I'm doing this. I'm really doing this.
- jcstift
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Suddenly, my Facebook and Instagram feeds are full of energetic ads with pictures of smiling, if somewhat dirty, people surging across the finish line of Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walks having raised money for a cause they care deeply about and accomplished a significant physical and mental goal.
I've always wanted to join their ranks, but even when on a fitness kick, I've questioned my ability to remain committed long enough to cross that finish line.
BUT, it occurred to me, now I CAN! I have the time. I have demonstrated a long term commitment to supporting my body in being as healthy as I can be. And I certainly have the motivation.
With that thought, I input my personal information, grabbed my credit card to pay the registration fee, and clicked send to form my team of one. I was immediately swapped by equal parts excitement and terror.
Why am I doing this?
I’m doing this for Michelle whose pain was dismissed by doctors for 6 months before it was discovered she had breast cancer that had so severely damaged her spine, she was 5 inches shorter - and in honor of her fight to see her beautiful daughters graduate high school.
I’m doing this for Pamela, who responsibly went in for her mammogram and two years later is preparing for her final Kadcyla infusion as I write this.
I’m doing this for Chris, who I met via a support group after we had mastectomies the same day and who is now facing the unknown again as she goes through the too long process of getting answers.
I’m doing this for Lindsey, who was busy battling breast cancer at an age where most women are planning weddings and babies.
I’m doing this for Sherry, who went in for a shoulder repair and came out with a diagnosis of breast cancer.
I’m doing this for Lisa, whose journey has been extended thanks to innumerable failed surgeries - and who is thriving after a 6 month reconstruction recovery.
I’m doing this for Nicky. Nicky who battled breast cancer the first time 6 years ago and who, when I met her to walk this morning, just had her port placed to face this again.
I’m doing this for Janet, for Karen, for Diane, for Carrie, for Nicole, for Christy, for Janelle . . .
AND I’m doing it because I’m healthy. I can do this. I can help make sure that life saving research that has helped all of these friends and me, and that has helped those many dear friends with other cancers for which treatment has been advanced thanks to breast cancer research, continues. And I can help make sure that this list of people has an end and someday we get to quit adding names to it. I can do something I’m both excited about - and terrified of - because there are far more terrifying things in the world.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
1. Sign up to join me - whether for one day or the full 3;
2. Make a donation, help me reach (or exceed) my fundraising goal;
3. Share my fundraising page; or
4. Join me on my training walks, there will be a lot of long ones!
Thank you for all of your love and good energy as I prepare for this endeavor!
I hope you enjoy reading along with what is sure to be an experience with lots of victories and a few hurdles.
My personal fundraising page:
Comments