On Sunday, we drove to the darling town of Ojai for – Micah's March 2009 – a Unite For The Cure fundraiser organized by the Marshall family. The Marshalls are a very special family to us and, although we wish it were under different circumstances and had nothing to do with SMA, we feel very, very fortunate to have them in our lives.
When we drove up to the event that was being held at their church we were immediately blown away. A huge red “Micah's March 2009” banner was hanging in front of the church and a sea of people wearing red shirts with “Micah's March 2009” were all eager and ready to walk! Well over 100 people from the community of Ojai and beyond gathered on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to march together for Micah, for his family, and to help find a cure for SMA. So much love, so much support, so many people who, like us, have been touched by darling Micah and the entire Marshall family. (And Gwendolyn's Gramma and Great Auntie Weez joined the event, too.) Micah was not able to be part of the walk because he was just released from the hospital last week and is not quite recovered yet. But, he sure did motivate a lot of people.
The walk itself was 3 miles starting and ending at their church, along a beautiful oak shaded bike path. Following a sea of red shirts that stretched far beyond the eye could see was uplifting and inspiring! All of these people were here to help and helping they were. While on the walk even passers by honked their horns in support of the marchers. When we got back to the church there was a barbecue and live music. There were even two amazingly creative and decorated cakes: one with an adorable picture of Micah and, in true Marshall family form, another with the Unite For The Cure logo thanking us. We were literally speechless.
It was great to see that the Marshalls are supported by such a wonderful family and tight knit community — that is so important for families impacted by SMA! You could feel the love that the Marshalls receive from their friends and family and their church — it was everywhere. It is almost indescribable. This is really no surprise as the Marshalls are simply extraordinary people.
We are so proud of the Marshalls for organizing this amazing event. We are so thrilled for them that it far surpassed their Unite For The Cure goal! It was such a huge success, in so many ways, and we are honored to know them and to be a part of their lives.
