Monday, January 17, 2011

Dujy Kong - Trek Up the Tower

Friends and Family,

I created this blog for my mom, Judy Hess.  In February she is going to compete in a stair climbing race in Omaha called "Trek Up the Tower".  It is a 40 story climb to the top of Omaha's First National Tower, the tallest building between Denver and Chicago.  My mom does pilates 4-5 times a week, walks regularly, and recently started climbing stairs in preparation for the event.  She is 73 years old and is in great shape!  We've looked through past race results and it looks as though she will be the first 70+ year old to compete.

OK, so I thought it would be cool if I could get a bunch of people to comment on this blog with words of support for my amazing mom.  You don't need to make a donation or anything, just comment with a few words of support and how you are connected to her.  But before you do, you need to know a couple of things: 

DUJY - When we were kids, about middle school age, we went through a phase of inverting the letters in our names to come up with new names, hence the name DUJY in lieu of JUDY.  Of all the names created, hers has lasted the longest.  All the grand kids call her Grandma Dujy, pronounced DOO-GEE.

KONG - When the grand kids first heard about Grandma Dujy's goal to Trek Up the Tower, they all thought it meant she would be scaling the exterior of the building like King KONG, hence DUJY KONG.

Before I sign off, I also want to thank both my parents for passing along to my sisters and I a zest for life, a creative spirit, and a really good sense of goofiness.  Enjoy this goofy video and post a comment for my mom!  Thanks!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT0FiHNNc4w
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18 comments:

  1. marengelmoJanuary 17, 2011 at 5:37 PM

    Good Luck Mom - we love you!!!!

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  2. AnonymousJanuary 17, 2011 at 6:40 PM

    DUJU KONG, Donkey Kong, what ever.. take it to the top level!!
    Hordong.

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  3. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    Amazing challenge. Go for it!

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  4. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:04 AM

    Dujy-
    My name is Meg Mottl (Maren and John are members-and friends- at our CrossFit gym in Kirkwood). She shared this with us, and here is our little bit of encouragement to offer, borrowed from Lance Armstrong: Pain is Temporary... Quitting Lasts Forever! So stay in your head, keep counting those steps, and picture yourself at the top! Best of luck! We'll be cheering for you from afar! Meg :)

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  5. UnknownJanuary 18, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    Dear Judy,
    I'm your French niece-in-law, the one who is maybe younger than you but who already has 1) a dislocated knee 2) an artificial hip 3) a destroyed rotator cuff. So I deeply admire you by being able to perform what you are going to do.
    Bon courage, ma tante!
    Hélène

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  6. UnknownJanuary 19, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    Your story is an inspiration to me! Maren & John are friends of ours in St. Louis through that crazy Crossfit thing we do. We admire the strength, dedication and tenacity that you must have to take on this challenge. Good luck!
    Amy & John Nash, St. Louis MO

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  7. SueJanuary 21, 2011 at 11:15 AM

    Judy,
    As the sports commentator says, GO - ALL - THE - WAY. Watch out that you don't trip on the "young uns" on the way up.

    Sue Engelmohr

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  8. UnknownJanuary 24, 2011 at 12:09 PM

    GoMom! Gretchen and I want to join you next year. You are awesome!

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  9. UnknownJanuary 31, 2011 at 9:11 PM

    Judy, you are amazing. What an inspiration. She who climbs upon the highest mountains (buildings) laughs at all tragedies, real or imaginary. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm - and you got that in spades. Take it one step at a time. Good luck.
    --David Heinze

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  10. marengelmoFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:04 AM

    "The Bound of Dujyc"

    Climb every staircase
    Ford every floor
    Follow every treker
    Til you find you're too sore!

    Go for it, Crazy Lady. You can do it!!!
    From Nailee (Elaine)

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  11. marengelmoFebruary 22, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Judy, you have inspired me since HS and you still manage to inspire me! Your creativity and willingness to try new things are amazing! Go get em! I hope you enjoy every step. xoxo Nina

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  12. marengelmoFebruary 22, 2011 at 8:23 AM

    Judy, Go for it girl; just another step and you will be there. Put plenty of fuel in the tank and keep reaching higher. What a woman! Salva and Trent

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  13. UnknownFebruary 22, 2011 at 1:00 PM

    Judy, Colin and I also signed up and were glad to hear later from Annie that we'd have some family in the stairwells that day. Best of luck to you! We start at 10:15 so, by that time, you'll probably be basking in the glow of your accomplishment. Just in case, we'll keep an eye out for you once we arrive (huffing and puffing) at the top.

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  14. mjFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    OMG, you are my hero ! You've come a long way since we got our money back from that health studio in the 70's !!!
    Mary Jo

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  15. North of AndorraFebruary 23, 2011 at 4:37 PM

    Judy,
    Doug & I are sitting on our butts here in Todos Santos Baja, cruising the beach and drinking as early as possible every day. And here you are, working your butt off. As usual, you make us all look like lazy schmucks. Not sure what "good luck" wishes one passes along before such an event, so I won't say break a leg. Take care and descend safely.

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  16. marengelmoFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:12 AM

    Please tell her that I swim a mile 2 to 3 times a week and I'm so impressed her knees are that good. You go girl!!!!!
    Carol Garner

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  17. marengelmoFebruary 24, 2011 at 7:13 AM

    I think Judy is amazing! It makes my knees hurt just to think about climbing all those steps. To quote my grandsons' favorite movie," May the force be with you!" Best wishes and good luck.
    Gehrig & Julie Johndreau

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  18. marengelmoFebruary 24, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    I remember in 1978 when we were at the Anguses in St Louis that you climbed the arch in record time. That was 33 years ago and my memory is a little unsure, but I am sure that 40 stories will be a piece of cake. All the best Craig and Shirley

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