Smarty Event: Oral Cancer Foundation Run for Awareness in Memory of Jeremy Blevins on 2/1

By guest blogger, Shelley Blevins

My husband, Jeremy Blevins, lost his life in August 2013 to a very aggressive oral cancer. His battle began almost exactly one year ago and he fought a short, but courageous battle. Jeremy went through a few treatment plans here in Charlotte, ultimately ending up in Houston at MD Anderson. Jeremy was a strong, healthy 42-year-old. He was my rock for 25 years and he gave me everything. He was the most determined, courageous, generous, unselfish person I’ve ever known. He could always work a crowd and was an amazing husband, father, friend, coach and neighbor. He was taken from this wonderful life far too early by this cruel disease.

Jeremy was an every day runner for over 7 years. When he had to stop running 2 days before his surgery, a facebook page was created for friends and family to post their runs and help continue Jeremy’s every day streak. This page, “Running for a Cause…Cause Jerm Can’t Run” is still going strong…perhaps stronger than ever. It meant so much to Jeremy, he checked it multiple times a day. He even posted, as he ran a 5k last spring during treatment! Last week, around the one year mark, over 35,000 miles have been logged on this facebook page. It is amazing, motivating, and inspiring, just like Jeremy. I had dabbled in running with him pre- kids, but had never really liked it. I started running last January on the morning of his surgery and I completed the Kiawah marathon back in December. All because of Jeremy, he still inspires me and so many others every day. If you need some motivation to keep running and keep moving, request to join the page. We’d love to have you run with us. Or walking, or biking, or however you keep moving.

Now I am continuing Jeremy’s fight. Oral cancer is much more common than anyone would expect. I feel that people do not know enough about this horrible disease. I know Jeremy and I didn’t. My goal is to spread awareness. The community needs to know that awareness and early detection can save lives. The Inaugural Oral Cancer Foundation Run for Awareness in Memory of Jeremy Blevins will take place on February 1st in Baxter Village in Fort Mill, SC. This is the first step in continuing Jeremy’s fight. We have so much support from the community and are at well over 300 runners already, register now and come join in the fun!

Miller Street Dance Academy in Baxter Village has a team participating in the 5k. My daughter, Lettie, is on the competition dance team there and what a great place to be! I am so thankful for everyone at Miller Street, from the staff to Lettie’s teammates and all the parents. It is such a great group of people and such a great environment for Lettie. While we were in Houston over the summer, Jeremy received a handmade card from each dancer and a video of a fun run that the team did in his honor after rehearsal. He loved it, they have supported us through this whole journey and I am forever grateful.

So please come join Miller Street and over 300 other runners in Baxter Village on Feb 1st. Jeremy’s determination lives on!