The world is full of extraordinary people and at Inland Christian Home we are blessed with more than our fair share. One such person is Wilma Steeve, a centenarian living in our Independent Living who recently completed a 5K race, proving that determination and faith can help you achieve your goals.
On February 4th, when she was still just 99 years young, Wilma participated in the Run for Russ 5K Run and Community Walk through the streets of Chino. This charity event, which has occurred every year since 2002, was hosted by the Chino Police Department in honor of fallen officer Rus Miller who was killed in the line of duty in 2001. Wilma was one of 1,367 participants who raced to raise money for the city of Chino. Each year, proceeds from the race are donated directly to the city for things like youth sports and supporting families of fallen officers.
When Wilma entered the Run for Russ, she knew it would be a challenge. She had been released from skilled nursing just two months earlier after recovering from her second back fracture in less than a year, but she was determined and wasn’t going to let self-doubt stop her.
Wilma, who played varsity basketball in high school, knew training was important to succeed so with her friend and race partner, fellow ICH resident Judy Jasper, she spent a month preparing for the 3.1-mile race. Together they took daily walks around the community to build up strength and stamina, pushing themselves to go a bit farther every day.
While some participants ran the race in just seventeen minutes, Wilma was content to walk. She wasn’t worried about winning; she simply wanted to try. She had never participated in a 5K race before, but she wanted to prove that no one should let anything stop them from attempting to do the things they want to do. Age and self-doubt weren’t going to get in her way.
She wasn’t worried about winning the race. “I just wanted to do the best I could,” she said. “People have to do what they think is almost impossible,” she continued. “They can do more than they think they can.” Her goal was to encourage others, both her age and younger, to get up, keep their strength up, and get moving. “It’s not about winning,” she said. “It’s about trying.”
She hopes that her actions will inspire others to realize that they can do more than they think they can. “God puts a light in us,” she said, “and He wants us to share that light with others. I thank God every day for the blessings He has poured on me.” She cites Deuteronomy 31:8 as her guide, not only in the Run for Russ but in all she does: The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
With those words in mind, she persevered throughout the 3.1-mile course and crossed the finish line to incredible fanfare. A full cavalcade of Chino police officers on motorcycles escorted her across the finish line while a cheering crowd, which included Chino Mayor Eunice Ulloa, supported her every step of the way.
One month after participating in the Run for Russ, Wilma, who turned 100 years old in April, competed in another race. With two races under her belt, she hopes to participate in the Run for Russ again next year if that is what God has planned for her. “I’m going to leave it up to the Lord,” she said. “It is totally in His hands. If He wants me to do it, He’ll let me know. And if I can, why not?”
