Please join us in the

Second Annual

From the Heart Half Marathon

5K Walk/Run

Owatonna, MN           May 1st, 2010

Half Marathon will begin at 8:00 a.m.

5K Walk/Run will begin at 8:30 a.m.

The impact “Run From the Heart” had on our family is difficult to describe.  We felt like there was wave after wave of overwhelming love, care, and support from everyone. It touched us deeply, was incredible to see, and was something we will never forget.

In a small way, Lis is now helping the Nelson’s, the Harlicker’s and their families – people she has never even met.  As "Run From the Heart" grows in the future, it is easy to imagine the positive impact it will have on literally thousands of others.  In addition to supporting families with their journey with cancer, people will give back to their community, children will learn to help others, and families will grow together. All of those positives are things that were very important to Lis and she would be happy to know that, in her own way, she has had, and will continue to have, a role in the supportive and loving effort that is "Run From the Heart."

-Jon Hilstad, Husband of Lisa Hilstad, 2009 race honoree

This year From The Heart Run has picked two families. The first one (the lower left picture) is the Harlickers.

Tyler was diagnosed with B-precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on December 1st, 2009. Tyler is undergoing chemotherapy once a week in Rochester, followed by a combination of treatments at home. Tyler’s treatment plan as well as his maintenance plan will require several years of medical supervision.  He has a great passion for life, he enjoys sports, loves being a big brother and has a ton of determination for this journey.

Tyler is the son of Tim (1984 OHS graduate) and Susan Harlicker.  Tyler is a first grader at McKinley Elementary School in Owatonna.  He has two older brothers, Dillon (20), Jacob (10), and one little sister, Lillie (2).

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The Second family is the Nelson family (upper right picture). Steve Nelson was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2004.  The cancer was discovered at an early stage and it remained asymptomatic for four years.  Then in June 2008 it suddenly became aggressive, requiring a two week hospitalization, several weeks of dialysis, and stronger medications.  Steve underwent chemo in January 2009, followed by a blood stem cell transplant in April.  This put the cancer in remission for a few months, but it returned in the fall, showing up as tumors requiring radiation.  New medications have the cancer in check for the time being, but those medications have potentially dangerous side effects.  The encouragement and prayers of family, friends and even strangers have enabled him to maintain a positive attitude as he awaits the next stage of his journey.

Steve and Paulette Nelson have lived in Owatonna for 18 years.  They have two children:  Ellen is a sophomore at St. Olaf College and David is a junior at Owatonna High School.

We ask for your participation, from the heart , in an event which gives back to a

family in need year after year after year.

For additional information, entry form or to volunteer contact Beth Svenby at (507)456-8909/Margo Brockberg at (507)475-2191.

Additional entry information can be found at www.raceberryjam.com and www.andersonracemanagement.com