The end is in sight!

Last night Blue Team finished around midnight, then we drove about an hour to our campground. By the time we got our RV situated, and I got a shower, I was crawling in bed around 2 am. We extended the slideouts on the RV and we got about 5 1/2 hours sleep so I was feeling quite spoiled when I woke up this morning!
At breakfast, Ms. Susan was telling us they had packed today's lunch and tomorrow's breakfast for us, because the next time we see them will be at the Battleship! I cannot believe we are a little over 24 hours away from the end! It made me a little sad.
Those crazy Red Teamers decided to throw an impromptu wedding reception on the side of the road this morning. Katie & Derek are getting married in July, so Katie had on an all white running outfit with veil and bouquet and Derek had a bowtie. We all shook our booties before we started running again. Only bad thing - there was no cake! :(
I've already run once since Blue Team took over, and I'll be driving the chase van on the next segment. I'm planning to run a couple more legs before we quit for the day.
I'm just amazed how this has exceeded my expectations and cannot imagine not being involved again next year!

Day 2!

Blue Team ran last night from 8:30 pm until 5 this morning. Most of it was a long Highway 78 in Mississippi, then we turned on County Road 15. I think. Heck it was at an hour that I only see if I happen to get up in the middle of the night to potty. I could be wrong. First of all, there is a crazy amount of traffic even at that hour! Thanks to our wonderful chase van driver and the driver if the deputy car for keeping us safe! Last night we were also joined by the New Albany PD and the Union County SO who were kind enough to follow us for several miles and keep an eye on us.
The sleep deprivation has become a reality. If you aren't running or driving, then you get in the RV and drive ahead 6 miles. Then you have maybe 45 minutes that you can close your eyes and/or nap if you can. I decided last night that being in the RV on the side of the road with big trucks flying by is much scarier than running along the side of the road with big trucks flying by. After our segment was over we ate breakfast and drove to a campground where we were able to get showers and a good 2 1/2 hour nap!
We've had lunch and now we're waiting for Red Team to meet us. We'll be running until midnight!

And they're off!

Wow today was something else! We toured St. Jude Hospital this morning before officially starting the relay. I learned so much about the history of the hospital and what they do here.
On the way up here yesterday I asked how/why Danny Thomas came to found St. Jude Hospital. I got an abbreviated explanation, and today I learned more about it. His acting career had not taken off so he prayed to St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes "Show me my way in life, and I will build you a shrine." After his career became more established he decided to build a hospital for underprivileged children. Today, the hospital sits on a 65+ acre campus and employs close to 3000 people. There are 78 in-patient beds, and they have 3 long-term housing facilities for patients and their families.
I did not know what to expect going in to the hospital, but I don't think it was anything like I had imagined. It doesn't smell or feel like a hospital. Every waiting room has a different theme and the detail of the decorations are just amazing.
I learned that St. Jude has its own pharmaceutical research department because the pharmaceutical companies would lose money if they tried to develop the medications that St. Jude is working to create. I learned St. Jude has the biggest sickle cell department in the country. And just because a child may not actually receive treatment at St. Jude, it is very likely that the treatment they receive elsewhere in the country was developed at St. Jude.
It was so humbling as we toured the hospital and received thank yous from employees and patients for the fundraising we have done, and for the journey we aelre about to undertake. A few patients and their parents came outside to see us off. Even though I felt like I haven't done much to help, I definitely know it is appreciated.
I feel so privileged to now be a part of St. Jude on the Bay, which is the organization from Mobile that has been working to raise money for St. Jude Hospital. They helped to build the gift shop, from which the proceeds from sales go back to the hospital. They have also recently commissioned a statue of Danny Thomas which stands near the entrance of the hospital. Mr. Zoghby also told us this morning that students from McGill Toolen had a fundraiser during Lent, and they asked the students to donate at least $10. The students raised over $15k,with half going to St. Jude and the other half going to an organization for unwed mothers. I am so proud of what Mobilians are doing!
The Red Team took off at noon. Katie & Emily are leading the way for our adventure. I'm on the Blue Team and we will begin running around 8 tonight. I cannot wait!