After the loss of her cherished brother to Lou Gehrig’s disease, a mom from Plano discovered a new passion in running.
by Karyn Brodsky
When life throws challenges our way, many instinctively think of escaping. However, for Ginny Selec, the response to adversity was quite literal—she chose to run. Now, after 12 years, she has proudly completed her 50th marathon!
At 40, Selec, who has been a second-grade teacher and team leader at Mathews Elementary School for two decades, embarked on her first marathon to support a friend battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. After crossing the finish line, she told her husband Dan, “I’m glad I did it, but I won’t do it again!” However, only a month later, everything changed when her brother Trey was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. In January 2006, Selec participated in the inaugural Goofy Race-and-a-Half Challenge at Disney World, dedicating her first race to Trey. “What better venue than Disney?” Selec reflects. “My brother adored Disney.” Through her fundraising efforts, she gathered nearly $20,000 for the college funds of Trey’s children, marking a pivotal moment in her life. From then on, her runs honored and remembered him.
Now, Selec continues to run in memory of Trey, participating in races organized by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This past year, she raised $8,400, setting a goal of $10,000 for next year. Over the years, she has completed three Dopey challenges (a combination of a 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and marathon within four days), 11 Goofy challenges (a half-marathon and marathon in two days), 50 marathons, 53 half-marathons, and numerous other races. Selec has participated in every Goofy race since it began and has earned the title of “Perfectly Goofy” from Disney. Her 50th marathon took place in New Orleans in February 2016, a milestone she describes as “very emotional.”
Besides running for her brother, Selec also engages in fundraising for Autism-related initiatives, inspired by her youngest son Caleb, who was diagnosed as a toddler. “Initially, I questioned, why us, why our child? Now, I ponder; why not us?” reflects Selec. She believes Caleb’s experience has positively impacted their two older sons, Tanner, 25, and Cody, 20, with both pursuing careers in speech pathology. “Caleb has been an incredible gift,” Selec expresses. “He teaches us valuable lessons constantly.”
Nevertheless, Ginny and her husband hold concerns about Caleb’s ability to live independently one day. This fear prompted them to co-found the nonPareil Institute, which aims to educate and prepare young adults on the autism spectrum for the workforce while offering plans for a supervised residential community, fostering a sense of belonging (see related story here).
Through all her experiences, Selec has demonstrated remarkable resilience, attributing her strength to her mother, who raised five children on her own following the tragic loss of her husband in a 1969 plane crash. “My mother showed us the importance of love, duty, forgiveness, and tenacity.”
Regarding her charitable endeavors, Selec states, “This sets a powerful example for both my children and my students. Life is less about receiving and more about giving back—whether that’s with financial support or simply dedicating your time.”
For her unwavering commitment to running for a cause, her boundless hope, compassion, and motivation, and her support for others and her family, Themerrythought Magazine is proud to present the V.I.P. award this month to Ginny Selec.
Our VIP (Very Inspiring Parent) Award acknowledges those extraordinary individuals who demonstrate resilience, integrity, and courage, serving as role models for others to embody these qualities while prioritizing family and community in the face of adversity. Themerrythought will honor the recipient with a beautiful crystal award and make a donation to their chosen charity. Each issue of Themerrythought magazine will feature one VIP award recipient on Themerrythought.net.
CLICK HERE for more information or to nominate a candidate, or email Tricia@Themerrythought.net.
