First of all I have to say thank you to each and everyone of you. You were all generous enough to support me in one way or another. Your generosity will help fund research for breast cancer. Your support will get us one step closer to a world without breast cancer. Without your support I would not have been able to actually participate in the 3 day walk. I have so many new friends and so many great memories. I have tried to highlight some of those thoughts and memories and I have also posted a few pictures that I managed to take along the way.
The Breast Cancer 3 day event was totally awesome.
There were just over 2500 walkers who raised a total of $6.1 million dollars.
Our team leader, Becky, was the top fundraiser for MN!!!
Our team, Becky's Hope, consisted of 17 walkers and 2 support team members were all absolutely incredible people in their own way.
Most of the time I was walking with a team member but there would be times when I found myself next to a stranger and was able to learn about their stories. Most people were walking because a loved one had or has breast cancer, but a few were walking because they just felt strongly that this is a nasty disease and they want to do something to help fight it.
I spent some time in the remembrance tent where they had pictures of some that had passed from breast cancer. It was a very moving and emotional time that reminded me once again of the reason that over 2500 people were walking 60 miles in this event. Looking at the pictures of those who lost their battles and reading the memorials that walkers had written for their loved ones, I realized once again how very lucky I am to have had such a positive outcome with my treatment and recovery.
It was an incredible sight to see people on the sidewalk ahead and behind me for as far as one could see. There were people of all ages sitting or standing at various places clapping and cheering us on. Some had made signs and all were thanking us for walking. At times I was laughing, other times I was fighting back tears and yes, there were times when I actually was crying. Some of the crew members were dressed in goofy outfits and others were just acting goofy.
This has been a weekend that I will never forget. Not just because I walked 60 miles but because I witnessed over 2500 people putting themselves through a challenging situation in the hopes that one day the world will be free of breast cancer.
Here is the recap that the Breast Cancer 3 day organizers sent to us, it is a great description of the route and some of the highlights along the way.
It all began with an inspiring but rainy Opening Ceremony at Southdale Center in Edina. Despite the cloudy skies, your spirits were bright. As we headed out through Edina, the community was out in full force, encouraging us along. We walked around Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun and Lake of the Isles, then made our way through the Sculpture Garden for a glimpse of Spoonbridge and Cherry before heading over the pedestrian bridge into Loring Park for lunch. After lunch, we walked into downtown Minneapolis where ING cheered in full force, through the University of Minnesota campus and into St. Paul. The punk rock kids lined the path along Mississippi River Road with signs and cheers of encouragement. Our 20-mile day ended at Macalester College and then we cooled down on buses back to camp. The Rosemount High School football team helped us set up tents and carry our gear. At camp, we were entertained by Klondike Kate, the Satin Dolls and the 3-Day Rock Stars.
Saturday's 22.7-mile day brought blue skies and sunshine. Cheering stations were packed with friends and families, and spectators giving out coffee and grilling hot dogs. Beautiful trails provided shade from the sun and the "comfort zone" cooled us down with water sprays and wet wipes. As we arrived at camp the DrumHeart group drummed us into camp and the punk rock kids cheered us in. The Neil Diamond tribute provided entertainment in the dining tent before the camp show got started.
Sunday was another gorgeous day. We walked down beautiful wooded trails and enjoyed cheering stations at North St. Paul Tap & Grill and Indian Mounds Park. Juicy’s Jugs support crew was out in full force all day on their motorcycles. We kept our eyes on the finish line, the State Capitol, as we walked through downtown St. Paul. After a 17.3-mile day, we rested up on some plush grass before gathering for a celebratory Closing Ceremony on the Capitol grounds.
