The Best day of the Year!
- Heather Schone
- Jun 9
- 4 min read
Most kids’ favorite day of the year is either their birthday or Christmas.
Sunday was Boeden’s birthday, yet it was Bensten’s favorite day of the year. And NOT because his brother was born!!
Sunday was the INOVA Starkid 5k. Our family has been participating since the race’s inception 20 years ago. While we initially got involved because our friend Dr Jim Thompson was the brains behind the operation….after 4 births, countless ER visits, 2 saved lives and now Izzy’s place of work- it’s one of our favorite opportunities to support our community.
Last year, our family helped with some of the race planning since Izzy was on the race committee. But in all fairness, we were busy and when the race crept up on us, only Izzy, Lance and Bensten actually ran the 5k. I was on the sidelines chatting when the race front runners turned the corner and headed towards the finish line. I wasn’t paying attention, as I wasn’t expecting to know the winner….But as the two figures came into focus, I realized one of the 2 front runners was Bensten. Yes, my son who almost died and INOVA helped save and then help teach to breathe, walk, talk again was charging towards the finish line at the speed of light.
It was a super close race but Bensten lost by a tenth of a second. Still, we were ecstatic. Not because he almost won. But because he could run a 5k and finish with a smile on his face, dapping up the winner and living a great life….something we were never promised on the night of his accident or the days following.
As we left last year's race, Bensten was hatching his plan to win this years’ race. I swear that fire in his belly is precisely why he defied all the doctors’ initial prognosis and had such a miraculous recovery! Unfortunately, Bensten’s track season ended just a few weeks before the Starkid this year, and his trainer told him he needed to take 2 weeks off of running to ensure he was ready for summer training (which is the most important “season” for cross country runners). Bensten was bummed, but fully respects his amazing trainer (shout out Coach Alexis!) But he knew this break would likely preclude him from snagging first place at the Starkid this year.
So as we drove to the race, it was just an ordinary Sunday morning- with Boeden complaining a little extra cause he had to spend the morning of his birthday at a 5K! Izzy was not allowed to run because she just got out of her boot. Lil was catching up with a college friend (and they walked the 5K slower than I thought was possible.) Lance, Boeden and I opted to spectate and take in the amazing vibe that the race offers every year. Hearing some of the team names- “Code Bluey”, “Team Check Your Hearts”, “Kidney Warriors”...just makes you stop and appreciate life. So many of these families have experienced watching their children battle cancer, tackle open heart surgery, and countless medical emergencies that are honestly hard for me to wrap my mama brain around!
So about 17 minutes after the 5K started, I was chatting with a random stranger who’s son was running the 5K while on dialysis. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a figure turn the corner towards the finish line. My eyes struggled to focus. My brain struggled to comprehend. But sure enough, my sweet, amazing son was flying towards the finish line. As he passed me, I tried to video, expletives were flying out of my mouth- I truly couldn’t believe my luck. This boy who once lay unconscious in a hospital bed- who doctors were initially unsure would survive, and if we were lucky enough to have him survive, they could not promise any brain function, let alone mobility….was about to win a race that benefits the very hospital that gave him his second chance at life.
There are no words. Full circle, sure. Lucky, of course. Grateful beyond words. Lots of tears.
So Sunday was the 20th anniversary of the INOVA Starkid race.
Eleven years since Bensten’s accident.
And a day that so many of our friends and family came out to support the amazing hospital that means so much to the Schone Family.
To say my heart is full is an understatement. I am grateful for our amazing community. Thank you all for supporting Schone’s Scones. Thank you for supporting INOVA Hospital. Thank you for cheering for my boy….And Bensten, thank you for being YOU!
I know we would not be where we are today without all of you! I am such a proud/lucky mom. When Bensten told us that the Starkid race is his favorite day of the year, it was not because he won. It was because he felt so much love. And he NEVER takes any of his recovery for granted. And seeing so many of the doctors, nurses, friends, family and neighbors who played a role in his recovery is such an unbelievable feeling. (So much that it overshadows Santa!!!!)
This week’s menu is below- this is likely our last Friday baking. We will switch to Thursdays for the summer! Thank you to everyone who reads our blog. Who order our baked goods. Who support INOVA. There is so much goodness in our little Schone’s Scones community and you all make me so incredibly thankful!
Xo,
Heather
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