THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 9, 1996 TAG: 9608070114
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: 72 lines
ANYONE WHO has ever lost a child knows the empty feeling that remains, says Margaret Gray.
And that's why she will be going to Bermuda in January to run in a marathon, a fund-raising benefit to help in the fight against leukemia.
Gray's son, 14-year-old James Register, was accidentally killed 2 1/2 years ago when he was shot in the chest in the woods by a friend.
``Before then, I ran in a lot of races and James always was at the finish line waiting for me,'' said Gray. ``After he died, I lost all interest in running.
``A friend of mine who is an excellent runner and had lost her son knew what I was going through. She kept calling me. And I finally ran in an 8-K race. But I still didn't feel that I could compete mentally.
``Then I happened to see an article in the newspaper, inviting people to a meeting where runners could participate in the Bermuda 1996-97 Team in Training, in honor or in memory of a patient with leukemia or a related cancer.
``My circumstances might not have been the same, but I could relate with those who had lost a child from the disease. The hurt was just the same.
``Also I have a niece, Carolyn Cobb, who thankfully is in remission from Hodgkin's disease.''
Gray, 46, signed up to participate in the Jan. 19 competition in Bermuda. ``And that just happens to be my birthday,'' she said.
Each of the participants raises a minimum of $3,000, which goes to leukemia research and patient aid. The runners get people to pledge money (pennies, nickels, dimes, dollars) for each mile they finish.
The Bermuda race is 26.2 miles for runners and walkers. There will be participants from across the country.
Gray expects to finish. ``Wouldn't a pledge of a dollar a mile be great?'' she said.
Gray will be running for Craig Murray, a 3-year-old who lives in Williamsburg with his parents and brother. On her left wrist, she is already wearing a hospital arm band bearing Craig's name.
``Craig was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia in May of this year,'' said Gray. ``He is in remission and undergoing maintenance treatment.''
Craig attends Montessori School. He enjoys golf, sailing, soccer and reading.
A graduate of Wilson and now a resident of Churchland, Gray competed in sports in high school but didn't get into running until after the birth of her second child, James. She became a grandmother for the first time when older son, Joseph T. Register III, became a father last month.
To prepare for the Bermuda race, Gray runs daily through the Sterling Point area. ``I try to run three or four miles, but I will be increasing that as I get nearer to race time,'' she said.
Her group meets and works out with trainer/coach Lance Carson once a week.
``I've never been to Bermuda,'' said Gray. ``But I was told the course is a little hilly. I'm going to run in a Williamsburg race in September and that definitely will be hilly.''
Added Gray: ``Leukemia is the leading disease killer of children. Our goal is to raise $500,000 in Virginia. And those funds will stay right here in the state, supporting patient services and research.
``To me, this is a way of honoring my son.'' ILLUSTRATION: RUNNING
Margaret Gray will be running the Bermuda marathon for Craig Murray,
a 3-year-old who is in remission from acute lymphocytic leukemia.
WANT TO HELP?
Businesses or individuals who are interested in sponsoring Gray
in the Bermuda race to combat leukemia should call her at 393-8777
(work) or 484-0975 (home). by CNB