & Awesomeness on the Radio Colton Bradford - they both quickly supported my decision & I officially entered the challenge in Saturday, January 23, 2015.

I've had several people ask me why I've chose to do this particular event.

I've heard questions like why Boston, Why now, Why this Charity, Who is Justin, why does this mean so much to you & etc.  so let me start from the beginning.

I met Jeff Kalligheri in June of 1997 as he was the friend & webmaster of our mutual friend Jason Gatson - 2004 Olympic Silver Medalist in Gymnastics.  Jeff and my friendship got off to a very slow start, but we became very close friends in the year after meeting.  Jeff has always been & will always be since then a rock in my foundation - my true Best Buddy.  Jeff has picked me up by my boot straps, stood by me as I went through bad relationship & eventually by my side as I married the love of my life  & pretty much knows me far better than I know myself.

Jeff was born a twin to Justin on April 6, 1981.  Justin's health was never the best from the beginning.  I don't want to share many personal details of Justin's health as its not my story to share, but soon after Jeff & I met Justin was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Many times when I'd call to talk to Jeff, it would be Justin who answered the phone.  It was pretty much the best slice of heaven to hear his voice & you could feel his smile from all the across the country over the phone.  I loved those calls but as his health declined - I rarely got to speak to him.  So I always spoke to Justin in a language he knew & that my friends was candy.  A few times a year, I'd load up a big box of candy to ship off to the Kalligheri household.  From what I hear, Justin was able to sniff out candy better than a bomb sniffing dog.

Jeff, Justin, & I share a bond much like that of siblings - & I truly believe that we are spiritually family.  I always say I was spiritually born a triplet in Boston, MA on April 6, 1981 to my Boston parents, Debbie & Armand! ❤️

Sadly, Justin lost his battle with his health on October 18, 2013.  Immediately- Jeff's family moved to create Justin's Love Foundation as a perfect tribute to Justin who loved people & life as much as he loved candy & smiling.  In the past 2 1/2 years while mourning Justin's loss, his family & friends have celebrated his memory by giving back in many different ways.

The Best Buddies Challenge is no different for me.  This is a way for me to celebrate Justin's Legacy by giving back to a charity that he's be thrilled to be apart of & also help re-energize myself at the same time.

As many of you know, I've struggled with my weight for a long time.  I was finally diagnosed as hypothyroid in college.  Managing this has proven quite a challenge for my endocrinologist Dr.  Thomas Ladetke of Endocrinology Clinic of Minneapolis. (Very highly Recommended by me!!)

I was finally on a perfect combination of medicine by July of 2014 & I had lost 1-0-0 lbs.  yes.  -100lbs.  I started to have unexplained symptoms of dizziness & fatigue when I stood up to the point I almost passed out.  Many doctors appointments & test later, I was diagnosed with Postural Othrostatic Trachicardia Syndrome (POTS).  As a contributing factor, my thyroid medicines were changed - & my health took a toll.  I gained back a bunch of the weight I lost & felt like crap.

I'm happy to say I'm back on my original medicines now & I am doing great!  This challenge has inspired to join the YMCA & I've been going 3+ a week to train for this event.  My sister in law Inna is my training partner & I'm so excited to be on this journey.

I never got to meet Justin in person or his dad Armand who passed away last fall.  I regret not doing this sooner but I can not live with any regrets.  

The time is now.  

This is where I start.

This blog will detail my journey physically, mentally, emotionally & financially along with telling about each of the fabulous people I'm running this race for.  Please join me on A Journey for Justin.....

Yup.  I'm gonna to run a 5k.  & Justin's Love will be what gets me there. 

 Please make a tax deductible contribution to Team Justin's Love at: https://www.bestbuddieschallenge.org/hp/support/#justinslove

All donations are amazing, no matter how small.  They will be appreciated, overly thanked, & loved like Justin loved candy.

In memory of Justin Kalligheri 

1981-2013 - but his love will live on forever.