The last time I was sick there was this commercial on TV about cancer (and if my memory was better I’d go into more detail) and it would make me emotional every time I saw it. Don’t even get me started on the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital commercials! But whenever a Susan G. Komen 3-day commercial came on I not only got choked up, but I felt a sense of urgency to be a part of this nationwide fundraising event to support cancer research to find a cure. I didn’t have breast cancer but there’s not a Rhabdomyosarcoma 3-day otherwise I’d walk in that one. :-) But cancer is cancer and I would love to see a cure in my lifetime.
Growing up, I would participate in these type of events (Easter Seals, March of Dimes, etc) because they were fun but I also knew I was helping in a way. So when I started seeing the 3-day commercials I naturally wanted to be a part of it.
I signed up to walk in 2009 and had an amazing time. I think I cried all three days. Day one because I finished and thought that I could actually do 60 miles despite my foot pain. Day two because I was in a lot of pain by the end of the day and when I made it all the way back to the campsite the screaming and cheering of the people manning the entrance triggered a floodgate of tears. And day three because I did 60 miles on busted feet and I felt a sense of accomplishment.
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| Along the route during the 2009 Walk |
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| After a good cry behind the finish line |
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| Closing Ceremony |
In 2010, Dustin and I signed up to drive a “Sweeper Van.” We decorated our van (with the help of the amazing Julie Galvin) and would comb the route cheering people on and picking up those who wanted a lift to the next stop or needed medical attention. It was great to be a part of it but it wasn’t the same. We got some donations but there wasn’t a requirement for crew to raise. Since then, I wanted to walk again but didn’t think I should, with my feet and all. So instead, I would donate to friends and/or family who were walking.
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| Our version of Dr. Seuss's One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish |
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| Don't mess with a man in pink! |
This year, after being diagnosed again, I was pretty determined to walk it a second time. When I saw the commercials being played, earlier in the month, I made up my mind to do it again. The D.C. walk takes place in October but I’ll be finishing up my treatment then. San Diego is the last walk of the year - and who doesn’t want to go to San Diego in November?! My Aunt lives in San Diego and has done the walk for a few years (her best friend is a breast cancer survivor). So, I asked her if she wanted to walk with me and she quickly said yes!
So now it’s time to dig out my pink gear and “Cancer Sucks” pins because they’ll be put to use once again. This year I am going to do my best to walk as much as I can but I will make sure to be kinder to my feet. If I need to get in a sweeper van so that I can walk the next day, I will. I am so excited to be participating in this event once again and to be doing it with amazing people, again! I would love for our team to grow so please consider this an invite to whoever wants to join us!!
Each walker needs to raise $2500 in order to participate. Please consider donating. No amount is too small. You can visit my page HERE!
From there you can also view our team page to see who else I’ll be walking with and our fundraising goals and progress.
Thank you!!
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