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stand for something, then walk towards it


we did it! with your help i raised over $2600 towards increasing breast cancer awareness and research. last weekend, my dear friend sarah & i walked 60 miles in the susan g. komen breast cancer 3-day. friday, we joined 1600 other walkers at the cow palace for the open ceremony and made our way up the golden state highway to the golden gate bridge. after we set up our hot pink tent, we hunkered down for a chilly night of camping in crissy field.


saturday morning we headed out across the golden gate bridge, walked through sausalito, and into mill valley. after a quick pit stop for lunch, we made our way back through marin, accross the bridge again, and into camp for another cold night. i'm so grateful to have met marlene, a 17 year b.c. survivor and to have had her courage, spunk, and wisdom to keep us going. she walked 80% of the time with us saturday and always found energy to race to the bottom of the hills.


day 3 brought us to golden gate park and through some of san francisco's most well-known neighborhoods: haight ashbury, hayes valley, chinatown, little italy and the marina district. crossing the finish line and being cheered into the closing ceremony by other walkers, family and friends was such a celebration.


while the 60 miles of walking was trying at times, all the training walks and tips about gear paid off, and my body recovered quickly (thanks primarily to the wacky toe socks and body glide). it may sound strange, but the walking became somewhat secondary to all the other encounters of the weekend. hearing other walkers' stories, honoring aunt margaret and linda, crying, laughing, stretching, breathing, and sharing the energy and generosity of the walkers, crew, and volunteers were every bit as powerful as accomplishing the physical challenge.

i met so many young mothers who's battles against the disease have already begun. how staggering it is to know that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in her lifetime. knowing that early detection is key has me adding getting my first mammogram to the to-do list. encourage yourself and those you love to preform monthly self exams and get a mammogram. and thanks again for your tremendous support of me and the walk for the cure.

Comments

mama mia said…
these are the photos I've been waiting to see! not so easy to see from my phone, and you look marvelous and inspired indeed.
Anonymous said…
Those toe socks are wild! Well done!!!
Amy P said…
E, you really are amazing. Woot!
Aunt Linda said…
I love you, man! Being a survivor is a wonderful experience..meeting other survivors is even more wonderful...having friends and family to love and support you, to laugh and cry with you...that's what keeps you going. Thanks so much for caring enough to do this and for raising all that money to fight this devastating disease.
Missy said…
Great job, Erin!
Cory said…
Congrats! I never would have thought toe socks. I got two tiny blisters on my walk and that definitely would have prevented them!! Sooo great, you are right about the walking being secondary, it's the stories, tears and laughter that make it all possible!! xoxo
Unknown said…
look at those great toes!!!! Such a cute shot in the midst of your exciting weekend...Ava and I have also been checking out the Owen Disney World pics. She says, "I wanna see Owen again, mommy." I think she means in person but nope -- she is ok with the photos. As for me...I would prefer to give you all a big hug in person! Miss you tons and so excited for your move/whole new life -- the Walk, the house, the Trader Joe trips!!!! You deserve this happy time! xxoo, c

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