Extemely Discouraged- Running

I have been training for a 5k and have been doing way better than I ever thought I would or could do.  I ran a mile for the first time in my entire life.  To some, that is a warm up.  To me... getting to the corner without hyperventaliating is a warm up.  Well at least it was not too long ago.  My knees having been giving me a horrible time and everyone is telling me that knee pain is normal for runners.  "Join the club" Is what they have been telling me.  I don't think I am too big of a baby.  I have had 3 children and can sit for a considerable amount of time while getting tattoed while someone runs a needle repeatedly over my skin.  I realized it was hurting but thought it was "normal" so I tried to push through.  Then it started hurting worse and I finally took 2 days off.  In this time I googled and youtubed and finally found some guy showing a way to rub out your IT band so that it will stop pulling on your knee. (Yes I am aware that a Dr visit is in order but I don't have health insurance).  It helped and so I decided to run again today after a 2 day break.  About 15 seconds into it all the pain that I had is back.  I wanted to punch the brick wall but instead I started crying while running and holding my breath. (I sometimes wish I had my own TV show cause right now I could use a laugh watching myself get frustrated)  I was hoping it would be bearable if I kept going so I can just get through my run.  It took me almost 18 minutes to LIMP home.  I am so pissed off right now.  My knees are swollen from walking so I am sitting here like a big loser with frozen corn on my legs.  I WILL be ready for this 5K.  I am running for my Grandma who has Parkinsons.  I have a whole team of people that I pumped up to do this and I need to be there... and I will be there... and I AM NOT WALKING... I WILL RUN... dammit.