I’m 56 years old (geez have I really made it that long), married to a nice guy (finally), mother to his son, (a 28 year old career Navy man we’re very proud of), grandmother to his 5 year old son Bryce (who’s a joy to be around), and mom to 3 furkids (that need me as much as I need them). I’m a 2nd generation native Floridian and New Port Richey is as far north as I plan on living. I’ve been employed at Raymond James for 11 years now.
The “2009” Breast Cancer 3-Day is the 5th year this event has taken place in the Tampa/St. Pete area, and every time I thought…I really would like to participate in that. But then the doubts would creep in - could I actually walk 60 miles in 3 days and raise the $2,300 in required donations - and each year I chickened out and then beat myself up for not having the courage to even try. After working hard to get into shape this past year, I decided it’s now or never to step out and give it my best shot.
People ask why I’m doing this, besides being crazy, and it’s not really hard to explain. I think almost everyone has or will face losing someone they love to cancer in their lifetime. My first exposure was losing my best friend from childhood, who was only 18 years old when she died, and what a shock since we thought we were invincible. There have been many more friends, relatives and acquaintances over the years, with the most significant loss being my Dad. No he didn’t die from breast cancer, although many men do, but from brain cancer. Yes this walk is to raise money for breast cancer research, treatment, prevention and education, but if they find a cure for breast cancer, that will lead to cures for other cancers as well.
I would venture to say, the most life changing event for me was when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and it all started with a routine mammogram. Within 3 days I was in surgery, but I was one of the lucky ones - after being told it was definitely cancer, it turned out to be a benign mass. Isn’t it ironic that the time I spent wondering was 3 days and the walk is 3 days. This time I’ll use the 3 days to accomplish something BIG!
If you know me, you know it’s not within my comfort zone to ask, beg or plead for donations, but THIS, this is a cause worth stepping out of the zone to support. Won’t you HELP?
Please support me as I take an amazing journey in the fight against breast cancer!.
Please click this link to go there now!