What LMBYL Means to Me: Ashley Fabian
I started running a few years ago in an effort to push myself and maintain a healthy lifestyle. I was introduced to Team PH, Pulmonary Hypertension and the LMBYL campaign by Amanda Gabarda, who I graduated high school with and have remained friends with over the years. I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of the team. Not only was I going to be raising money for a good cause but knowing that I would be running for someone made every mile so much more meaningful through training and races.
To date, I have finished several 5K and 10K races as well as five half marathons. I hope to one day finish a full marathon while being a part of this campaign. I would love to have the opportunity to run side by side with my Let Me Be Your Lungs match, Madison Brenton, in a race. No matter the distance, I know that race would be the most memorable.
I was first introduced to Madi this past spring as my partner in the LMBYL campaign. We have remained in contact checking in typically a few times a month. She is such a sweet, caring person; when we were first introduced there was no trouble at all getting to know each other. Even though I am a few years older than her we still have a lot in common.
When Madison first went into detail of everything she went through I was amazed at how positive she was about everything. She has truly inspired me to keep doing what I am doing and to never give up. She would talk about everything she wanted to do with her children once she got her new lungs, and it was heartwarming. I prayed for her to get that call every day.
I found out on April 28th that Madi finally got the call she had been waiting for! I was beyond happy to hear the news. The crazy thing was, that weekend I was running a half marathon in Nashville TN, and to say that I was emotional crossing that finish line would be an understatement. Over the last several months I have enjoyed watching Madi post pictures with her children, friends and family. Seeing her living life to the fullest with the biggest smile on her face!
I have recently signed up for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon that will be in May of 2018. There was no hesitation when signing up and dedicating all my training miles and that race to Team PH and Madi. I hope in the next couple months Madi and I will be able to meet and continue to build our friendship in which Team PH brought together.
**Madi, I pray for you every day- you are a beautiful women inside and out with such a positive outlook on life and are such an inspiration!
