The story: Illness recently forced avid runner Jack Swanson into a wheelchair. His wife Gunhild is stepping up and will push Jack in this year's Lilac Bloomsday Road Race.

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Produced by Dan Pelle

Gunhild Swanson figures she owes her husband Jack a favor. After surgery two years ago forced her to the sidelines of Spokane’s Lilac Bloomsday Road Race, Jack volunteered to push her the 7.46 miles in a wheelchair. Now Jack is the one suffering from illness and cannot keep his string of Bloomsday runs intact. Gunhild is stepping up to the challenge and will supply the effort to push Jack the distance.

Runner, cyclist, race organizer and all-around good guy Dan Petek alerted The Spokesman-Review to this story. Petek told in an e-mail of a running friend, Jack, who was gravely ill, but who has made a miraculous recovery. I have worked with Petek before and have learned to trust his judgment. After a couple of phone calls, I knew we had a good story for our Video Journal viewers.

You can read Virginia De Leon's story from today's Voices here.

Way to go you two! We'll be rooting for you. Love, The Brady Family (Mark, Shelley, Sarah & Grayson)

I don't believe there is anything on this earth that can stop Gunhild and Jack. You two rock!!! Get well soon, Jack.
Marty Bavuso

Jack and Gunhild, we will walk across Brooklyn Bridge on Bloomsday and be thinking of you. Semper Fi, Jack. We are very proud of both of you and in your rooting section(you know there are dozens of us!)
Will and Anne Aslin

Jack and Gunhild, we will walk across Brooklyn Bridge on Bloomsday and be thinking of you. Semper Fi, Jack. We are very proud of both of you and in your rooting section(you know there are dozens of us!)
Will and Anne Aslin

Unstoppable! You two never cease to amaze me. I'll be cheering for you at Bloomsday.

What a team ! You have such spirit in your running endeavors. Thanks for all your ecouragement to us through the years. Our best to you on Bloomsday. Keep the streak going.

Oh my! This nearly made me cry! An awesome story on a great team. There is NO DOUBT that Jack's amazing recovery is a combination of his sheer will and Gunhild who will "love him back to health." Enjoy your Bloomsday!

You two are and inspiration for everyone and have always been. You are in my prayers and we'll be cheering you on from Sarasota on
Bloomsday. We love you.
Jerome, Diane and Clare

Jack, and Gunhild. We love the both of you. Keep being the positive influences that you are. You make everyone around you stronger. Jack enjoy the ride. We miss you,
Love, The Holman's

We watched your video. Very inspiring! You are both so dedicated
to each other.
So sorry you are so very sick, Jack.We will be praying for you.

Love and God bless you both,

Mike and Bert

Love you both!!
Melanie

Thank you for sharing your commitment to your marriage and lifestyle wellness! Blessings to you and yours!!!

You are one incredible couple!! We all learn from your spirit, commitment, and hard work. This community is blessed to have you both in it every day, contributing in so many ways. Enjoy the ride, Jack!

Libby Barnes

Jack and Gunhild. Bloomsday is honored to have your presence. It is not about the masses who cross the finish line. It's about each participant's story and your two have one GREAT STORY. See you at the finish line!

Connie and Max.

What a beautiful story!!!
Amanda

You guys are great! Missed you at the Kids run! See you there next year.

Good luck on Sunday...

Todd Lalley

On Sunday we will be walking the Cinncinati Flying Pig 1/2 Marathon in memory of our daughter, Elora, who lost a brave battle to Leukemia 2 years ago this evening. We wish you well in your struggles......you look great on the video. God bless you both.....Long may you run......Dan and Leslie from Pittsburgh

Jack and Gunhild, Your are truly an inspiration to all athletes and a great example of a wonderful partnership of marriage. God bless both you.
LaDawn Beattie

Jack and Gunhild - you have have all of my positive thoughts and prayers. You are both not only high quality people, but are two of the toughest people I know. Everyone who knows you is aware of how special you are, and we are all pulling for you!

What an inspiration good luck on Sunday to the both of you!!

Awesome!

They're awesome and Colin's awesome in telling their story.

Actually, Dan Pelle shot and edited the story. Dan is really awesomer.
Colin

Hey Dan...

Once again, a very touching story. Thanks for sharing it with us... keep up the good work!

After Bloomsday being an aspiration ever since I started running in it's inaugural year of 1977 too, I finally made it over as my birthday run last year.

I had no idea it was so hilly, but the surprise meeting up with you on Bloomsday Hill and your encouragement made it the best section of the course of all.

Dan and Virginia, thanks for the wonderful, touching story and video. I shared it with my sister in Arizona once I realized that Jack and Gunhild crossed the Bloomsday finish line before we did!! Incredible!