The Run for Annie

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

We established this site when Mary Ann was diagnosed with cancer to raise money for Annie's future. We have lost Annie's incredible mother. Hopefully through donations towards Annie's future, those of us who loved Mary Ann can provide comfort and support for her young daughter.

Mary Ann Sherlock

Mary Ann (West) Sherlock of Austin, Texas passed away on December 22, 2009, after a courageous seventeen-month battle with cholangiocarcinoma. She died peacefully with her husband, Craig, at her side.

She was born November 3, 1968, in Portsmouth, Virginia, the daughter of Jack and San West. She graduated from Warwick High School in 1986, and Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia in 1990. Prior to her cancer diagnosis, she enjoyed an accomplished career in sales with Ferguson Enterprises in Augusta, GA and Houston, TX and Kiva Kitchen & Bath in Austin, TX.

Among Mary Ann’s varied interests were photography, dance, and camping, as well as spending time with her family. Prior to coming to Texas, she lived in Augusta, Georgia, where she founded The Rachel Longstreet Foundation, a major contributor to the Jessye Norman School of The Arts to honor her first child, Virginia Stuart Trainor, who lived a short life of five years. She spearheaded the building of the first handicapped-accessible playground in Georgia, “Virginia’s Playground” in Augusta.

Mary Ann was an active Rotary Club member, an award-winning salesperson, and recipient of the Young Alumna Achievement Award from Randolph-Macon College in 2005. She was a wonderful wife, mother and friend, brave and noble throughout her life, and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her husband Craig and daughter Annie of Austin, TX; her parents Jack and San West of The Woodlands, TX; and her brother Ned West and his wife Jennifer, their daughters Caroline and Violet of Black Hawk, CO., her grandfather, Capt. John H. Garrett, Jr., USN of Richmond, VA, and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3901 S. Panther Creek Dr., The Woodlands, TX 77381.

In lieu of flowers donations to The Run for Annie fund for Annie Sherlock’s future education would be appreciated. Information may be found at: http://therunforannie.blogspot.com/.

Annie Sherlock was born in April of 2008 to Craig and Mary Ann Sherlock of Austin, Texas. She is a very happy little girl that likes books, music and her dog Katie. When Annie was an infant, her mother was diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer called cholangiocarcinoma. This cancer typically goes undiagnosed until it is in the late stage of the disease and Mary Ann’s disease is at stage IV. She is responding well to chemotherapy and the family is remaining positive, though they do understand that long term survival for this disease is five years.

Craig and Mary Ann feel very strongly about Annie’s education and wish for her to go to college. Their ability to save money for Annie’s education has been affected by medical expenses and Mary Ann’s inability to work full time in her position as a sales person. They are very humbled by the efforts being made to help raise money for Annie’s future. Small donations go a long way in building a 529 for a child’s future and the family is very grateful for the generosity of others.

My name is John Curtiss and I am married to one of Mary Ann's cousins. I am running the Austin Marathon on February 15, 2009 to fund a 529 Education Plan for Annie. My goal is to raise sufficient funds to pay for one year of tuition and room and board. Annie will be entering her Freshman year in 2026. By then, the cost of in-state tuition is estimated to be as much as $40,000 per year-- up to $80,000 per year for a private school. While the numbers are very large, all donations make a significant impact. For instance, a pledge of $70 will grow over time to cover a day of school – tuition plus room and board. A gift of $100 will cover the cost of a single course for one week.We are all blessed and “rich” in many ways.

We have opened a 529 Plan through Vanguard Investments. The 529 Plan is offered by College Savings Iowa. All donations via personal check should be made out to College Savings Iowa. Or, if you prefer, donations can be made online via Pay Pal.

Please find it in your hearts to share in a wonderful cause. Please help fund Annie’s future.

If you want to make a post, please let me know via email (anniesherlock@gmail.com) and I will add you as an author.

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Hard to Believe it is Over

Wow. What a great weekend we had in Austin. So great to spend time with Mary Ann and Craig in their own environment.

So where to start......

The race was great - can't tell you how much I appreciated the support from the Owen's family and the West family. Starting temperatures were in the high 40's / low 50's - tropical to us Cleveland folks. I saw Kelly and the Owen's clan at mile 6 which was a great boost. The first half of the race was a breeze and I was feeling really good. I saw Mary Ann, Craig and Annie around mile 14. Really made me smile and gave me tons of energy. I met up with them again at mile 20. By then, it had started to get hot and very hilly.....taking a toll on me. Nice to have some support at that time. The last 6.2 miles were pretty tough. Felt a bit nauseous and got dizzy a few times. Unfortunately, I had to take some longer walk breaks which slowed me down quite a bit. The worst was the uphill finish that started at mile 26....downhill would have been greatly appreciated at that time. With the finish line in sight, I saw the families again cheering me on and that got me through the last few hundred meters.

So the final tally is around $16,300 and we continue to get donations. THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO DONATED AND HELPED ALONG THE WAY.

A couple special thank yous to:

Terry Cassidy (and Jack too) - people have really enjoyed the thank you notes and I really appreciated the all the blog posts. Your support has been wonderful.

Gina McKinnon - for organizing the cheering section and equipping them with Pom Pons and spirit. I could see them waving half a mile away.

Lila, Ford, Jackie, Thomas, Holly and Lacy for the great hospitality in Austin and cheering me on. The Friday night dinner was great and gave me plenty of carbs and nutrition. I was impressed to see them at the race start - having driven in from San Antonio.

San and Jack West - for all the nice notes and words of encouragement. Wish you could have been there, but you certainly had your priorities in the right place. Great to hear that Violet is doing better - we were thinking and hoping for good news the entire weekend.

John and Rose for taking on three Curtiss children for 5 days....I am sure that brought back memories. Garrett, Courtney and Ryan loved it.

Kelly for all the support, coordination and love during the process.

More than just raising money, I hope that this event helped Mary Ann and Craig deal with an incredibly challenging situation. Spending time with them made their situation very real for me and Kelly. It is my hope that we all can continue to find ways to support and create happiness for them in the times to come. They will need our help.

Lastly, I was truly amazed at Mary Ann and Craig's strength. Even though times are tough, it amazed me how much they smiled and were able to still enjoy themselves. Mary Ann looks "killer" in her hair style which gives her the opportunity to wear her ever growing hat collection. Craig has a special relationship with Annie and there is alot of love between the two of them.

Other highlights of the weekend were a dinner at Chuy's - Kelly and I enjoyed some awesome Tex Mex and great Margaritas. We also had a great dinner with Mary Ann and Craig at the Four Seasons cafe - feasting on a bunch of appetizers and wine. We enjoyed exploring the parks and the various Austin neighborhoods as well - a very eclectic city.

Thanks again for all the support and God Bless the Sherlocks. John

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

More Words from Jean

BRAVO!
CONGRATULATIONS!
AND THANKS!
YOU SURPASSED OUR HIGHEST EXPECTATIONS~~
KUDOS, BLESSINGS AND LOVE FROM, AUNT JEAN ET AL

Monday, February 16, 2009

Beautiful People!

Mary Ann, Craig, John, aka JC Runner, and Kelly out on the town Saturday night before the big run Sunday morning.

Well Said From Lila Owens

As I watched John run through the streets of Austin today (Sunday), I was reminded of the two truths I have learned about this disease. First, you cannot fight it alone. You have to have the support of family and friends. Second, as hard as the disease may try, it cannot touch your heart; and it cannot touch your soul. This is all that really matters. Thank you John and Kelly for reminded me and all of us what is important in life.
Lila

Lila Owens is our dear cousin from San Antonio, TX ~ her car now goes into automatic pilot from San Antonio to Austin! Lila, our family will forever be indebted to you for all you are doing for Mary Ann, Craig and Annie. We are scattered from the east coast to the west coast and can't physically be with them. You are our eyes, our ears, our security blanket. You can give the Sherlocks much needed hugs and kisses when we can't. What would we do without your love and support? From the bottom of our hearts, Mary Ann's family thanks you.
Terry

Sunday, February 15, 2009

From Mary Ann

"This was such a great day for Craig, Annie and me! John is our hero and he could have never done it all without the love and support of Kelly, Courtney, Garrett and Ryan! The outpouring of support from family, friends, and people whom we have never met has been so wonderful for us to experience. It has been so overwhelming that I have been unable to put it into words how the love and support has made me feel. It is still hard for me to express. I am so lucky to have such a supportive family!"

WOW!

John,

What an accomplishment! We followed the yellow dot from up here in snowy Colorado all morning. What a massive achievement! We are so proud of you!

Wish we could be there to give you a BIG HUG (maybe after your shower!)

We will wear our T-shirts proudly!

much love ~ Aunt San & Uncle Jack

Final Congratulations!!

John, congratulations on your accomplishment. You and Kelly did everything you set out to do and then some! The smiling faces tell it all. Mary Ann, Craig, and Annie will never forget this day. Way to go!!
Uncle Jack

He's Done

He's Done!! John, aka JC Runner, Craig holding Annie, Mary Ann

What a fun morning Jack and I've had tracking John as he made his way through the streets of Austin. Watching that yellow dot move along the course was amazing. The last few months, following John on this blog, as he prepared for today, was like we were there ~ we could almost feel the ice bath! Now the Run for Annie is complete, but we will never forget what John and Kelly Curtiss made possible ~ a very special gift for little Annie Sherlock. Congratulations to you John, for exceeding your goal.

Thanks again to all of you wonderful donors who had faith in John and his mission.

20 Mile Marker

John just passed the 20 mile mark. Doesn't he look awesome!

Tracking JC Runner

Jack and I talked to John last night and he was READY ~ sounded full of energy and this was before his high carb dinner. Love this high tech stuff. We're tracking John ~ he's just run 10 miles. Hope everyone is able to follow the yellow dot. Kelly emailed picture of cheering section with pom poms.