Remembering Sandra - her words from 2013.  Sandra lost her battle with ALS a few months after being the featured marathoner.

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"Prior to ALS, I use to spend my time running, swimming, traveling the world, oil painting, journaling at the local Coffee Bean, and working as a professional violinist. In 2009, I started experiencing weakness in my right foot while wearing high heels; a girl’s nightmare. It continued to develop into a drop foot. But during that time I had gotten pregnant with my second son, so I had to wait to get any kind of extensive neurological testing.

In 2010, I gave birth to our second son. My weakness had extended to my right leg and arm, and I experienced some slight slurring in my speech.

In October of that year, I went in for further testing and was diagnosed with ALS, more commonly known as “Lou Gehrig’s disease”. I had never heard of Lou Gehrig’s disease until then. The Neurologist told me that I might have 2-3 years left with no cure and with no real treatments available. It felt surreal, but surprisingly, I was not afraid to die. I had spent many Coffee Bean mornings journaling and meeting God, and I believe that prepared me for that very moment. But it was painful to think of leaving my husband without a wife and my kids without a mother. But over that weekend, God reminded me of the miracles He had performed on my previous mission trip. I’ve been restored in hope ever since.

To our surprise, a month later I became pregnant with my third son. Although it was completely unplanned, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. There aren't many cases of ALS patients being pregnant; let alone an Asian woman with ALS, in her late thirties being pregnant. I was a bit of an anomaly. The doctors were scratching their heads; so all they could do was to just keep a close eye on me.

In 2011, I gave birth to our third son. He was born completely healthy with no complications; and is now a walking, laughing, adorable ray of light in our family. Shortly after that, we were able to purchase our first home; just minutes away from our church. It allowed us to have a great amount of support from our church, which has been nothing short of amazing. Our church community embraces us and supports us through volunteer care giving, and with meal deliveries throughout the week. The love and strength they have provided for us has been overwhelming.

The 1999 LA marathon was the first one I ever ran. Ever since my diagnosis, I never thought I'd ever participate in another marathon. Never say never! This upcoming 2013 LA marathon will be my 7th marathon. I will be pushed throughout the race by my supporters, and that makes it incredibly special to me.

I believe a marathon mirrors life. It starts out fun, but has many difficult obstacles along the way but we can’t give up til the finish line. We are not running this race in life alone. We can't do it alone. If we look around, we can draw strength from other runners, cheering crowds on the sidelines, and from those waiting for you at the finish line.

Although my weakness has now traveled to my leftside, leaving me wheelchair bound; the core of who I am hasn't changed. Through ALS I’ve discovered what really defines me. My spirit is still the same. And I am very grateful to my family and friends who have been my backbone and helps me to have a fulfilling life."

~ Sandra Kyung Lee

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I'm participating in the ALS OC Marathon to raise funds and ALS awarenes. ALS United Orange County provides much needed patient services, resources, contributes to global cutting edge research, and much more in order to help those living with ALS in our local community. 

The ALS OC Marathon is an exciting opportunity for us to collaborate to support those affected by ALS. 

Supporting the ALS community is important to me. I'm asking for your help. Please make a donation, no amount is too small, it all adds up!

For more information on ALS and ALS United OC, visit www.alsuoc.org.