Race for the Cure

Last Saturday the munchkin and I got up before the sun rise, and decided we would go and support a very good friend of mine who was just diagnosed with breast cancer. The "Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure" is a 5 K run/ walk to raise money for breast cancer research. Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded on a promise between two sisters. Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure, they have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill that promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

We "raced" ~and by "race" I mean we walked slowly behind a line of a what seemed to be a million people~ for 5 kilometers- which is just over 3 miles. My friend who will be having a bilateral mastectomy next Friday walked the entire way with me. She had just had biopsy surgery a few days before ~and I'm so proud of her! She wasn't feeling the best and could have stayed home, and no one would have thought any less of her~ but she wanted to be with the women who were supporting her. The walk went very well, except for a few slow-pokes in front of us that were rammed with the stroller. Kate seemed to enjoy the ride, although about 45 minutes into it she was tired of the stroller. Luckily, someone was walking a dog nearby, which distracted her enough for us to finish the race.

Our team raised $781.00- (over half of that amount ($415) came from my friends and family!). Thank you so much for your support. I want to believe that events like this are what makes miracles happen. Today, my friend got test results back from her biopsy and the cancer is NOT in her lymph nodes~ which means she will not have to have any chemotherapy or radiation treatment after the mastectomy! That is the best possible news and it was what we were all praying for. Charities like this one are making it possible to detect these diseases so much earlier and give these women a fighting chance! Because of people like you- my friends and family- I will get to keep my friend around for a long time to come! I am very thankful for that. I know there has been a lot of worry and fear about the economy, gas prices, home mortgages, etc. We all get caught up with the things that are going wrong. With Thanksgiving coming up next month, take a few minutes to think about all the wonderful gifts you have in this world. I have a beautiful baby girl who brings a smile to my face everyday, a wonderful husband who loves me even when I'm grumpy, a family who love and support us and the best friends anyone could ever ask for! Thank you.