ATL 3Day 2010!

I've been home for several weeks now from the Atlanta Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure 2010.  I have been processing the impact of the event over the past several weeks and I'm still overwhelmed when I think of it. It was, quite simply, one of the most amazing things I've ever been privileged to do. I had so many folks supporting me, and all throughout the event it was evident to see the impact it has on nearly everyone's life. Unfortunately, most everyone knows a survivor of breast cancer.

A few of my favorite things:
Day 1--Sugar Hill Elementary School (the ENTIRE school) was lined along the street cheering for the walkers. By the time I had finished high-fiving every grade schooler out there, I couldn't contain my tears. I'm glad I had on sunglasses. There was something so touching about seeing children cheering for us. I hope it made as big of an impact on their life as it did mine in that moment.

Day 2--seeing camp at the end of the Day was a highlight. What a LONG day! Also, I received sooo many texts from family and friends on Day 2. I felt very loved and then I returned to camp to find my camp mail! My sneaky, but loving husband had gotten friends to write me letters of encouragement. I got to enjoy my mail while sitting in a foot and back massage chair. It was a truly special time.
After opening my mail, I visited the Remembrance Tent. This is an area of camp where there are white tents set up from each 3-Day city. Walkers and crew from each city write names of those they remember who have lost their battle from breast cancer. I could hardly stand to write Mindy McCann's name on Atlanta's tent, but I knew I had to for her and her memory. Although special, it was the hardest part of my 3-Day journey.

Day 3--Walking through downtown Atlanta to Turner Field was very neat. Celebrating with my 2700 newest friends at closing ceremony was tremendous. I can't even describe the feeling of being physically and emotionally exhausted, yet feeling so alive and part of something so much bigger than myself. I was in awe the entire weekend of how many people came out to support us. There were many cheering stations, and if I had taken candy from every person I think I could have filled up 3 suitcases! I felt very unworthy and uncomfortable to have people cheering for me, as I felt like I should not be the one getting the attention. So, I walked through most cheering areas crying and telling everyone "thank you for supporting us!" It was a very humbling experience.

Below are some photos. I've been asked many times if I'm going to walk again, to which my answer is "yes, but not next year!" I loved every minute of it, but I need this next year to spend Saturdays with my family again. However, I'm not done walking! I've got a few more rounds of 60 miles left in me, I think.

 Day 1-Opening Ceremony

Day 2--signs everywhere showing support

 Day 3--finally done!

 Closing Ceremony--survivors circle--walkers/survivors carrying in the 3-Day flags (healing, courage, love, hope, etc)

One week..

Here it is! One week from today I will be walking in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure event in Atlanta, GA! I've been training since Jan/Feb of this year, and when I hit the streets of ATL I will have already walked over 500 miles in training miles. Woohoo!

My children always notice a pink ribbon nowadays, and breast cancer is almost a daily phrase in our household. They have been so supportive in more ways than I ever could have imagined! We took a short trip to Chattanooga, TN over fall break last week, and visited Rock City. We loved it and my daughter naturally spotted Rock City's support of breast cancer awareness month.

I have had lots of fun experiences during my training walks. My teammates and I jest about some of the interesting things that go on while we are walking. There's always something:  a snake in the path making us jump, or a squirrel throwing nuts at us, dogs barking and nipping at our heels, random people asking us random questions, etc. I've seen parts of Huntsville that I never would have seen before if it weren't for our walks. Some people have gone above and beyond showing us kindness as we walk, and we've been fortunate enough to have opportunities to show our kindness to others. I'm proud to call several women "friend" who were complete strangers to me mere months ago. I've cried on some walks, laughed on nearly all of them, and had some very deep discussions on life, religion, and politics, among other things. I've walked in the sun, the rain and the thunder and lightning. I've walked in almost 100 degree heat and the freezing cold. I've walked until sometimes I thought my feet would fall off. But through it all I've reminded myself that all of that walking is absolutely nothing compared to the pain of breast cancer. So I might as well be wearing an invisibility cloak while I walk because all that walking only matters if they find a cure. That is my #1 prayer and hope through all of the 500 miles and the upcoming 60.

Please continue to pray for strong feet and perseverance. I've been so lucky to have my team, and I'm so very lucky to have the opportunity in one week to share in such an awesome event!