Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk- Boston

(In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month…)

When I was 5 and my brother 7, we lost our mother to ovarian cancer.  That changed my life forever.  Three years ago my daughters were just about to turn 5 and 7 and I knew I had to contribute some way to raising awareness about cancer (all cancers) and help with fundraising for research.  When I decided to do the Susan G Komen 3 -Day walk in Boston I never knew how much it would change me. 

My friends and family made it all happen by helping me raise over $3000.  (You need to raise a minimum of $2300).  Their generosity made my journey possible.

We started our day in pouring rain and little motivation, however it all changed when we arrived at the Opening Ceremony.  The inspirational speakers put a smile on everyone’s face.

But it was the cancer survivors that became the force that kept us moving.

60 miles in 3 days is no easy task but the crew and crowds supporting us gave us the push to keep going.

Just when we didn’t think we could walk one more step, someone in the crowd would thank us and suddenly we would gather the strength to keep moving. 

Nothing could have prepared me for how excited I was to reach Tent City the first day. 

Seeing the sea of pink tents made us feel a comradery and sense of community to a cause we all felt strongly about.  Hearing everyone’s stories made us remember why we decided to walk. 

Day 2 was blister day.  The medics at the tents became our best friends and I’ll never forget the foot rub I received from a nurse at one of the stations.  She popped my blisters, bandaged my feet, gave me cushioned socks, and rubbed my feet while encouraging me that we were almost done with the day.    She was an angel.

Day 3 led us right through Boston.  It was even more special because this was the last 3-Day walk being held in Boston, so everyone came out to support us.  By now my feet were numb so they didn’t hurt as much.  I’ll never forget walking through Boston Commons…

Or the beer my team stopped for a mile before we were done.  My team was amazing…both new friends and old…and we pushed each other when times were hard.  We also laughed our butts off even as we forced ourselves up the hills…ugh…those hills!!

Closing ceremony was emotional as we honored the lost, applauded the survivors, and supported those fighting today.  It was an experience I will never forget.