Interview With A Fabulous Woman

Everyone of us knows a woman who inspires them, amazes them, challenges them to be a better person. One of the most amazing women I have ever had the privilege of meeting, is Olivia (the gorgeous diva in the picture above!) I met Olivia through the Fabulous Moms of RC, moms club. She is not only the president of the club, she runs a club for learners of American Sign Language, runs marathons, raises two beautiful children and raises money for charity. She recently decided to blog (http://fabulousrunningmommy.blogspot.com/) about her whole experience with NF2, running, being a mommy and the fabulous life that she leads. Please read the following mini-interview I conducted with her and then head over to her blog. You will come away...inspired, I promise!

1. What exactly is NF2?

NF2 is a genetic chromosomal disorder that causes tumors to grow all throughout the body, specifically on the nerves in the brain controlling hearing/balance/facial function. In my case I have them all through my spine, all through my brain, and will have many surgeries throughout my life unless someone finds a freaking drug therapy!

2. When did you lose your hearing?

I lost my left side in high school after a long and crazy brain surgery, Senior year of HS I had to come back half deaf, kids are cruel, its not like TV where they throw you a parade LOL. The other side I lost gradually after having the tumor on that side radiated. One morning when I was 21 and JT was about 6 months I woke up to see him screaming and crying and I couldn't hear it at all.

3. How has NF2 changed you (other than the obvious hearing loss?)

You know on the inside I am still the same. All that is changed is how people see me and treat me. They are dismissive like I am a child, and will speak to my husband or whatever friend I am with as if they are my guardian. I have learned to be patient and understanding, and to remember most people simply don't know how to communicate with a deaf person and I just have to be nice about it.

4. When did you start running and why do you love it so much?

Actually only in January when I found out about the Long Beach marathon! I am very goal oriented, so once I made the decision to do it I was gone! I was shocked to find I enjoy it. I'm healthier, more fit, and have time to work out my inner thoughts.

5. What made you start the Fabulous moms of RC?

I was actually in the group and the organizer was leaving, I volunteered to take over and kind of changed the entire group. I set up rules and more events, changed the name to be more concise. I took over to force myself to be more social, its easy to stay home and be a hermit, I wanted my kids to have friends, and I wanted a group of girlfriends for myself. I really feel I have reached both those goals and now I provide a place for other women who may be lonely, or new to town, or wrapped up in being a Mommy and just want companionship.

6. What motivates you?

I should say my kids or my husband, LOL, but really I am just energetic and need constant variable and creative outlets or I get depressed.

7. What are your goals for this year and the long term?

This year, run the entire half-marathon in Long Beach, my fundraising goal was $2500 and I have passed that this past week! My new goal is $3000! In the long term I need to head back to school, get my BA then later my Masters. I seriously can't decide on a major, its a huge problem actually LOL.

8. Who inspires you?

My Nani for raising 5 boys and taking pride in keeping a nice home and having dinner on the table, and being married to my Daz for over 50 years. My husband for going through a difficult childhood and never complaining about it, only using it to make himself stronger and learning from it to be an amazing Father.

9. What is your favorite thing/worst thing about motherhood?

My fave is morning cuddles with their sweet/sour breathe all in my face, having an excuse to go to fun places like John's Incredible Pizza, my single friends didn't even know what it was! The worst? I would have to say the poop.

10. Details on the marathon and a link to sponsor you.

On Oct. 12th 2008 I am running the Long Beach Citibank Marathon along the beach! I originally planned to run the 5k and raise $2000. Now I plan to run the half (13.1 miles) and raise $3000! I am running in honor of my Grandma, Mom, and Uncle Eric... all people I have lost to this disease. The harsh truth is without funding for research to find a drug therapy to stop the tumors from growing, people who are diagnosed as babies such as myself and my son, have an average life expectancy of 40 years. I never do what is expected though, so by running I plan to add miles and years to my life. Here's the link to join me in the fight against NF http://www.active.com/donate/nflongbeach2008/OHernan4

Please head over to Olivia's blog and welcome her to the bloggosphere and add her to your blogroll!