Team AllEars Profile: Stephanie’s Story

by Team AllEars member Stephanie Mathias

As soon as I saw Team AllCheers on Facebook, I knew I had to be part of that. I had met Deb Wills, the founder of AllEars, the co-captains of Team All Ears, and a lot of the team members during the many Disney meets I had attended. So along with supporting a good cause, I knew I would have a good time.

In September I turned 60 and being the huge Disney fanatic that I am, I spent it bringing the Disney Magic home from Barcelona across the Atlantic to Florida. The internet was spotty at best on the ship, but I had to have access on the day that my friend Myrna had her breast cancer surgery. She came through with flying colors and I relaxed for the rest of my vacation.

However, when I returned home it wasn’t such good news for some of my friends. My friend Donna’s breast cancer had spread to her thyroid. My friend MJ had been recently diagnosed and was going in for a double mastectomy. And then there was Jess. Dear sweet Jess, wonderful wife to John and mother to three of the best sons. Jess is only 37 years old. Same age as my daughter. I have watched her boys grow up. Jess was diagnosed seven years ago with stage four breast cancer. When I left on my cruise it had spread to her brain and spine. When I came home it had spread to both lungs. I felt so helpless. I knew I had to do something. I went on the Run Disney site and signed up for the 5K. Then I emailed Michelle at Team AllEars and asked if I could be part of the Team. I would complete the 5K in Jess’s honor.

I was so happy they said yes. As I mentioned, I’m 60 years old and to say that I’m out of shape is being kind, but I was determined to walk/jog the 5K and to finish within the 16 minute mile so I could get my medal. My bling. The trainers at the gym called me Marathon Woman. I got my Couch to 5K app for the iPhone and away I went.

I really wish I could put into words the feeling of excitement when I got down to Disney in January. Jess’s Aunt Debbie made the journey to cheer me on. The excitement started as we went to the Wide World of Sports to pick up my bib and race packet. Then we met at Riverside for a team dinner and we were given Team AllEars banners and cowbells. Absolutely awesome.

Friday morning (I really didn’t have any proof that the clock passed 4:00 twice in a day until then) we were up and at EPCOT by 5:30 am. The spirit of the team was electrifying. At dinner the night before, Brad told me to have fun. “Do you know the difference between the medal for the first runner and the last runner?” Nope. “That’s cause there is none. Enjoy yourself.” Words I ran by. I stopped and had my picture taken with Mulan. I stopped to take pictures of Geppetto. Pictures of Chip and Dale. Pictures of Snow White and Dopey.

Another thing I need to tell you about me. I was raised during the Jackie Kennedy era, when she buried her husband President John F. Kennedy and didn’t shed a tear. I marched during the Civil Rights movement. Even when you got beat you could never shed a tear. I don’t cry. My friend and co-captain Mike Scopa wrote a column a little while ago about Mousetears. Something happens at Disney that just makes it okay to weep. Right around Canada I ran into a lady named Barb. She said you’re running for someone aren’t you? I told her about Jess and I started to weep. “I can’t get picked up by the sweep bus. I must get my finisher medal.” Barb assured me the sweep bus was way behind us. She told me she was going to get her medal and on we went.

As we came around Spaceship Earth I heard the cowbells. That was my team!!!! I knew my team had waited for me even though I was the last team member coming across the finish line. I was so happy to see them I almost forgot to cross the finish line!!!

During the team dinner at Trails End Deb Wills did the big reveal (at that time we had raised $46,677). Then Deb and the captains gave everyone a Team AllEars Running With Purpose medal. Deb also gave Debbie one to give to her niece Jess. I know that I shed more Mousetears that weekend than I have shed in my entire adult life. I can’t begin to relay the joy and inspiration each team member shared. It was awesome.

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Debbie and I came home and we just couldn’t wait to see Jess and give her the medal. She really loved it. Two weeks later her husband hung it on her casket during her viewing.

I’ve already booked my room for marathon weekend 2012. I will be running… with purpose again. I can’t wait.

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15 Replies to “Team AllEars Profile: Stephanie’s Story”

  1. Stephanie you are an amazing person and I am so lucky to have met you. Thank you for sharing your story. I had Mousetears when I saw you at the hub, again at the Trails End meet and now. Can’t wait to see you!
    Julie L

  2. Stephanie,
    You have always been an amazing woman in my estimation and your run-walk only intensifies my theory. I am so proud of you and thank you for remembering my daughter Donna in this race. You will always be a true and wonderful friend.
    Love and Prayers, Doris

  3. Stephanie – You had me shedding a few tears too. I am so darned proud of you, my friend. And not the least bit surprised that you succeeded. You ROCK!

  4. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have Mousetears while writing this. You are an inspiration and above all a wonderful friend. God Bless you and your family. Also can you pass my deepest sympathy to Jess’s family. My mom is fighting brain cancer right now and I know what her family was going through.

    Sincerely,

    Kathy Goddard

  5. What a great story!

    I’m so sorry about your friend but I’m really happy that you were able to something to bring her a little bit of joy towards the end and some hope to those that are still with us.

    I didn’t get a chance to meet you at Disney but maybe we’ll catch each other in 2012 (I’m sure I’ll be back for marathon weekend!)

    Go Team AllEars

  6. Stephanie, you almost made ME weep with this story and I can hear you say, “WEll, if YOU’D been down at Disney, Mousetears would be flowing freely.”

    What an inspiring story! What an inspiring event! What a wonderful, loving friend you are!

    You’ll be walking a couple of feet off the ground for weeks because of this adventure. Major kudos to you, Steph. Love ya!

  7. Stephanie,

    Thank you so much for your story. I only got to meet you and speak with you so very very briefly at the Team Meet at Fort Wilderness. I am crying for you, i am crying for Jess, I am crying for Jess’s Husband. We are TEAM ALLEARS. And we will RUN for as long as we must to defeat this dreaded dreaded disease. May GOD bless you and keep you safe and we will meet again in 2012!!!!

  8. Stephanie, you know I was crying while I was reading this. I so want to be able to cheer you next year. Need a little pixie dust to be able to do that!!!

  9. Girlfriend, this is what it is all about. I saw your Mousetears, and the joy you had when you got your bling. It was beautiful. And your being there for me when I came out of Cindy’s castle was just what I needed. You are the best, and one of the reasons I am honored not only to call you a fellow teammate, but to call you my friend. Beautiful story!