After extolling the beauty of San Diego weather, the Susan G. Komen, 3-Day, 60-Mile Walk for Breast Cancer decided to throw us a curve.
- Monsoon-like rain
- Blowing winds – I’m sure I saw Shamu go flying by
- All of it pelting a sea of brightly-colored ponchos
- Oh yeah, the ponchos covered 4,000 3-Day Walkers
You know what – we all survived – no, thrived.
The Unselfish Journey
Each walker there had his or her own reason for walking.
- Some lost a loved one to cancer
- Some knew survivors
- Some are survivors
- Some just care
We started with a single step —
Then another —
- We stepped in puddles
- Winds ripped umbrellas apart
- We picked up walkers crying in pain
- We laughed at the silly way we looked
I had so many dry socks in my zippered windbreaker, I looked like a pregnant kangaroo.
A Rainbow of Hope
What we endured cannot touch on the courage of those dealing with cancer – patients, families, caretakers.
After a brutal day of weather, as we neared tent city, the skies cleared.
A giant rainbow crossed the sky —
As if to say – there is hope – there is always hope.
Follow Your Passion
The 3-Day has become a passion for me and many others.
My business is the pursuit of a passion.
If I have learned anything from the 3-Day, it’s this —
- Follow your passion
- Share the journey
- Take pride in what you accomplish
It all starts with a single step.
Thanks again to all my contributors who made my 7th Walk possible.
Thank you to my teammates of Fight Like A Girl —
- Abby Widman
- Beth Greenberg
- Julie Ewert
- Martina Scanlan
- Penny Rammer
- Sue Peterson
The back of our t-shirt said it best —
“Blisters heal
Muscles recover
Friendships last a lifetime.”
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I remember when I did my half-marathon I was running behind a guy who was wearing a shirt that on the back said “if you think running a half marathon is hard, you should try chemo”… motivating, to say the least, and you are motivating now. 🙂
Thanks, Des. It never ceases to inspire me. I had all the names of those we were remembering on a scarf, tucked inside my jacket and poncho – and tucked close to my heart. Their strength kept me going.
Thank you for your support, Des. It means the world to me.
Beautifully said! I wish I could have found you at camp to say “hi!” It was an amazing experience and I can’t wait to do it again.
I am so sorry I missed you, Rhea. Between 4,000 Walkers and the monsoon, go figure. 🙂 Next time.
How did you do? Congratulations, fellow walker. I am so proud of you!
I saw some of you… on that horrid rainy Saturday… might even have been you with others… what courage… love this post, loved meeting you f2f.
hugs
So hard to tell in the ponchos-LOL!! 🙂
Thank you, Anne. It is so fun to finally meet someone who has been instrumental in my transition from Corporate to the freelance world. I am looking forward to our continued friendship.
Take care and thanks for the kind comments.