Medals for Mettle

If you have run any number of 5 or 10K races, a half-marathon, a full marathon, triathlon, or something even longer than that... you may have received a finishers medal.

It recognizes the hard work and training you put into the planning and preparation for the event, and then seeing it through to the finish line despite obstacles, fatigue, aches, or pains.

For many runners and bikers who take part in these events that bestow them with a finishing prize - it's a nice keepsake.

But, for many others it's something to put on a shelf or into an increasingly filled sock drawer with awards.

Into this gap of races and stock-piling awards stepped Dr. Steven Isenberg.  A surgeon and marathoner, he met a colleague hospitalized for prostate cancer when he had just completed the 2003 Chicago Marathon.

Visiting with his friend, he recognized the challenge of the grueling battle his friend was engaged in with cancer and handed over the medal in recognition of the on-going fight to the death.

The mettle required for a long run or ride is significant, but it doesn't compare with the tremendous mettle demonstrated by those fighting life-threatening illnesses or severe disabilities.

In 2005, Medals4Mettle was born.

It's a way for a hard-working athlete to share the joy in their accomplishment and lift the spirits of someone fighting for their life.

Recently, it was my pleasure to award the medal in the picture to a young girl (and her family, as they are all in this fight) recognizing her battle and their resilience.

It's difficult to imagine the challenges and concern their family has endured since the surprise diagnosis was made in February.  They are members of the church we attend and Mom writes a blog about the family and their health battle.

The blog is primarily how I know them.  The daughter has been the subject of many hundreds of thousands of prayers for recovery and comfort for her and her family.  Their fight isn't over by any stretch, but prayers are being answered.

A lot of mettle, indeed.

I presented the award on behalf of my sister, a triathlete who has earned her share of finishing medals and re-purposes them with the Medals4Mettle program to lift the spirits of others.

You may be wondering why I don't share a link to the family blog... well it's because I haven't asked permission and that is their choice, not mine.

The story of this young girl is being read in homes all over the world.  You know some of these stories personally.  Maybe it's your story.

Prayer is our primary weapon as we stand behind our valiant friends and family.  You might be able to award them a medal of Valor and Bravery, or contact the Medals4Mettle folks.

It's an excellent idea - a way to transfer the endorphins of a good day of competition into a boost for someone who is running their own race everyday.