On Saturday, the day after chemo, we participated in the Walk for the Cure 5K Race in Salt Lake. Friends of my sister Amy who walk yearly, sponsored me on their team 'Bookin it for Boobies.' My daughters and my sisters excitedly joined them and insisted on pushing me in a wheelchair. I was apprehensive at best, unsure of how I would be feeling. How grateful I am that they encouraged me to come. I was tired, a little out of it but so humbled by the experience. As we walked the distance, we were surrounded by over 16,000 other walkers who walke for a variety of reasons. Some to support the cure, some as survivors, many to honor a loved one who had lost their battle with breast cancer. Irrespective of the reason for their attendance, there was a comradary and sense of unity that I have never experienced before. The majority of us were strangers to one another but for this cause, the barriers that might have otherwise separated us merged into a wall of compassion and service. As I looked forward, all I could see was a wave of white and pink t-shirts representing a committment to humanity. Behind us...the same. As the race ended, the survivors were positioned to walk together in order of their years battling and surviving the disease. As I took my place among the newly diagnosed, I was overhwelmed with a sense of sisterhood and strength. The sight was incredible but what it represented was a committment to the hope that allows us to continue to fight when our strength was gone. It was only fitting that as we lined to stairs that we were surrounded by those who had walked with us. Those who selflessly gave of their time and resources to show an outward gift of support and courage to those who were living with this disease. At the end of the tribute, white doves were released into the air symbolizing the hope that was inspired in each of us that day. I felt honored to be among these great people whose lives had been touched in some way by the tragedy of breast cancer and yet had rose above their fears of the uncertainty of life and 'walked' to make a difference. I am so grateful that because of my diagnosis of cancer, my eyes and my heart have been opened to the many, many opportunities to make a difference in the lives of others. This experience has added dimensions of service and compassion to my life and to the lives of my family that have changed our hearts forever. A special thank you to my daughters Katie, Angie, and Amy, my sweet friend Aubrey, my sisters Linda, Amy, and Donna for supporting me and making it possible for me to be a part of this event. There was laughter (silly t-shirts) love, and a spirit of sisterhood that is forever imprinted in my heart from that special day. How grateful I am...
How funny were our t-shirts?
Baby Sophie walking for gramma!
Newly Diagnosed
Love my girls....!
16,000 total...
Sister of my heart....Becky
Donna and Linda
Who cares what we're wearing! Support from a stranger!
Below is a link to the song that was played in tribute to the survivors at the race. There are some images that are real, that represent some of the harsher realities of breast cancer. Most of the images are of hope and love and support. I hope that this is the message you will glean from it. I apologize ahead of time if any of you find them offensive. The video included carries a power of the realities that were represented by those who supported and walked today. It is a song sung by Melissa Ethredge entitled 'I Run for You.' I loved it...Cyndi
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