Shelley was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and our family is
beginning a journey we never expected to face. There are still many unknowns ahead, but we are holding tightly to hope and, most importantly, to our faith. We know our God is bigger than any diagnosis, and we know He is capable of healing. We’ve also been encouraged by the stories of so many others who have faced breast cancer and come out on the other side - including Shelley’s own grandmother, JoAnn, who is still with us at an incredible 101 years
old (102 in November)! She beat breast cancer not once, but twice, as well as colon cancer. If there’s one thing that runs in this family, it’s a fighting spirit.

We created Sparks for the Long Run as a place for Shelley and our
family to share this journey with the many people who know and love
her. Shelley may occasionally use this space to share her own thoughts, experiences, and reflections, while our family will also post updates about appointments, treatment, progress, prayer needs, and anything else we feel would be helpful to share along the way. We encourage you to subscribe to the blog so you can receive an email whenever a new update is posted.

Since Shelley’s diagnosis, the outpouring of love and support has been incredible. She has received so many texts, calls, emails, Facebook messages, and check-ins from people who care deeply about her. We cannot adequately express how much that means to her and to all of us. One of the greatest blessings of living in a small community and loving people well for so many years is realizing just how many people are ready to love you right back when you need it most.

At the same time, the sheer number of messages has understandably become overwhelming. Shelley is the kind of person who wants to read every message, answer every question, return every phone call, and make sure no one feels ignored. But right now, we need her energy focused somewhere else - on her health, her treatment, her faith, and being present with the people right in front of her. We also want to protect the time she has with our dad and the rest of our family without the pressure of feeling like she needs to keep everyone individually updated.

For that reason, we ask that you please use this website and our Facebook page as your primary sources for updates about Shelley. We’ll do our best to keep both updated as we learn more and move through each stage of this journey. You are absolutely welcome to continue sending Shelley words of encouragement, prayers, Scripture, funny stories, or simply a reminder that you love her—we know those messages will mean so much. We just ask that you please don't expect a personal response. If she doesn’t reply, know that she has seen your love and support and is incredibly grateful for it. Giving her the freedom to receive that love without feeling obligated to respond is one of the best ways we can support her right now.

Anyone who knows Shelley knows she is a fighter. She knows what it means to work hard, endure when things get uncomfortable, and keep going when quitting would be easier. As an ultrarunner, she has spent countless miles learning that you don’t have to see the entire trail ahead to take the next step.

We don’t know exactly where this trail is going to take us or what the miles ahead will look like. There may be steep climbs, unexpected turns, and stretches that feel much longer than we’d like. But Shelley won’t be running this one alone. We invite you to follow along, encourage her from the sidelines, and most importantly, join us in praying for her healing, her strength and peace, wisdom for her medical team, and for our entire family as we begin this new race.

One step at a time. One mile at a time. We’re in it for the long run. 💖