ShawneeDispatch.com

To the Editor:

I was the race director for the Shawnee "Run For Mercy" that was held on April 3. I want to start out by thanking you for the wonderful article on the front page! We've had so many positive comments about the event.

I am on the board of directors for Oceans of Mercy and just got back last week from South Africa (with founder Schaun Colin). I know the run has been over for a while, but I wanted to share a story with you in case you are interested.

After the awards were handed out, the winner of the women's 40-49 age group, Carolyn Marney, approached me and said she would like to give her medal to "Lilita," the child she ran for and whose picture was on her back. Carolyn wanted to know how she could mail the medal. We told her we were going over to South Africa the next morning and would make sure Lilita got the medal. Carolyn and her daughter sent a note along with the medal. I have a photo of Carolyn and her daughter. We presented the medal to Lilita and she wore it daily! I have some great shots of Schaun talking to Lilita about the run, the medal, what Carolyn did.

More than anything, I just want to let someone know that all the publicity, all the kind words, all the exposure does pay off. This community is pulling together and has made a 10-year dream a two-year reality.

Traci Johnson

Oceans of Mercy