Cassidy Munger, a resident of Ada, Michigan, participated in the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon in 2013 alongside her sister, Johanna VanderWall. Munger's niece, Anaya VanderWall, lost her battle with SMA Type 1 Diabetes last year at the age of 1.
"Anaya taught [my sister and I] that no matter the duration of the journey, to keep a smile on our faces and lean on one another," Munger writes in her VIP Charm Tour entry. "Engraving the word 'SMILE' on the back of my treasured 2013 Terryberry charm reminds me that during a run, just as in life, we are on a journey and it is best lived having loved every step rather than regretting never have taken those steps at all."
Munger was honored with an exclusive VIP tour of the Terryberry manufacturing facility to witness the journey the Gazelle Girl Half Marathon charms take before they arrive at the race day finish line. Munger also was honored with unveiling the 2014 Gazelle Girl charm for this year's half marathon participants. As she opened the black folder, a beaming smile ran across Munger's face as she revealed a small Michigan hand with the engraved words "Gazelle Girl Half Marathon 2014."
"Terryberry has a history with the state of Michigan, but we wanted to make something uniquely special for the women of West Michigan," says Emily Schulte, Jewelry Division Manager of Terryberry. "This year's charm is unique because it is emblematic of where the race takes place: it's the shape of the Michigan. Many of our participants are passionate about running and their state. I think it will be extra special because of its personal touch."
Munger and her sister were then led on their VIP Charm Tour to experience the 2014 charm's journey to completion. The tour led through the 25 steps of the Terryberry manufacturing facility, from how the design is made to the creation to the final product.
"I crossed the finish line with my sister by my side," Munger writes in her entry. "We were inspired by a memory, by hope and although there were moments we wanted to quit, we pushed our way to the finish. We accomplished it together and reminded each other to smile along the way."
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