About Me:
I am 53 years old, married to a wonderful man, have a fourteen year old stepdaughter Alexandra, and two great dogs. I came to Florida in February of 1979 for vacation to get away from the below zero temperature in up-state New York. I stepped out of the airport and said, "Oh my gosh; this is me!" After a week, I called my Mother and told her to send my clothes down. I've been here ever since and have never regretted it.
Why I Walk and Joined This Team:
I've been working at Raymond James for 15 years in the IT department. My interest was sparked when a request came out to wear pink to the IT department meeting to support the Thanks For the Mammories and SOB's teams. As I arrived at the meeting, several folks (many I knew) were lined up wearing pink cowboy hats and hardhats greeting everyone at the entry to the meeting. Then Denise Watson got up and spoke about the great efforts everyone was putting in to raise the $2,200 they each needed to participate in the walk, and the camaraderie the team has for walking for loved ones lost and still fighting this horrible disease of breast cancer. Believe it or not, I've never watched anyone close to me fight breast cancer, but I have lost many family and friends to different types of cancer. I've seen what it does to the person with the disease, and family and friends. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Alexandra and I joined the team as a support staff in 2007, and began helping the team raise money. During the 3-Day I worked with Lori Palso at the team's lunch stop and pit stops along the way. It was a humbling experience. As the walkers approached our stops we gave them cold refreshments, snacks, and a chair to sit in. They thanked us for being there. Lori always told them that she knew what they were going through and she was happy to be there for them. I was just happy to be there for them. When the 3-Day was over I thought I would support the team again next year. But I kept thinking about how Lori said she knew what the walkers were going through. I decided I have to walk at least one year so I can say that. So that's what I'm going to do this year. And Alexandra wants to team up with Lori again.
Update: I have another reason for walking this year. Family friend, Marilyn LaPlume, was a 20 year breast cancer survivor. Earlier this year she was diagnosed with cancer on her lungs. During surgery they found it had spread throughout her body. She recently passed away. This year I’m proudly walking for Marilyn.
My donation link:
Please help me raise the $2,200 needed for this fantastic cause.
