October 3-Day Walk Update

Today is the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness month and what a way to start the day. The Huntsville Times newspaper was in the driveway printed in pink glory. I wore my new pink New Balance 993s that were given to me by James and his staff at New Balance Huntsville for organizing DIVA Night for area 3-Day walkers.

Later in the day, I received an email from teammate, Abby Clark, stating that the $250 donation from Breast Alliance had been posted to her account. Abby and I were both finalists in the “Meet Your Goal” contests sponsored by Breast Alliance and All Plus Size Bras. It became a battle between me and one other person for first place and I emailed Brian from Breast Alliance to ask if I won, could the money be re-directed to another 3-Day walker and he said yes. My teammates, my Facebook friends and 3-Day Tweeps went to work. We worked our magic and I won by 1 vote.

Pink for Life and New Balance will be hosting a Breast Cancer Survivors' Walk Tuesday, October 5 @ 6:30. Know a survivor? Want to walk with us? Email me for more information. Click here to view the invitation and RSVP.

Several of my teammates will be participating in the 7^th Annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run on Saturday, October 16 and it would be great to see you along the route supporting all the runners and walkers. I will be attempting my first 5k after 10 weeks of NOBO training through Fleet Feet.

Three weeks from today, October 22, my teammates and I will be pounding the streets of Atlanta in the boldest breast cancer event, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. My team now consists of 11 walkers and 3 crew members. We have raised over $28,000 but still have three team members who need to reach the $2,300 minimum in order to participate. If you have been waiting to make a donation, NOW is the time. All donations are tax deductible. Please consider donating to Abby, Donna or Sandra. http://the3day.org/goto/pinkforlife

If you can’t donate financially, please consider sending a note or letter of encouragement/support to us as a team (Pink for Life) or individually. After walking 20+ miles in one day, an uplifting word of encouragement or hand drawn picture from a child is just what we will need to make it another day. All letters must be postmarked by October 12 in order for us to receive at camp.

Pink for Life team members:
Tammy Klueger
Trina Foslien
Jenny McNees
Stacie Flinn
Mary Wilson
Jennifer Secrest
Joyce Myers
Rachael Myers (crew)
Lindsey Fowler (crew)
Abby Clark
Susan Foerke
Sandra Baker

Charles Baker (crew)

Donna Skinner

3-Day for the Cure
ATTN: NAME OF PARTICIPANT
12195 Highway 92, Suite 114-392
Woodstock, GA 30188

Thank you to everyone for your support along this incredible journey since February! I just might register for 2011 :)

Mail Call

We would greatly appreciate a note or letter of encouragement/support while we are at camp. All letters must be postmarked by October 12 in order for us to receive them on time.

Pink for Life team members:
Tammy Klueger
Trina Foslien
Jenny McNees
Stacie Flinn
Mary Wilson
Jennifer Secrest
Joyce Myers
Rachael Myers
Lindsey Fowler
Abby Clark
Susan Foerke
Sandra Baker

3-Day for the Cure
ATTN: NAME OF PARTICIPANT
12195 Highway 92, Suite 114-392
Woodstock, GA 30188

September Update

Only 43 days until I hit the streets of Atlanta to conquer 60 miles in 3 days! If you haven't donated yet, please do so today. Your donation is 100% tax deductible. Click here to donate.

The training miles are really adding up quickly. So far I've walked 371 miles and raised $2,970. Our team is walking every weekend and you are welcome to join us. Just let me know you are interested and I can send you an invitation.

I am also running on Monday and Thursday nights in preparation for the 7th Annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run one week before walking in Atlanta. You may donate to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation by clicking here. All money raised will be used to bring Breast Specific Gamma Imaging (BSGI) to the Tennessee Valley. BSGI is a follow-up to mammography that can significantly aid in the detection of early breast cancer by providing a more precise image of breast tissue. BSGI aids in determining the extent of the disease and provides less false positive readings than previous technologies. Early detection saves lives…help us make every breast cancer patient a survivor!

If you are a 3 Day walker within driving distance of Huntsville, you are invited to DIVA Night at New Balance Friday, September 17. Send me an email and I'll give you the details!

Pink for Life and New Balance will be hosting a Breast Cancer Survivors' Walk Tuesday, October 5 @ 6:30. Know a survivor? Email me and I'll pass along the details.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and New Balance of Huntsville will donate $1 of every sale to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure on behalf of our team. Please visit James and his staff and show your support for Pink for Life. New Balance is located at 1395 Enterprise Way between Five Guys and Jason's Deli.

Team Pink for Life would like to officially welcome Abby Clark  and Susan Foerke to our team! Together we have raised over $24,000 for breast cancer research and community programs.

September 1st ALREADY!?

The excitement is building as the days are counting down. Atlanta spectator information was posted today and you can also send walkers/crew a letter from home. Make sure they are postmarked by October 12. Click here for address.

Pink for Life will be hosting a DIVA night for any 3 Day walker willing to travel to Huntsville on Friday, September 17. Email for an invite.

Pink for Life will also be hosting a Breast Cancer Survivors' Walk on Tuesday, October 5 at New Balance.

I am one of 10 finalists to win the "Meet Your Goal" contest from All Plus Size Bras.  Please vote to help me win $250 toward reaching my goal of $5000 for Susan G.Komen.

August Update

Only 79 days until I walk 60 miles! Now is the time to donate before time slips away from you ;)

Thanks to your generous donations, I've raised $2,726 and I've increased my goal to $5,000! Currently I am at 55% and my team is at 81% of our goal of $23,100. A HUGE thank you to those of you who have already donated! 

I have walked 256 miles blister and injury free and still have 11 weeks until the event. If you’d like to join me and my team on any of our training walks, let me know and I’ll include you on the email invitations.

Six of the seven walkers on my team have reached our minimum of $2,300 in order to participate. However, I am asking my friends and family to consider donating to Jennifer Secrest so she can reach the critical $2,300. This would allow Jennifer to focus on training instead of fundraising. Click here to donate. 

Below are some of the events that have taken place since my last update:

Ø       New Balance Huntsville asked to partner with Pink for Life to raise breast cancer awareness and funds for SGK. Please stop by and thank them for their support of our team and SGK. (New Balance is a national sponsor of Susan G. Komen)

Ø       As part of my cross-training for the 3 Day walk, I joined the No Boundaries running program. I am training to run the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5k one week prior to walking 60 miles in Atlanta

Ø       Boston and Cleveland have been hosts to thousands of walkers and crew members. Chicago is the next city to host this weekend. You can see inspiring/breathtaking photos from each of these events on Susan G. Komen's 3-Day for the Cure Facebook page.

Ø       Shop for the Cure was held on July 8 and raised over $1,500

Ø       Car Wash for the Cure was held on July 17 and raised $252

Ø       Mary, Lindsey and myself attended the Preview Expo in Atlanta July 24

Keep current on all our events by following Pink for Life on Facebook.
Save the Date
Ø  August 21 - Car Wash for the Cure at CVS Pharmacy on Cecil Ashburn Dr. 10am – 2pm

If you made a donation in honor or memory of someone, you can see the names on my personal donation page http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk  and my personal blog http://tammyk3day.blogspot.com. The names of these individuals will also be on the back of my 3 Day credential as I walk each mile.

79 days and counting

Yes, you read that correctly! In 79 days my team and I will hit the streets of Atlanta to conquer 60 miles in 3 days. As each day passes and The 3-Day event gets closer I get more anxious. I'm hopeful that all the training miles will leave each of us with the least amount of blisters possible. However, we will have body glide, mole skin and all the other first aid items we will need. If we don't have it, you can bet some other 3 Day walker will!

Boston and Cleveland have already experienced the thrill of hosting hundreds and even thousands of walkers and crew members in their cities. Chicago is the next city to host the 3 Day community. I'm on pins and needles waiting for the updates to start flowing in. I get so emotional looking at the pictures and reading updates from the walkers.

I'm going to leave you with a recent article in a Texas newspaper. If it touches you, please donate to our team and help us find a cure. Click here to donate.

3 Day Happenings

Wow, wow, wow! Mary, Lindsey and myself hit the road at 5:15am  Saturday and drove to Atlanta for the preview expo. We made a pit stop in Cartersville for a drink and three guys were leaving and asked when we were walking (they read the magnet on my car) and gave me a donation. How awesome is that? Thanks @knittingbagel for your magnet design!

This past weekend was the first official 3 Day walk in Boston. Many walkers kept all of us updated via Facebook, blogger and twitter. I got chills and even shed some tears reading the updates and looking at the pictures from the event. I saw pics of one lady with a cast on her arm and another lady walking on crutches. That is dedication! There were pictures of survivors at cheering stations thanking the walkers for what they are doing.

While Boston had it's share of walkers and crew, Atlanta had hundreds of people at the Preview Expo. There were tables all around the room with information for crew, make a sign, training walks, find a team, etc. New Balance and REI were on hand to sell merchandise at a discount to the 3 Day walkers. Breakout sessions were available for blister care, injury prevention, life on the 3 day, and attack the pack. Lindsey got to speak with the Crew Coach and was assigned to team signage. She is so excited!

Lindsey and the Atlanta banner.

Mary and Tammy

Training walk leaders featured.Who is in the lower left corner?

I even got to meet some of my 3 Day tweeps for a picture with the Atlanta banner.

@abby3dayatlanta, @gphigirl, @2girls2boys, @LilShadetree, @jerusalemlover

All of this excitement has motivated me even more and my team still needs your donations. We want to be a power team and need to raise $23,100 in order to do so. Please consider a tax deductible donation today. Click here to donate.

Let the 3 Day Events Begin

This weekend is the first of fifteen 3 Day events in cities across the United States. Thousands of walkers have started Day 1 and as I type, some have already walked 10 miles. I'm seeing pictures from the event on twitter and Facebook and it gives me chills. I'm so excited for them and yet it makes me sad because I can't be there to cheer them on. Cheering from twitter and Facebook isn't the same as cheering in person but who has the money to travel to all 15 cities? It also makes me anxious for October to get here so we can walk in Atlanta.

Tomorrow is the Preview Expo in ATL and I can't wait. I'm meeting up with some 3 Day twitter friends (@LilShadetree, @the3wrights, @abby3dayatlanta, @jerusalemlover and @gphigirl). We must get our picture with the 3 Day banner! Yesterday we named ourselves Team Twitter and @knittingbagel is designing a shirt for us.

I haven't said much about this to anyone but I have a VERY important meeting tonight after work with the general manager and store manager of New Balance about becoming a sponsor of Pink for Life. The store manager has said they will sponsor us but we need to work out the details as to HOW they will sponsor us. They also want to do something big for Breast Cancer Awareness month in October. I'm both nervous and excited about the opportunity to team up with New Balance Huntsville. This could be HUGE for our team and Susan G. Komen.

Team Pink for Life is still ranked #12 in fundraising for Atlanta. Will you consider a tax deductible donation to push us into the TOP TEN teams? Click here to donate today! Any donation of $5 or more is greatly appreciated.

100 Days - The Countdown is ON!

100 days from today team Pink for Life will have completed 20+ miles on the first day of the 3 Day event. Online check-in opened yesterday and several of us have already checked in. Six of our seven walkers have met the required minimum $2300 in order to participate. We still need your help to get our seventh walker to the minimum. You may donate online to Jennifer Secrest here. Remember your donation is tax deductible and greatly appreciated!

Shop for the Cure was a huge success this past Friday despite the rain and we raised over $1500 for Susan G. Komen. Thanks to all of our friends and family for coming out to support us! We have now raised over $16,000 for breast cancer research and community outreach programs.

Our third car wash is planned for this Saturday but the forecast is now calling for a 60% chance of rain. Seriously considering canceling it!

Saturday, July 24 is the Preview Expo in Atlanta. Six of the nine team members will be hitting the road with excitement. We will get to practice tent set-up, meet the crew, attend workshops and take our picture with the 3 Day for the Cure Banner. Lindsey and Rachael will attend the Crew 101 workshop.

Saturday, July 31, Mary and I will travel to Cullman for a 15 mile training walk with Team Brock 360 and other area 3 Day walkers at Heritage Park.

If you'd like to be included on any of our training walks, send me an email and I'll put you on the distribution list.

12 miles or more

This past Saturday, July 3 several of my team members and I met to walk 12 miles at 6am. I mapped a 4 mile loop with stops for potty breaks and water refills with intentions of walking the loop three times. AGAIN Stacie, Trina and Jenny are off to the races and I walked with Mary and her husband Larry.

Within the first few minutes of the walk, we encountered a dead snake much to Mary's dismay :) She squealed and danced a little and tried not to look down again. Along the way, Mary and Larry were picking up trash on the side of the road. Larry even picked up an empty R rated DVD case ;) and quickly dumped it at the end of the first four mile loop. After a quick potty break and a little stretching, I told them that we were at the area that they have heard us talk about (Aldridge Creek Greenway). They were curious since it goes all the way to the Tennessee River. Larry asked how many miles to the river and I said about 8 there and back. So we headed off to Ditto Landing and the TN River.

Once we got to Green Cove Rd, I noticed hundreds of runners. Oh no! I had forgotten the Firecracker 5k started at my church at 8am. We just kept on walking and walking and walking. We reached the end of the Greenway and filled my water bottle up with nice cold water from the cooler thanks to my church :) Larry wanted to keep going so we went to the boat dock area and made the loop. Mary insisted that Larry walk back himself and bring the car to pick her up. Unfortunately, he didn't! We finally made it back to our starting point at 10am. I think total mileage was 13-14.

I guess my body is getting used to the miles as I didn't ache at all after Sunday. I could still feel the last 10 mile walk on the following Wednesday. I'm working on a 5 mile loop 3x with Team Brock 360 for July 31. I will be posting an official training walk and sending invites soon.

10 Miles - again

This past Saturday, June 26th, nine 3 day walkers met in downtown Huntsville for an official 10 mile training walk :) Team Pink for Life was represented by myself, Stacie, Jenny and Trina. Team Brock 360 from Cullman was represented by Lori, Mandy and Karen. Elise drove from Gadsen and Stacey drove from the Nashville area to walk 10 miles.

We met downtown at 7:15, introduced ourselves to each other, stretched and hit the pavement/sidewalks of beautiful downtown Huntsville. Stacie, Trina and Jenny were the engines and took off. We never saw them again until we made the second 5 mile loop in the opposite direction. Karen and Elise (or was it Stacey?) were the caboose.

I didn't do too well on planning bathroom breaks as most places downtown were closed :( I did ask a nice lady pulling weeds if Mandy could use her restroom. She graciously welcomed Mandy inside. I explained to her what we were training for and she wished us luck. Another bathroom stop was the fire station that had moved :( So I decided to try the YMCA and wouldn't you know there was a sign on the door "SORRY NO PUBLIC RESTROOMS". I stepped inside and explained we were training to walk 60 miles in 3 Days and the lady at the desk said, "I did that in 2001. Sure, you can use the restrooms." She gave us a few tips and advice. We visited the restroom (even some of us sat on the child's size toilet) and filled up our water bottles.

At the end of the first 5 mile loop, we went inside the Women's Pavilion to cool off, refill water bottles and potty (again). Remember...Drink, Pee, No IV! Brock 360 had to leave so Stacey, Elise and myself finished the last 5 miles together.

I am honored that these girls drove 1-2 hrs to walk with Pink for Life. I enjoyed listening to their stories about why they are walking and getting to know them all a little better. I want to wish Stacey the very best on her walk in Chicago in 5 weeks. You go girl!

Road ID

Thanks to a great post by Catherine, I have now purchased my own Road ID. No more hassle of keeping up with my driver's license on training walks.

I chose the ankle ID because I felt I would be uncomfortable with it on my wrist after sweating. I gave some serious consideration to the shoe ID but then thought if someone ran over me, then my shoe would most likely be lost. Yeah, call me paranoid!

Thanks Catherine! I used your code and saved $1. Road ID also allows you to choose an organization to give a portion of proceeds at checkout and of course I chose Susan G. Komen (Race for the Cure).

 

Now is your chance to buy your own Road ID and save $1. Coupon Number: ThanksTammy773402 Can be used 20x until July 18. What are you waiting for?

I did it!

With your donations, generosity, support and encouragement, I have exceeded the required minimum donation of $2,300 in less than four months. I feel much more needs to be said but all I can say is THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart and sore feet :) Together we can make a difference!

Our team still has several members that need to meet the minimum and I am asking my friends and family to please click on a team member's name and help us reach our goal of $17,500. Donate here. Please keep in mind that as a member of the 3 Day Crew, Rachael and Lindsey are not required to raise funds. However, you may donate to them if you wish.

Keep in mind that we will be sleeping in 6x6 tents, taking showers in a semi, using port-a-potties, no electricity for a hair dryer or flat iron and walking 60 miles in 3 days.

Your donations will help fund a cure for breast cancer. Much has been done in the recent years to extend the lives of many men and women effected by breast cancer and recently a vaccine has been developed. Clinical tests are currently underway on humans and hopefully it will be available soon.

I hope everyone understands that the 3 Day isn't ALL about the money. It really is about raising awareness and I have had several people tell me 'thank you' for what I'm doing. With all of my Facebook status changes, event fliers and emails, they have discovered a lump or spot on their breast(s) and gone to the doctor to have it checked. Some have even had their FIRST mammogram experience since I've joined the 3 Day family :)

Keep current on all our events by following Pink for Life on Facebook.

First OFFICIAL 10 Mile Training Walk as a TWL

We did it! Stacie, Trina, Jenny, myself and Rachel C. walked 10.3 miles in less than 3 hours this past Saturday. I had a map and route printed out for everyone because Trina likes to speed walk and I assumed she would leave me in the dust. After everyone signed in and stretched, we began our 10 mile walk up Airport Rd which is elevated. Not sure how steep the hill is but when you haven't been training with hills, it can surely slow you down. Read my words: Include hills in your training

Somewhere around mile marker 5, Trina needed to buy another drink. So Rachel, myself and Stacie continued walking knowing that Jenny and Trina would catch up soon. At mile marker 8, Trina called and asked where we were. They should have been with us at this point but they missed a turn at 6.5 miles and then went up a steep hill that wasn't necessary. Finally just as we were almost at the end, we see them coming along behind us. We did it! Way to go girls!

Moral of the story: Maps are provided for a reason :)

Pink for Life is at 62% of our goal. Will you help us reach our goal? Click here to donate.

Only 22 weeks until the event!

My boss in on vacation and I took advantage of it :) I went on a 5 mile training walk during lunch today with my new camelbak waist pack. I love it! It wasn't riding up my hip and the bottles did not hit my arms as I walked. Very comfortable!

My team just completed a few fundraisers and we have 3 or 4 of us that have now met our minimum requirement. We had Dining for the Cure on the 11th at Schlotzsky's (still not sure on the total $), Penny Wars ($1,840.26) and our first car wash ($338). 

Our team is now at 59% but we still need your help. Donate to one of our team members today! Click here

Ready for Anything

well almost! I am so excited about my new Camelbak waist pack. It has two 22oz water bottles, a zipper pouch for ID, pouch for my phone and a zipper pouch for socks, band-aids, etc. I tried it on and walked around the yard with it on but didn't fill the water bottles. I can't wait to try it out on a training walk.

Kylie loves it too! She had to put it on for a photo!

Just so you know, in case you didn't already, I will be walking 60 miles in 3 days and it requires training. Training includes walking, cross-training and learning how much to drink and eat while training. Each person is different and not all training plans will work for everyone. This is why training is SO important. Walking on a treadmill is not the same as walking on pavement, asphalt, gravel and other surfaces. Be sure to include hills, inclines and DO step up on the curbs. Your body will thank you at the end of Day 1.

Take water, sports drinks and snacks on your walk. If you don't, you will not do it at the event and might find yourself needing the medical staff. I want to see all of my teammates finish mile 60 together!

Pink for Life has almost reached 60% of our goal ($17,500). Would you consider donating to one of my team members? Click here

Thanks for all of your support! I am truly honored to be walking for all those listed on my page. Each time I meet a survivor and hear their story, it makes me cry. Guess I should make sure my new waist pack can hold lots of tissues :)

WARNING: Dates on calendar are closer than they appear

WARNING: Dates on calendar are closer than they appear. This was posted by a twitter friend and it is so true. Today is only 164 until the 3 Day event in Atlanta.

I'm not worried about the money as I'm almost to my minimum. I'm a little concerned about how to get all the training and team fund raising completed while still being a mom of four kids. I have one graduating this year and a rising senior that are requiring a lot of my time as well right now. I consider myself to have excellent time management and organizational skills and this 3 Day event is putting my skills to the test.

Seriously! How do you maintain your sanity while keeping your household in order AND do everything that is required of us for proper training?

I've tried telling myself to just breathe and everything will be ok but it's not working :(

Any experienced team captains/walkers with advice?

Signed,
Busy mom of four - ages 18, 17, 7 and 4
Team Captain
Training Walk Leader
Sunday School Teacher
PTA Chairperson - Field Day and Reflections 2010-2011

Pinko de Mayo Update

Honor the women in your life (mother, sister, daughter, friend, grandmother, sister-in-law) this May with a donation to Susan G. Komen on my behalf. I will not sit back while breast cancer robs another grandmother the chance of seeing her grandchildren grow up or prevents best friends from growing old together. Don’t delay. Click today! http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk  Help me reach my goal of $2500 by July 2.

The picture below is one of the last times my children got to see their great-grandmother. She never got to see what a beautiful young woman my daughter has become. She never got to see my son become a mature young man that wants to serve our country. She never got to see my youngest daughter play t-ball, soccer or watch her at tumbling practice. She never got to see the mischievous things that my 4 year old son can get into.

So far I've raised $2090 - only $410 to reach my goal! Currently I am at 80% and my team is at 48% of our goal. A HUGE thank you to those of you who have already donated!

If you still aren’t sure about making a donation, please remember that all walkers and crew members will be sleeping in 6x6 two person tents, taking showers in a semi-trailer, brushing our teeth at a sink outside the semi and there will be no electrical outlets for hair dryers and flat irons. We all have invested our own money purchasing the proper shoes, socks and other training gear necessary for the event and the training time alone takes away from our family time. This is a huge commitment for us and we take it seriously. Your financial support is greatly appreciated. http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk  

If you can’t donate financially, there are other ways to help. Please email  and I will pass along the information.

 

Pink for Life consists of eight women from Huntsville and Harvest and we have room for you if you’d like to join. Use code MAY2010 until midnight May 9 to receive $20 off registration. Register by calling 1-800-996-3329 or online.

Pink for Life is busy planning/scheduling several fundraisers and would greatly appreciate your continued support. You can follow us on facebook and keep track of all our events from the events tab http://facebook.com/teampinkforlife

Ø       April 26 – May 14 – Penny Wars at Mtn. Gap Elementary – Week 1 resulted in $1,030.23

Ø       May 11 – Schlotzsky’s both Huntsville locations will donate a percentage of sales ALL day to Pink for Life if you wear pink or mention Pink for Life.

Ø       May 15 – Car wash at CVS on Cecil Ashburn Dr 10am – 2pm (donations accepted)

Ø       May 20 – Nothing But Noodle’s both Huntsville locations will donate a percentage of sales ALL day to Pink for Life if you wear pink or mention Pink for Life.

Ø       May 25 – Five Guys Burgers and Fries both Huntsville locations will donate a percentage of sales ALL day to Pink for Life if you wear pink or mention Pink for Life.

Ø       July 9 – Shop for the Cure at Trinity United Methodist Church on Airport Rd 5pm – 8pm

Other ongoing fundraisers:

Ø       Pink for Life items are now available for purchase in our store. http://cafepress.com/pinkforlife (I have the beach tote bag and mini buttons if you’d like to see)

Ø       I have also partnered with sewgirlie.com and they offer some fantastic items for baby showers, birthdays, Mother’s Day and graduation. Please look at their site and at checkout put code “Klueger” in the comments section and they will donate 10% (before shipping) to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure on my behalf.

Ø       I currently have an online Pampered Chef Party for the month of May and the host will donate 25% of her profits to Susan G. Komen on my behalf. Pampered Chef has new limited edition products featured that are PINK to help Whip Cancer and $1 goes to the American Cancer Society.                            http://www.pamperedchef.biz/shankomp?page=host-search-results&showId=2596297

Ø       We also have our team t-shirts for sale. Adult sizes are $15 and youth sizes are $10. Email me if you would like to purchase one. 

Pink for Life will be participating in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure in Atlanta, October 22-24. You are invited to attend the closing ceremony on Sunday, October 24 to experience the most unforgettable time of your life, especially if someone you know has been affected by breast cancer.

If you made a donation in honor or memory of someone, you can see the names on my personal donation page http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk  and my personal blog http://tammyk3day.blogspot.com. The names of these individuals will also be on the back of my 3 Day credential as I walk each mile.

Thank you for your support!

Penny Wars Amazing Response

This past week was week one of Penny Wars at my daughter's elementary school. The principal had told me not to expect much but I told her a penny was more than nothing. There are 17 classrooms kindergarten through 5th grade with 350 students. I stopped by the school every morning and was amazed at all the money the kids were donating. Friday while my teammate, Stacie, and I were collecting the money, one of the teachers told us she was a 13 year survivor and thanked us for what we were doing.

This little girl brought in at least $40 this week and her class has the most money donated with a total of $149.39.

Today, while at the credit union, I learned that one of the employees is a four year survivor. Every time someone tells me they are a survivor or know someone who is (or has died from breast cancer), I get choked up. I can't imagine what emotions one goes through when they get the diagnosis.

The teacher and the credit union employee have been added to the long list of survivors that I will walk in honor of. Breast cancer research is working and extending the lives of so many. Every dollar makes a difference and it is greatly appreciated!

Thank you Mtn.Gap Elementary students for raising $1,030.23 in week 1 of Penny Wars!

Watch Us Grow

Isn't that the saying when a business expands? Pink for Life is growing and I'm loving it! We now officially have seven members with one more to join soon. I am so excited to see what this journey has in store for all of us.

If you are in Huntsville or surrounding area, please visit these restaurants/locations who are graciously supporting Pink for Life.

If you aren't following us on facebook, what are you waiting for? We list all of our events and happenings along with any other exciting news in the breast cancer world.

Just an update on my personal donation page. I am at 79% of meeting the $2300 minimum and 73% of meeting my goal of $2500. I think it's time to increase my goal.

Want to join our team or donate? Click here.

How many fundraisers does it take to drive a team captain batty?

Where do I begin? Honestly, I don't know. I have so many things going on and I MUST gain control before it's too late. I have several fundraisers for myself and the team has several as well. Add a birthday party in the mix and I'm ready for Calgon!

Individual fundraisers:

• Sewgirlie.com will donate 10% of your purchase (before shipping) to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure on my behalf. You must type "Klueger" in the comments section at checkout.
• Angelofgrace.com has provided beautiful breast cancer awareness bracelets for me to sell.
• 2010-2011 breast cancer awareness planners
• Breast cancer awareness checkbook covers
• Baking and selling items at work
• Online Pampered Chef party scheduled for May

Team fundraisers:

• Family Fun Walk (tomorrow)
• Penny Wars at the elementary school (April 26 - May 14)
• Four car washes (May, June, July, August)
• Vendor Party (July)
• Rummage Sale (not scheduled yet)

Our team is expanding thanks to some encouraging/inspiring teammates. Keep up the great work ladies.

We received our team t-shirts Tuesday and they are________. You fill in the blank. Adult sizes are $15 and youth sizes are $10.Please let me know if you would like to purchase a Pink for Life shirt.

I also received our banner to use at fundraisers Tuesday. I will probably order two more and maybe larger ones. What do you think?

 If you would like to donate or join our team, please visit http://the3day.org/goto/pinkforlife.

Auction for Fundraising

Front of dress

Back of dress

Detail

Faren, another 3-Day walker has setup an auction site for us to use for fundraising. This stunning prom dress is my first item and does have a reserve price of $100. You may bid on it at http://www.farenshear.com/cgi-bin/auction.pl?category=Clothing&item=1272298448

Pink for Life Update

Team Pink for Life is on track with training and fundraising. We are at 27% of our goal as a team and I am at 57% of meeting my goal. We had to walk the mall this morning as a strong thunderstorm was passing through. Our local mall opens early for mall walkers and it was actually quite nice. It will definitely be our backup for bad weather conditions and also those HOT days of summer when air conditioning is a necessity. We will be walking in October so we won't need to train for the heat.

We have several fundraisers in mind but nothing set in stone except for our upcoming Family Fun Walk on April 18. I don't know about the other 3-Day walkers, but since I registered all I think about is ways to raise money. I'm constantly checking the message boards or reading blogs on how others have been successful with their fundraisers and thinking how we can make it happen for our team.

This week I partnered with sewgirlie.com and they will donate 10% of your purchase (before shipping) to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure on my behalf. Please check out all their must-have cute items for upcoming birthday, Mother's Day and graduation gifts.

I received an email this morning about being a training walk leader. I have to attend a conference call on April 12. As a training walk leader, I will also be part of the safety crew for the 3-Day event. Looking forward to it!

Be sure to designate a portion of your tax return to donate on my behalf to Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. I will be forever grateful! You can donate securely online here. No amount is too little or too much! Every dollar helps us get closer to finding a cure.

Welcome Stacie

Please welcome Stacie Flinn to team Pink for Life!

Stacie has set a personal goal of $5000. Way to go Stacie!

Family Fun Walk

 Sunday, April 18th

1-3 pm

at the Madison County Nature Trail

Admission is FREE, bring your lunch!

Donations greatly appreciated.

Bring a picnic lunch and walk around beautiful Sky Lake! Admission is FREE but donations are greatly appreciated. Help support Team Pink for Life as they train to walk 60 miles in 3 days in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in Atlanta October 22-24.

Eat lunch at the covered pavilion, watch the kids feed the ducks and enjoy time with friends. After lunch, you can stroll around Sky Lake on a beautiful 1.5 mile loop.

Pink for Life is an all-volunteer team dedicated to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research and community programs.

To donate online or join Pink for Life, please visit:
http://the3day.org/goto/pinkforlife

Pink for Life Expands

Team Pink for Life now has three members (myself, Jenny McNees and Trina Foslien). We had a 5 mile training walk this past Saturday and three other ladies joined us. I'm hoping two of them will join Pink for Life. The more the merrier :) If you are reading this (Joyce and Mary), please consider joining us. I really enjoyed getting to know you both.

We have several fundraising ideas and need to sit down and discuss what we want to do. I have no doubt that we all will raise more than our minimum requirement of $2300.

If you have already donated, THANK YOU! If you haven't, you can donate securely online at http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk

My donations to date are $1405 and $1095 from my goal of $2500.

Training and Donation Update

It's officially spring break but our weather is still cool and windy. The weather hasn't cooperated over the last two weeks so I'm running a little behind on training. We still have 31 weeks until the event so we should have plenty of time to get our training completed.

Team Pink for Life is planning the first fundraiser and details will be posted when it is finalized.

Donations were mailed last week and I have more to mail this week. Once it's all posted, I will be at $1355 and only $1145 from my goal. I can't explain how much each generous donation means to me. I get excited every time I see the email from Susan G. Komen that a donation has been made on my behalf :) I wish ALL of you could be at the closing ceremony to experience this wonderful event.

I made a ribbon tree to visually honor those that I'm walking for. It is quite the conversation starter at work and has even caused some people to donate who might not have otherwise. The picture was taken at home with poor lighting so I will try to remember and take one of it sitting on my desk at work and re-post.

Donations are tax deductible and can be made online securely at http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk

Fundraisers

So I've been reading the message boards at The 3 Day and getting some great ideas for fundraisers. The only thing....I don't ride a motorcycle. I don't play poker and I don't bake! So what's a girl to do? My husband loves to fish so I asked his opinion about a fishing tournament. Normally each fisherman/boat pays a set entry fee and other fees for big fish, etc. The set entry fee is then divided among the first, second and third place winners. The fisherman with the biggest fish gets all the money from the big fish pool. He suggested increasing the entry fee by $10/20 and donate that portion to my 3 Day fundraising. What a great idea! Now I need to get busy talking to people who can make this happen.

I still have cash/check donations to be mailed and it will bring my total to $1070 and only $1430 from my goal. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and aching feet for each donation!

If you haven't donated, it's not too late. You can choose to divide your donation into four monthly payments which allows you to donate more if you desire.

Donate securely online at http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk

Pink for Life

Woohoo! We have a team logo. I posted on the team captain message board at the 3 Day asking for help on a design. Tina said she would be happy to help me for a small donation on her behalf. She did a fantastic job on our logo and was also speedy. I am very pleased with her work and recommend her for others who might need help. She can be reached via email.

So what do you think?

Another Day, Another Dollar

34 weeks until the 3 Day in Atlanta. I've got my shoes and my fanny pack (maybe) and I started my own team. I've chosen the name Pink for Life. Of course pink representing breast cancer awareness and life so that we can find a cure for this monster and extend the lives of so many men and women. I have a couple of people working on a logo for tshirts and fundraising items. Can't wait to see what they create. Are you a master at fundraising? If so, share your ideas.

Tomorrow is another training walk and hopefully Jenny and Denise will be joining me. I will be in MS on Sunday and I'm hoping to convince two former classmates to join my team.

Before lunch today, I sent out another donation request to co-workers. With the cash donations/checks to be mailed, my donations now total $1020 and $1480 shy of my goal.

Have you made your tax deductible donation yet?
http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk

Another great training walk

Today I walked Aldridge Creek/Bailey Cove loop which is 4.5 miles. I got shin splints within the first half mile but was able to stretch more and complete the remaining walk with no difficulty. My new shoes and socks did not disappoint me. Hopefully, I can walk again tomorrow as the weather is supposed to be in the low 60's.

This 3 Day walk became a little more personal this week as I had a mass confirmed on my right breast on Tuesday. I had a mammogram and ultrasound Wednesday morning.  My doctor called Wednesday evening and said that she was 100% certain that my results are normal and it is probably an enlarged gland. I can't even begin to tell you how nervous I was waiting for that phone call. Now every mile I walk is for the next person waiting on that phone call.

I mailed two more checks this week and it will bring my total donations to $585. Have you made your donation yet? Together we can find a cure.

http://www.the3day.org/goto/tammyk

Excited about new shoes :)

I've been reading the message boards at the3day.org and past walkers recommended being fitted for a walking shoe. Proper shoes are essential for prevention of blisters and completion of The 3 Day. So tonight before the JROTC booster meeting I went to Fleet Feet. I walked on the treadmill at 3mph and we reviewed how I step. The sales lady recommended three different types of shoes: New Balance, Saucony and Asics. I bought the GT-2150 Asics. These shoes are heaven and I cannot wait to put some miles on them.

Training walk and donation update

Saturday, Jenny and I met at Aldridge Creek Greenway (8am and 30 degrees) and walked what we thought was a little over 5 miles according to my Garmin forerunner. It kept stopping and auto resuming the entire walk. I have no idea why, so I guess I should read the manual and find out why because after I mapped the walk at http://www.mapmywalk.com/ it was actually 6.5 miles. No wonder my calf muscles are sore today.

If you are a female and over the age of 40 or have breast cancer in your family, please schedule your mammogram and perform monthly self-exams. Raising awareness and finding a cure is what this 3 day walk is all about.

I have three checks in the mail to the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure and with the online donations, my total is now $510. Only $1990 to reach my goal.

Have you made your donation yet?
http://www.the3day.org/goto/tammyk

Donation update

In a previous post, I noted I was curious as to how long it would take for mailed donations to be recognized. I mailed two donations on Friday and they were posted to my account late yesterday afternoon. I mailed three more donations this afternoon. My donations total $335 to date. Only $2165 to go :)

I am anxious/excited for my training walk on Saturday with my new friends. I'll be sure to post afterwards. It's going to be cold so please keep us in your thoughts.

At the end of the 3 Day, we will have logged more than 645 miles. If that isn't commitment, I don't know what is.

Have you made your donation yet?
http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk

Found walkers in my area

I am so excited! I used the search option from the3day.org website and found three women who live fairly close to me. We are scheduled for our first training walk together this Saturday at 8am. Looking forward to it :)

Yesterday I mailed donation letters to 33 of my friends/family and 4 local businesses. I'm hopeful yet wondering what will actually become of my requests. For the businesses, I offered to wear their logo on my tshirt during the walk in exchange for a donation of at least $100. Keep your fingers crossed.

I mailed in two check donations on Friday and I'm anxious to see how long it actually takes for the donations to be posted. The handbook says up to 4 weeks but that seems like a long time.

Donations to date are $185.

First request for donations

Late Thursday afternoon I posted a note on facebook asking my friends for donations and also sent emails to many of my friends at work. As of today at 4:30pm, I had received two checks and two online donations for a total of $100.  Now I only need $2400 more to reach my goal. :) Off to a great start and hope to reach my goal prior to July check-in.

My 3 Day Journey Begins

So yesterday I finally hit the submit button and I am officially registered for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day for the Cure in Atlanta October 22-24. I am up for the challenge. I think :) Surely I can walk 60 miles in 3 days. Don't you think? I have chosen to follow the 24 week training program although I have 37 weeks before the event.

I have wanted to do something meaningful for quite some time. I have a very good friend whose husband and son both were diagnosed with brain tumors in 2004 and founded Miles for Hope. Recently a dear friend of mine and former co-worker was diagnosed with a brain tumor as well. I really wanted to participate in the Miles for Hope - Moving Towards a Cure but I have a previous event scheduled for that weekend. The 3 Day gives me a chance to honor my grandmother who passed away a couple of years ago. She was a breast cancer survivor but lost her life to a blood clot.

By participating in the 3 Day, I am committed to walking 60 miles in 3 days as well as raising a minimum of $2300 to help raise awareness and find a cure for breast cancer. Would you please consider a donation of $10, $25, $50 or even $100? You may donate securely online via my 3 Day personal page, calling 800-996-3DAY or writing a check. If you prefer to write a check, please email me for details. If you would like to honor or remember someone with your donation please email me and I will add their name to my blog and my personal 3 Day page.

This blog will be my way of keeping everyone updated on my training progress as well as fundraising efforts.

Think Pink!