Meet Sandy

I am walking more than anything because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself.  I heard about the walk and when I looked it up and it was on my birthday I was even more excited ~ what a great way to celebrate by helping others.  My grandmother died of breast cancer and my aunt has been a survivor since 1989.  I am very excited and a little nervous about the journey ahead of me.  I have a very long road of training to do which also motivated me participate.  This summer will be my 20th wedding anniversary to the most amazing man God could have given me.   I have three boys whom I home school and  I am an active member at the Hebron Church of Christ in Joppa Alabama.  Thanks for letting me be a part of this awesome adventure that can make a huge change in the world!

Meet Team Pink for Life

Over the next few weeks I will introduce you to my teammates and they will share with you their personal reason for walking.

Meet Ann

I am walking this walk for several reasons.  First of all, my friend Jan has stage 4, triple negative breast cancer.  She has had a very rough time of it since her diagnosis, just this last fall.  2 mets to the brain were quickly eradicated with the use of cyber knife but she has had to endure some horrible, very very horrible chemo.  The first surgeon who operated on her, just did a lumpectomy which normally might have been enough but when the path came back as badly as it did, they should have done a mastectomy then and there.  So even tho, the recent PET scan showed improvement in her thoracic disease, it still shows activity all thru out her breast so we know it is still there and just waiting to send out new disease.

So even tho walking 3 days, 20 miles each day, I know nothing I do would be half as hard as what she is going thru.  Putting myself thru this just something I can do to prove that we can get thru anything if we just do it one step at a time.

I have always enjoyed a physical challenge.  But since I am not a gifted athlete, walking has been my go-to activity of choice for many years.  I can walk almost any distance as long as I get fed and get a potty break when necessary.

I also believe that the Susan G Komen Foundation handles the money they receive in a responsible way.  More so than other groups, especially if it goes thru anything related to our government.  So if any one can raise enough money to make a difference it is them.

Oh-And by the way, I am a registered mammographer. I don't choose to do that type of work anymore as I ended up doing pediatric MRI's and really felt more skilled there.  But I still remember the sinking feeling I had in my stomach every time I pulled a film out of the processor and held it up to reveal a obvious breast cancer.  So anything I can do to help put other mammographers out of that business is something I do cheerfully!! LOL, no matter, I think all their jobs will be safe for awhile.

I have been walking my usual 5-6 miles at a time, 3-4 days a week.  Looking forward to some training walks and to meeting my new team members.
-Ann



To donate to Ann, click here.

For Becky and More

I’ve struggled to write my first fundraising letter this year and I’m not sure why. I could tell you so many things that have happened since October that have changed my life and who I am but I don’t think anyone would truly understand unless they were there. Where you ask? Why Atlanta, of course, with thousands of other men and women all with the same passion and goal as myself! To extend the lives of all those affected by breast cancer (men and women/young and old). 2,400 walkers and 350 crew members all working together for one purpose.

Pink for Life ranked as the #12 team in fundraising with over $35,000 and we were #10 for the largest teams in our first year. I am so proud of my teammates and all we accomplished together. We are hard at work again preparing for another busy fundraising and training season. The weather will soon be perfect for lacing up our new shoes and if you should see us out on the sidewalks/trails, be sure to honk and wave as you pass us by. You see, we were spoiled with all the attention in Atlanta, so please try to understand.

My heart has been heavy the last few days as I read the news about a 3 Day walker who lost her battle with Stage 4 breast cancer on February 10. Becky Hewitt was twice the top fundraiser for the Twin Cities walk and a dedicated mom. I’ve watched her survivor 3 Day speech several times and cried each time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9AGIugHZ0M

I’ve read her journal entries on CaringBridge and cried.

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/beckyhewitt/journal

All she wanted was more time with her family. My heart is broken for her family and her young daughter, Taylor. She tried to shield Taylor from all her pain and waiting until her very last days before the family explained that mommy was about to become an angel. Rest in peace, Becky! We will continue your fight.

Would you please consider a donation to Susan G. Komen on my behalf? $5 is the minimum donation

I would be forever grateful and so would all the survivors.

Don’t delay. Donate today. http://the3day.org/goto/tammyk