The C Word

Cancer.

Everyone knows someone who has battled it, lost the fight to it or has been affected by its wrath. I have never personally lost anyone to cancer, but I have watched many friends lose parents over the disease. I fell in the love with the sweetest 4-year-old girl in Flushing that was a burst of energy until she, too, lost the battle. I had the pleasure of spending only an hour with her for a story about her recovery.

When does it stop? There's no sure way of knowing, but for the past five years I have decided to try and do something about it. That's why I Relay.

Not familiar with the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life? It's not only the ACS' biggest fundraiser of the year, but it's made such an impact that it takes place in 19 countries in more than 5,000 communities worldwide. That has to mean something, right?



And it all started with one man — Dr. Gordy Klatt. In 1985 he ran and walked a track for 24 hours as more than 500 family and friends watched. He ended up raising $27,000 to help fight cancer. Now Relay For Life is a collaborative effort of many teams made of many team members, who constantly walk a track for 24 hours to symbolize that cancer never rests.

And neither should we. So now we get to the point of why I'm telling you all this. I became involved in Relay For Life my freshman year of college, getting more and more involved each year. My last two years at CMU I was not only a team captain (Go Team Sunshine!) but a committee member to help organize the entire event. After a one year hiatus I'm so excited to get back into the planning of this amazing event. I am proud to say I am a committee member for the Grand Blanc Relay For Life that takes place in June.

I recently attended a Relay For Life Summit for all the events that fell under the East Michigan office. And it got me pumped. And if I'm this excited I believe it will spread to others. At the summit we were told something that I never really thought about, but now realize how true it is. Relay For Life isn't just an event that happens one day and then it's done. It's a lifestyle. The American Cancer Society uses these funds raised not only for cancer research, but to make life easier for those battling cancer and those who support them. I've never been so drawn in to a cause before.

I also joined a team this year — well was adopted into a team of wonderful teachers. This decades old event is nothing without those who volunteer and donate. So here it is, the reason for this blog post.

I have a goal to raise $500 by June. It's very possible and I plan to raise so much more than that. I've already donate $20 myself. But I need your help. Think about it. $10. That's two less coffees a week. One or two less trips to a fast food restaurant. Saying No to a new movie or CD.

In American Cancer Society Great Lakes Division (Michigan and Indiana) $22.8 million was raised last year alone. It was used to educate the community, provide rides and assistance to cancer patience and support for caregivers.

I know it's Christmas season and money is tight, but consider what kind of a difference this money could do.

If interested in helping me out, please visit my Relay For Life page here.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Obviously I love talking about this event :)

Loving what you do and having fun while you do it

There's nothing better than sailing through the sky, 40 feet above a lake with your feet dangling. ... Except of course getting paid to do so.
I love to write and tell people's stories (everybody has one). But some of the best days on the job are being able to get out from in front of the computer and just hang out with the people you are writing about. It wasn't anything over the top, extraordinary or life changing.
It was just spending time with some Flushing students and their teachers at Covenant Hills Camp in Otisville. They climbed rock walls, flew across the lake on a zip line, climbed obstacles 35 feet in the air to end up sitting in a canoe and did very amusing (but creative) team building activities. It was clear they were having a good time, and they let me join in a bit.

Who says work can't be fun?


Photo by Ryan Garza

Some of the best memories I've had as a journalist include the experiences I've had. I've flown upside down and barrel rolled in a stunt plane, sat in front of TV screens upon TV screens in an ESPN van at NASCAR, watched a wedding take place in the infield at NASCAR, met the cutest little girl fighting cancer, hung out with a beekeeper who's allergic to bees and met some pretty interesting characters along the way.

My job may be stressful and crazy at times. But I soak in all the great and exciting times as well. I wouldn't have it any other way.

Check out the latest story on the students spending the day at Covenant Hills Camp. Do it.

By Sarah Schuch | The Flint Journal

OTISVILLE, Michigan — Who said learning couldn’t be fun?

Seventy-two Flushing middle school gym students spent the day at the camp climbing a 40-foot rock wall, riding a zip line 900 feet across a lake and participating in team building exercises, among other activities at Covenant Hills Camp in Otisville.

“They have to work together. They have to listen to each other,” said Ron Gill, Flushing Middle School physical education teacher. “They have to talk to each other and encourage each other. Otherwise they won’t accomplish the goal.”

Check out the full story with photos on mlive.com.

Burst of Inspiration

Inspired.

I used to think that people who ran marathons were crazy.
Well I experienced the madness and mayhem first hand over the weekend. There was an estimated 50,000 runners at the Chicago Marathon on Sunday and roughly 1.5 million spectators spread throughout the city. The amount of adrenaline, excitement and sheer will that floated through the air was incredible.



The longest road race I ever participated in was the 8K crim race in August and to me that was exiting. That was nothing in comparison to the 26.2 miles that people ran with goal to win, to set a PR or simply just to finish. And I was only a spectator. To say I was proud of my friend Lindsay as I received the text saying she had crossed the finish line is an understatement. I'm not sure how many people I told about "my friend running the marathon" leading up to race weekend.
I followed her through the course as best as I could just for the chance to cheer her on, which is like a cruel game of Where's Waldo. My first attempt was at mile 3. Nothing. Then mile 13. I was able to scream for her just as she had ran strong past me. At mile 17 I came up short again. But along the way I was able to cheer on thousands of other runners and was blown away that after only an hour small clusters of runners were barreling past the half way point.
Amazed.

Let's not forget about the entertainment that came with the day. Never have I seen so many cow bells in one place or people lining the streets just to yell out the name if someone they don't know. They just read it printed on a shirt or painted on a person's skin. And even with an estimated 80 degree temperature high for the day runners were dressed as a superhero, some other character or in a tutu (men included). It was just as fun for people like me who woke up ungodly early to witness what I used to call crazy.






A handful of hours after she stepped over the start line Lindsay crossed the finish line. I instantly changed my Facebook status and eagerly waited for her to get to our meeting place. She met me there soon after with her medal around her neck and a well deserved beer in her hand. Then the celebration began.
I still think people who run marathons are a bit crazy. But one day I hope to be just as crazy.

Check out Lindsay's blog here.

Digitally Old

Do you remember the days when friends would call your house to get a hold of you? And if by some chance you weren't home you would just have to call them back later? If you do you, like me, are what I like to call digitally old.

I don't even think I got a cell phone until I was a junior or senior in high school. It was prepaid and didn't even have a full key board. Gasp!

Now, cell phones with Internet access, cameras, music, games, apps for virtually everything, full keyboards, touch screens and who knows what else are glued to the sides of everyone from ages 10 to 99.

Even school administrators think cell phones should be invited into the school day — in between classes and in the lunch room. Partly because, well, it doesn't seem like a big deal anymore. Another because phones hold the key to the city, so to speak. They are used instead of watches to check the time. A conversation to a friend is only a few key strokes away. And the answer to anything is second in reach.

About seven out of the 21 school districts in Genesee County allow students to use their cell phones during the day, sometimes in class for educational tools if the teacher allows it.

My, how times have changed. As for me, I'm still behind the times. My phone allows me to text, make phone calls and take not-so-elaborate photos. But hey, it's no longer prepaid and it has a full keyboard. I'm moving up in the world.

Here's my recent story in The Flint Journal.

By Sarah Schuch | The Flint Journal

GENESEE COUNTY, Michigan — Cellphone-toting students are now texting, talking and surfing the Internet in some local schools, as some districts loosen restrictions on electronic devices.

Some educators say they’re embracing the learning potential of smart phones and other devices. Others say they’re just bowing to the inevitable.

A new cellphone policy in the Flushing School District allows high school students to use their phones in between classes until the bell rings to start each period. Previously, Flushing students could use the phone only at lunchtime during the school day.

“For me not allowing cell phones was like locking me out of the library,” said Flushing High School Principal Jason Melynchek. “Why would we stop them from looking up something, having access to information? This is what our technology is providing us.”

Read what other schools have to say at Mlive.com.

I am what I am

I think it's safe to say everyone has flaws or quirks or cute little imperfections (whatever you would like to call them to help you sleep at night)

Well it seems everything is out in the open in the world wide web anyway so why not put mine out there. Deep breath. And ...

I'm obnoxiously chipper in the morning. I'm overly enthusiastic. I talk too much. I barely drink and yet I have 12 shot glasses. Sometimes I get so excited to tell you something that I will interrupt what you're already saying. Indecision is my middle name... and possibly my last name too. I worry too much. I change my mind a lot (Did I already say that?) I enjoy being a tourist and taking way too many photos. I don't deal with boredom well. Patience is a virtue I may never have. I often laugh at the wrong times, especially when I don't know what else to say. I need a list for everything.... mainly for the satisfaction of crossing things off. "I'm fine" is one of my favorite phrases. I would much rather skip than walk and I'm OK with that. And the kicker: I still sleep with a teddy bear at 22 years old.

But hey, who wants to be a plain Jane anyways. I am what I am. Take it or leave it.

Food for Thought

I work in downtown Flint.

An area known for its violence, murder and arson.

But sometimes you have to look behind that to find the people who are taking hardship and turning it into something positive for the community.

I first spoke with two Flint residents for a Flint Journal story in February about their vision for a neighborhood only about a mile south of downtown. Something maybe you wouldn’t think to see surrounded by vacant lots, homes and businesses — an urban farm.

Joanna Lehrman, 26, and Roxanne Adair, 27, decided to do something outside of the box ... or outside of the work cubicle, as they would say. On 16 vacant lots they have created Flint River Farm to grow and provide fresh produce to those in the area. (Check out their blog)

All day they spend time in old t-shirts and shorts covered in dirt, tilling the land and checking on their plants. And that's the way they like it, they said.

I observed two things: Both Joanna and Roxanne work extremely hard and they have fun doing it. They welcome everyone and anyone who wants to help or learn a little. And while talking with them about why they do it Joanna said, "I can't see myself doing anything else."

They walk away at the end of the day knowing that what they are doing matters. The peas, beats, lettuce and the 35 or so other variety of produce is their proof. They tried being stuck behind a desk. It wasn't their style.

So here's food for thought: "What do you dream about? That's what you should be doing," Joanna told me.

The growth of the urban farming movement: Flint River Farm is one of more than 200 urban gardeners partnering with the Edible Flint co-op

By Sarah Schuch | The Flint Journal

FLINT, Michigan — What sat as empty lots within the city of Flint littered with trash and pieces of concrete just nine months ago are now blooming with crops and possibilities.

For the first time, the Flint River Farm — the city’s largest urban farm — will soon begin selling its basil beets, blackberries and broccoli.

The farm sits on 16 lots, nearly 2 acres of land on Beach Street between 12th Street and Wellington Avenue. It is filled with at least 35 different types of fruits and vegetables.

Check out the rest of the story on Mlive.com. Positive things do happen in Flint.

Party Like a 2 Year Old

Many people celebrate Easter in many different ways. This year I spent it remembering how it was when I was little.

As I and the other adults in the house were hustlin' and bustlin' to get ready, clean and make the last minute entres and desserts my 2-year-old godson only cared about one thing ——the candy that sat in front of him.

Although I think initially we were more excited than him about his Easter basket (we woke him up before he was ready to watch him dig in) he quickly took a great infatuation to his cute yellow basket filled an abundance of candy and mini water guns.

And boy was he happy.

We can all take a lesson from him. Next time you are forced to hurry around and are feeling a little flustered do me a favor.

Enjoy what's right in front of you and party like a 2 year old.

Body Vs. Mind

I guess you can call me a runner. I run therefore I am, right?
I have always tried to stay healthy and in shape, but instead of doing a little here and a little there I now am setting goals and pushing my body despite how it may whine and cry.
On March 20 I will be embarking on my first 5K race adventure with the 38th Annual Al Kayner's St Patrick's Day Race in Bay City. 5K... not a big deal. But I don't just want to finish but finish well (there is most definitely a difference).
I ran 3.5 miles today and an internal struggle between my mind and body weighed heavy. I'm a poor self motivator. I like to think of myself as a social runner. I push myself more when running with friends. It's more of a distraction maybe... or less boring. Who knows.

But anyways let me replay the situation for you:
Body (particularly the calves) — I feel tired. I feel tight. Please slow down... or stop all together.
Mind — Focus on the goal. Keep running. To improve I must push myself.
Body — C'mon. A little rest wouldn't be bad. I could always run more tomorrow...
Mind — NO. Bad idea. Run. Run. Run.
Body — Fine. *sigh*

To those of you who think you can't get in shape, you can't run, you are letting your body complain and win.
Often my body does win. I come up with excuses or take it easy for a night, but I want to change my habits, improve my health and feel invincible as I continue to cross more finish lines and surpass more goals.

I'm not saying I will turn into a addicted runner who would go crazy without it and I will probably never run a marathon. But I won't deny the benefits of a good run: stress relief, fresh air, feeling of accomplishment and an in shape body.
So as I prepare for the race next month with my friend Alex and Lindsay (check out her blog as she's preparing for the Chicago Marathon, runs with asthma and deals with injuries) I will push myself to listen to my mind and not my body.

With that said I need advice. Calling all runners: Leave me some tips on how to prepare for a 5K, 8K and eventually a 10 mile race. The Crim is my ultimate goal.

Happy Running :)