By Maddi Desiano

This past Sunday my family participated in the Katie Hawley run in San Clemente. My mom, brother, and I went down around 7:20 am. When we first arrived, I couldn't believe how many supporters were there. I saw moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, and even girls I played against all ready to run. There were boys and girls of all ages that know her from soccer, volleyball, school, or know her story. Many of them have been there from the beginning of Katie's climb and will stay there until the end. They kept her story alive.

When I saw Katie I ran up to her and gave her a big hug and told her how happy I was for her and her family. My mom ran up to MK and Bob and did the same thing! Before the run, Katie and her family thanked everyone for supporting her and said how grateful they were to be with their daughter today.

The run began and I saw Mary Namie my former U9/U10 coach, some of my teammates, and soccer friends who had volunteered their time to help with the run. I also saw my coach Tad, and Julie Foudy.

The best part of the run was watching Katie cross the finish line. It wasn't a finish line for the run, it was the finish line of her cancer and how hard she has fought to stay alive. I am so glad I got to see Katie and her family and it was truly a memorable moment. Katie will always have to fight, however, she's fighting with many many other people behind her.