Mile 18 Dedication: In Memory of Francia Barksdale

Francia Barksdale was someone whose influence on those around her was already obvious before her passing this year, but now is even more apparent as three separate donations have been given on her behalf. She was certainly well loved by all those around her. From the donors:

Mile 18 has been sponsored by Audrey Egan and Priscilla & Christopher Flanagan in memory of a friend who passed away from brain cancer last month. Francia Barksdale worked as a gifted education specialist in Nashua, NH and founded an award-winning program for gifted students. Francia was also a talented artist, avid reader, and loyal friend.

Francia's former colleagues have said that she always went the "extra mile" for her students, and I will be proud to run mile 18 in her memory. That is typically when I "hit the wall" and feel like stopping, so I will remember Francia's determination to do right even in the face of adversity.