I came to running later in my life, when having five kids meant that exercise needed to be efficient. Tying on sneakers and going out for a jog was much quicker than driving to the gym. 

When my youngest kids were two, a routine appendecotmy turned into a cancer diagnosis for my mother, Gail Richard, and within 10 months she was gone. After she died, my father Jerry continued his daily postcard writing practice, sending them to folks in his address book until the day he died in 2015. After he passed, I recommitted to my health and to the dream of running a half marathon. You might remember my folks - they ran a pizza shop called Richard's Corner, and Mom was a teacher at Turners Falls High and Great Falls Middle School, my dad a professor of Criminal Justice at GCC.

In 2016, I honored my mother and my father by running the Mother's Day Half for the first time, and  cried as my kids waved me across the finish line. The next year, my mother-in-law was there to cheer for me as I PR'd the race. In the years since, I've mixed running and walking, but Whately is where you will find me every year on Mother's Day, waking up early to get to the starting line by 7am. Last year was the first time our daughter joined us as we walked and jogged the route. Every time I am overwhelmed by the community that gathers together to cheer for one another at that finish line. It truly is the most beautiful day of the year.

I'm continuing my tradition of honoring both of my parents by fundraising for the Cancer Connection. I run in my mother's honor and fundraise for the families who are facing a diagnosis, and for those facing loss. I continue to send postcard to the people who donate in my parent's honor. This year, a handful of people will even get postcards designed by my cousin, Pete! 

Please donate to the Cancer Connetion so they can continue to offer free resources to families facing a cancer diagnosis. Any amount helps!

I'd love to send you a postcard in gratutide.

Heather Richard, running for Jerry's Postcard Train 

The WMass Mother's Day Half Marathon has been supporting Cancer Connection for 14 years - help us make the 15th the biggest and best! .

This race is one of extremely FEW that operate on donation. Race expenses are kept to a minimum, yet we try to make the runners' experience top-notch. This race has a vibe of gratitude, appreciation and so much love. Not only are runners happy to run, volunteers are happy to help and cancer-warriors are happy to benefit from the free services provided by Cancer Connection.

It is truly The BEST half in Western Mass! This race makes an impact!

Cancer Connection provides a haven where people with cancer and their loved ones can learn how to navigate the difficulties of cancer through FREE one-to-one guidance, education, peer support, integrative therapies and exercise and creative programs.