Run for Roses Wrap-Up, October 8, 2011

It is hard to believe it has already been two weeks since I crossed the finish line with Katie. Day 65 – the culminatation of everyone’s hard work – still seems like an exquisite dream. We did it, and I am grateful for the support that each one of you gave me along the way. In addition to spreading vast awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, we have raised over $40,000 for Cystic Fibrosis! I sincerely could not have done this without you.

After the run, I spent a week in New York City, playing with my friends and soaking up some vacation time. My last night in New York was the perfect ending to such a life-changing journey. I shared a delicious dinner at Bubba Gump’s with Bill Squires and his beautiful family. After dinner, we took a little walk to Times Square. As we approached 42nd and 8th, the Squires gave me the surprise of my life. On two huge mesh boards on the corner of Port Authority, they had posted a video of me running through MetLife Stadium, as well as a sign saying “Congrats Colleen” with the Run for Roses logo and website. These huge digital mesh boards played the Run for Roses clip 4 times every 15 minutes!!! I finally got my name in bright lights – differently than what i dreamed about as a kid – but so much more meaningful and wonderful. Standing on that corner with the Squires, screaming out in glee every time the video came up, was the most thrilling way to conclude this dream project.

Now that I’m back in St. Louis, the next chapter has begun. I have been pounding the pavement with the job search. This type of pounding the pavement makes running 16 miles a day seem like a breeze. However, I am hopeful that something wonderful will turn up.

I am very excited to begin the next phase of Run for Roses. I have been asked to speak at a lot of schools about my journey and am certain that more speaking engagements will follow. We have received a lot of great post-run press coverage. Tomorrow, Sunday, there will be a Y98 Interview with Jen Myers at 6:30 AM Central Time. For those of you who are not local to St. Louis, you can stream online at: http://player.radio.com/player/RadioPlayer.php?version=1.2.12495&station=106. There also was a nice article that came out yesterday. Check it out: http://www.southcountytimes.com/Articles-i-2011-10-07-177172.114137-Sisters-Join-Hands-At-Run-For-Roses-Finish-Line.html.

I am currently searching for a documentary editor to weave together the beautiful footage Thom shot during the 65 days. I am also preparing to dive into the world of writing a book. Writing the blogs during Run for Roses ignited my love for writing, and I am excited to explore using the blogs as a launching pad for my book. I am confident that the public speaking, documentary, and book will serve as powerful vessels to continue sharing stories and spreading awareness of Cystic Fibrosis.

Keep checking our website www.runforroses.com periodically for updates!

Send us your email address at colleencaul@yahoo.com to receive exciting eblasts from The Rose Foundation!  We will be sending out eblasts with new information, upcoming events, and updates on our progress with the documentary and book.

Run for Roses was the first of MANY projects that The Rose Foundation will sponsor. The Caul Family has many more dreams up our sleeves and plan on keeping The Rose Foundation very much alive and running until the day that CF stands for Cure Found.

Our hearts are forever grateful to have each of you on our team.

Thank you dear friends.