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BARBARA JO KIRSHBAUM 2009 AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER |
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Chicago--Avon Walk for Breast Cancer--June 6-7, 2009--$7m raised 3200 Participants Oh, I could just cry......I just deleted an hour's worth of journal writings! I am not sure that I am up to rewriting all of that....I will do my best! I guess this technology is too much......I try.....but......!!!! The laundry is going, and I am back to the routine, since we got home late last night. My body was pretty tired, being on the plane for 4 hours after walking a 40 mile weekend......however, I was able to sleep a little on the plane, which helped. I especially like the Chicago walk, since many of the people I have met through the years either live in the Chicago area, or do this particular walk. It is also the city that Bob and I lived in the first 4 yrs. we were married, and since this route is in that area, it brings back many memories. I can't believe that was almost 50 yrs. ago.....oh my gosh! The weather was as predicted.....rain....however, it could have been much worse and most people looked like they were prepared and had some form of raingear on. We walk, rain or shine, but when it is raining I am very focused on not slipping and watching where I am stepping....it isn't as much fun, but it is definitely part of the challenge. And as I tell people, these events were not meant to be easy, they were meant to be a challenge, so I look at the weather challenges as part of "it wasn't meant to be easy"! I spoke with Dave Ortman, who learned about the Avon walks from their TV commercial. At the time he signed up he didn't know anyone with cancer.....his wife was then diagnosed with melanoma. He began walking every year, and lost his wife last year. Dave, may her memory be as a blessing.....He continues to walk...this was his 5th walk and he has raised over $17,000. Way to go! I met Maureen 2 yrs. ago, when she recognized me from the Why We Walk book. She was a recent survivor at the time, and now she has walked 2 yrs. This year she is walking with a friend, and she is such a neat lady and so easy to talk to. I look forward to spending some walk time with you in Aug. While I was selling jewelry on Fri., Connie, came over to buy a bracelet. She was supposed to walk, but not given medical clearance since she is a 3 week survivor. However, her daughter is walking. Connie was wearing a t-shirt that said: Pardon Our Appearance--We Are Under Construction! Connie, if you read this, please send me your last name so I can wear a pink ribbon to honor you on my banner, for my next 10 walks....Also, if anyone else is reading this and would like me to walk in honor/memory of someone, please email me their name. I walked with Meagan both days. Today is her birthday.....Happy Birthday, Meagan. And congratulations on being the youngest person to every walk in all of the walks in 1 year. (4 down and 5 to go!). And congratulations on walking every step of the way.....see you in the Rocky Mtns. On Sun Teresa walked with us and walked with me into closing. Teresa has become part of my 'extended' family since she walked the SD 3Day last year to celebrate my 100th walk with me. Also, Teresa makes the most beautiful woven ribbon head bands and hair bows to raise money for breast cancer. By the way, Teresa created a team of 7 walkers. Good job, and I look forward to seeing you in Aug. Talking to Margie was again a reminder of why we MUST keep raising as much money as we can. She said that "she should not be here" because she was diagnosed at stage 3C and was estrogen and progesterone positive. She was treated with chemo, and radiation, and was on Tamoxifin for 5 yrs. and is now taking Femara. Margie is a 6 year survivor.! Yea! Began talking with Mia....I remember meeting her wonderful family 2 yrs. ago. She had been diagnosed at 35 wks. pregnant.....diagnosed with 2 primaries within 2 wks......breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Her mother is a 27 yr. survivor....Her sister is also a survivor.....Mia was speaking at the closing ceremonies, but I missed that since we had an early plane to catch. It was wonderful talking with her.....her children are now 6 and 2. Her family 'hosted' one of the stops that was the Pink Brick Road.....had a moment to say 'hello' to her family....what incredible support. As we were coming to the end on Sun. I spoke with Joy....we started chatting because she was asking me if I did 'all' of the walk, and that got me going into saying I have walked every step of every walk (that is part my particular challenge with doing these events, along with raising as much money as I can)......she told me that she is a 1 1/2 yr. survivor, and had decided it was 'time to give back'. She raised $2900. Good job Joy, and it was great meeting you. Special kudos to my friends.....you are all amazing, because you keep motivating others and raising awareness walk after walk, year after year, dollar after dollar.....thank you for being my friends.
Barbara Jo Kirshbaum |
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