High school girl to run marathon in Emily’s name

Acorn Staff Writer


Jennifer Calabrese

Jennifer Calabrese

The phrase "run for your life" will take on new meaning this spring when an Agoura Hills teenager will run the San Diego Marathon for the lives of others—leukemia and lymphoma patients—especially Emily Buelow.


Jennifer Calabrese, 17, will run the 26.2 miles on June 3 as part of a team sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. In addition to raising money to research leukemia and other blood-related cancers, Jennifer will run in honor of young Emily Buelow, the Calabasas 7-year-old who’s currently fighting a relapse with leukemia.


Each participant is allowed to pick someone for whom to run for and who has the disease. Emily will be Jennifer’s "honored hero," even though she doesn’t know Emily personally.


"In our race, we are invited to run in honor of someone in our lives that is battling cancer. I will gladly dedicate my hard work, training and efforts to the quick recovery of Emily and for the peace of her family," Jennifer said.


Touched by Emily’s situation, their paths did cross once, during the "Santa Comes to Agoura" program in December. Emily was an honored guest, arriving wearing her germ-protective facemask to meet Santa, and Jennifer had painted the 15 square-foot backdrop that stood behind Santa.


Jennifer decided to run in the marathon after hearing about the special program for cancer research. A senior at Chaminade High School in West Hills, she had run in her high school track team for two years, but decided to do the marathon this year instead.


"This program has a different level because of the fundraising," she said.


Jennifer must raise at least $1,800 to participate in the race, 75 percent of which will go directly to cancer research. So far she’s raised a small portion of the funds, and is seeking individual and corporate sponsors who would have the names of their businesses displayed on banners and T-shirts, she said.


The training schedule is strenuous. Jennifer works out more than an hour a day, doing cardiovascular exercises, including kickboxing and running. She also trains with weights.


Sometimes it’s hard to get up and exercise after a long day at school, but the focus on her motivation keeps her going, she said.


On Saturdays, her team of about 20 works out with a professional trainer, and runs a farther distance each week. Last week, she went over 7 miles.


"It was a long 7 miles," Jennifer exclaimed. "I just want to finish the marathon," she added about being ready for the long haul in June.


Jennifer’s been involved in community service for quite awhile. In addition to her work with "Santa Comes to Agoura," she also worked at summer camp at St. Jude’s Catholic Church in Westlake Village for several years.


"It’s really rewarding. I love working with kids," she said, making her choice of Emily as her "honored hero" even more special.


"It’s a good feeling, not only to run and go through the discipline of training, but to help people," she said.


Sponsorship checks may be made out to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and sent to Jennifer Calabrese at 5921 Careybrook Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.




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