Lutheran South News
Festival of Miles helps running community rally around those in need
Maeve Long has some modest, short-term goals.
The recent graduate of Fox Middle School is hoping to make the track and field team at Lutheran South as a freshman next spring.
"She's determined to make it happen," said her mother, Ann.
"She's determined to make it happen," said her mother, Ann.
Long is not your typical 14-year-old.
In November, doctors found a tumor in her neck. It was quickly determined to be desmoid fibromatosis, a rare form of cancer that is normally found among women in their 30s.
Long's first reaction wasn't to complain.
She just simply reiterated her goal of running for the Lancers next spring. That lofty aspiration remains in the front of her mind as she undergoes chemotherapy on a regular basis.
At the annual Festival of Miles running event Thursday night at SLUH, Long was introduced to the crowd as one of two recipients of Athletes in Need honor. The annual event, which began in 2008, has raised over $201,000 for members of the running community who are in need of support.
Long, who has been running since kindergarten, was given a lengthy ovation by the crowd.
The tight-knit running community comes out in force to help one another and that generosity was on full display Thursday.
Long is determined to return to the track as soon as doctors allow.
"She's faced the challenge with remarkable courage," said her dad Tom. "She's determined that she will win this fight."
Long also plays basketball and soccer, but running has always been her favorite sport. She said the desire to return to the track helps lift her up during the lengthy treatments.
"It's something that I've always done and I've always enjoyed it," Long said.
Long began running cross country in first grade and moved into the track and field mode five years later.
She competed in the 400 and 800 in the Jr. Olympics with her club team.
Long seemed overwhelmed by all the attention she received from the large gathering. It showed her just how strong the support is from the running community.
At first glance, it appears her goal of making the team at Lutheran South might be a long shot, at least for the time being.
But Long is determined to make it happen and will get plenty of support from those around her.
"This makes her feel so special," Ann said.
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