My name is Lynn Royhab and I am a 34 year old mother of two. My husband and I raise our kids in a small town just north of Pittsburgh, PA. I operate a family child care out of our home. In addition to our own two children, there are usually at least 4 other children at out house to learn and play each day. Sometimes it is a challenge to fit in my training runs, but even if I have to do them at 9:00pm, I am usually determined. Therefore, training for a half marathon is about all that I can fit in (right now). Sometimes running is what keeps my sanity!!! This past May, my daughter and I ran in the Pittsburgh Marathon. Bailey (age 6) ran a 10:11 mile in the Kids Marathon!! What an achievement. She was so proud to “run like mom” in a race, get a medal and especially get her Smiley Face Cookie when she was done. I am not sure which was more rewarding: running with her in her race and seeing the glow on her face or running my own race the next day and setting a new PR. This was my 9th half marathon, but the first one I ran to raise money for Neurofibromatosis. I hope to run many more races to raise more money and awareness for NF. Our family and friends certainly are a great support system. |  |
When I started running years and years ago, I never thought I would be running for a cause so near to my heart. When Bailey was 4 years old, she was diagnosed with NF1. She currently has minimal symptoms and none that significantly impede her development. She is a happy, healthy, active young lady. She is involved in Daisy Scouts and gymnastics and loves to play with her friends and brother. Each year, we go through the doctor’s visits and MRI’s hoping and praying for the best. Each year, we learn more and more about NF from new things that the doctors find. It seems there are so many gray areas which leaves a lot of room for a worried mom’s mind to roam. From my perspective, I feel that the worst thing about NF is the worrying about what will come. Bailey will certainly tell you differently though. She is such a trooper throughout all the check-ups and especially the MRI’s. I truly am grateful to the doctor that noticed the café au lait spots so early in her life and to all the doctors that we visit each year. Early detection/intervention is certainly wonderful. I am privileged that I am able to run for a cause and do something for others all while having fun and doing something that I love – running. As Bailey gets older and understands more about NF, I know she will be just as proud to run for a great cause. I am sure Bailey and I will keep running and we will wear our NF shirts with pride when we do. Who knows, maybe she will run a marathon with me someday. You know, seeing the glow on her face that day really was the most rewarding!!! |