I thought about the times when I didn’t know if I would live, and about the times I didn’t know if I wanted to live… These musings drifted through my mind as I held Steven close, being careful not to hug too tightly for fear of somehow disrupting the metal rods that held his frail upper body together. I knew our thoughts were similar- that sometimes leaving this world seems so much easier than living through the pain. I wanted to somehow will this once strong and powerful young Marine toward life. He knew me as a friend and as the USA Runner, and he respected what I had done to earn that title. I hoped my words would carry weight, as I whispered in his ear, “Steven, please try to hang on. Nash needs you. Your mom needs you. Please Steven, try to make it.”

This is a story about hope. It is a story of survival. More than that-it is a story about the broken and the caring. For one, without the other, will not last.

Katie Strong, USA Runner