From the Heart set to support three local families

For the Kaplan, Grannes and Williams families, the From the Heart Run/Walk is not just a race, it is an event that brings friends, family, co-workers and other community members together to support each other during hard times. 
Since the race’s inception in 2009 it has raised over $250,000, all of which has been given directly to local families to help with the piling up medical bills. 
Beth Svenby, founder of the race, came up with the idea after she heard about a lady from her church who was battling cancer. 
“I didn’t know her, but I had lost a few nights sleep over the fact that she had young children and was fighting cancer of her own,” Svenby said. “I actually dreamed about the race to be honest. I know it sounds weird, but I woke up with the race, the name of it and I could visualize the whole thing.” 
The annual event is held in honor of families who are experiencing the physical, emotional and personal journey of cancer. All the money that is raised is divided up among the honored families. 
“We know as a committee that we can’t take away the physical or emotional side of that but we are able to help take away the financial burden so they can spend more time with their family and take care of the other things that are high priority items,” Svenby said. 
 Last year’s event had 1,200 participants and raised $45,000, or $15,000 for each of the three families. 
“I am an Owatonna native so for me to have the opportunity to be able to give back to not only my community now, but the community that raised me to become who I am today is a pretty powerful thing,” Svenby said. “I work with a fantastic committee and we receive emails throughout the year on families that really need our support so we know that the need is still there. Myself and everyone on the committee we just have a real strong sense of giving back and some of us grew up here.” 
Year after year Svenby says the event teaches her more about herself and life in general. She has learned the importance of family and compassion and developed a deeper sense of gratitude for the community.
“Family is a cornerstone to everything we have. When you meet and work with these families you are just thankful for what you have and you are reminded of how precious and valued it is,” she said. 
One of the families being honored this year is Paul and Judy Grannes. In November Paul went to a regular health screening at the age of 50 and found out that his PSA was high and that his prostate was enlarged.
After a biopsy on Dec. 18 at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester the family was given the news that Paul has a very aggressive form of prostate cancer. After various tests they found out that the cancer had metastasized to his bones and that it was stage four. 
“It was a really tough holiday. It was shocking; it really threw us back,” Judy said. 
The Grannes want to create an awareness of this cancer. Judy says typically this type of cancer is seen in men who are older, obese, have a family history or are Asian, however they are seeing it now in men as young as their mid 30s. 
“We want to try to create prostate cancer awareness. We don’t think that people know about it enough and are aware of it and checking it. They should know their PSA and begin physicals prior to age 50,” Judy said. 
Paul added, “I am young for it and I consider myself pretty healthy. Right now the guideline for men is to get annual check ups starting at 50 years old and mine probably started back when I was 46 so that is too late.” 
Paul began chemotherapy in January and his treatment plan includes several sessions of chemotherapy intermittent with hormone therapy and followed by radiation. He will continue to have to get PET scans every three to six months to make sure no spots were missed and the cancer has not returned. 
In the beginning of April, the two were given the good news that the treatment is going well. 
“There are some spots that are healed over and some spots that were 8 mm and are now 5 mm. All of my spots are reducing and the treatment is working really well,” Paul said. Judy added, “It gives us hope and we were so moved by it. We walked out of there with just tears of happiness and relief.” 
The two were shocked that they were chosen as one of the families to be honored for the event. 
“When they told us we were chosen we were overwhelmed by that and emotional about it. We didn’t expect it and didn’t know how we got chosen,” Judy said. “It is amazing. It has pulled in so many of our families, co-workers and friends together and there are no words to describe that.” 
Other families to be honored this year include Tracy Williams who was diagnosed with stage 2B, Grade 3 breast cancer last August and Pete Kalan who was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer last July. 
The race will be Saturday, May 2, starting at Lake Kohlmier and take runners and walkers through the trails and streets of Owatonna. The race features a half marathon, a kid’s fun run and a 5K run/walk. Participants are asked to register by April 25 through mail or online at www.fromtheheartrun.com. 
If people do not want to take part in the run or walk, but still want to show there support there will also be a spaghetti supper and silent auction featuring over 100 baskets from 4:30 to 8 p.m. at the Owatonna Junior High on Friday, May 1. 
Trinity Nursery School will also be hosting a kid’s fun night packed with various games and activities in the in the Owatonna Junior High gymnasiums from 4:30 to 7 p.m.