Friday, May 23, 2014

Buffs4Life Fun Run for Di

Click image to register for the Buffs4Life Fun Run.

  Diana Spencer came to Boulder with a name suited for royalty. Better known as Di, she quickly became a fan favorite, and more-importantly a teammate favorite, with her fun-loving personality and big heart.

  How could you not adore a girl who lists some of her favorite things as: Elvis, Scooby Doo, the Golden Girls, James Dean, and Peeps.

  Di is everything you could want in a teammate. No matter what, she was always willing to put, you, and the team before herself.

  As another teammate, Tera wrote, Di was the "type of player who was selfless, encouraging and committed to our team. Off the court, Di was fun loving, supportive and had a laugh that was contagious." 

Di, Kate and I as Freshmen. (1999)
  I was lucky enough to be in the same class as Di. Naturally, we became pretty close friends after four years together at CU. We share a lot of memories: some difficult, some funny. But the moments that come to mind when I think of Di immediately put a smile on my face.

A few 'Di' highlights:
  I remember Di taking control of a stuffed duck while we rode around Boulder in Eisha's car -- bringing that toy to life, and having it dance and sing away as onlookers couldn't help but laugh and smile.

The epitome of Di as a teammate.
  I remember running along side Di during one of the many Saturday Breakfast Club runs -- trying to help Di keep her mind off how tired she was, so that she'd make her 5k time and get a few pre-season Saturdays off.

  I remember Di saying hello to virtually every person we passed on campus with a big smile on her face, and when you asked her what their name was, she'd have no idea. But regardless, she remembered their faces and wanted to say hi.

  I remember Sunday omelettes too. Di makes an amazing omelette that she'd occasionally treat her teammates and friends to on lazy off days.

Always up for a good time.
  And other moments that will remain just between teammates.

  I'm going to venture a guess, and say that anyone who has ever spent any time with Di, doesn't smile at the mention of her name. You can't help it.

  In just a few days when she visited me one season in Germany, the support staff and my teammates loved her. At various times throughout the remainder of the season, long after she'd gone, they'd ask me how my friend Di was doing.

Time to Support Di
  Why now, of all times, am I writing about Di?

  Di was recently diagnosed with MS and now it’s time for us to give her our support.

Di at the Alumni game in 2008. 
  Buffs4Life, an organization that helps former University of Colorado athletes in need, is hosting a Family Fun Run on June 22 at the Omni Interlocken Resort.

  All funds raised from this event and money donated will go directly to Di, assisting with out of pocket medical expenses. Buffs4Life also will match 100% of all proceeds raised.

  Whether you were her teammate, a friend or a fan, we invite you to join us for this “Fun Run” to support Di. I plan on being there!

  Even though we're scattered throughout the country, and in some cases the world, Buffs are always one.

  We love you, and we're all here to support you, Di!





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1 comment:

  1. Terribly sad to hear this news, gutted for Di and her family. Love your kind words though, very well put. #Buffs4Life

    ReplyDelete