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BARBARA JO KIRSHBAUM 2009 AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER |
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Houston--Avon--April 4-5, 2009---70 degrees--humid---$1.8M raised--- I can hardly believe that I have just completed my 101st long distance walk for breast cancer. I also can't believe that this is the start of my 12th year of walking/fundraising for the cause. I also can't believe that the time has passed from the last walk in Nov. and here I go again! I guess I just can't believe how quickly time has passed......anyone else feel the same way? I just want to share a couple of things unrelated to the Houston walk that were special for me. In January Bob and I went to Daytona, Fla. to the Rolex 24, representing the participants in the Avon Walks for Breast Cancer. I had the 'difficult' task of doing a press conference with Patrick Dempsey to launch the campaign that would have all top fundraisers in each of the 9 cities in 2009 going to Daytona in 2010. I have some memorable pictures (memorable for me, that is!). In March we went to Dallas and I received an award from the Run, Walk, Ride Council. I was very appreciative of the honor called the Cash, Sweat and Tears Award (isn't that appropriate?). OK, enough of that. We just arrived in CA about an hour ago......beautiful weather, about 80 degrees, the mountains were clear (no smog), and NO humidity. Can't beat it! The first walk of the season always holds some apprehension for me. Actually I think I feel that with every walk! Every year there seems to be a little different pain spot, or the feet seem to need to be 'tweaked' in a different way......do you think it might have anything to do with getting old/older! On Fri. during registration it was fun seeing old friends.....many stay in touch throughout the year, but it is always fun to reconnect. The registration was only from 4-8, and I spent that whole time selling Ronda's jewelry. Sat. morning came around very quickly......4:30 a.m. and it is always tough to get moving and the thoughts in my head are always about....'can I do this?'. I walked all day Sat. with Meagan. What a young woman, only 17 yrs. old and walking all 9 events this year and planning to walk all of the mileage. There are several people participating in all events. Since this was Meagan's home walk and since the route was near where she was raised I was given quite a personal tour. It did make it more interesting, since much of the walk seemed like it was in residential......however, I must say that some of the residential was quite spectacular, with really huge homes on very huge pieces of property. By the end of Saturday I was exhausted and achy......one of those days where I think I can't possibly do another day. OK, so I woke up on Sun feeling ok.....again walked with Meagan all day and I can't tell you how good I felt......no pain (please understand when I say no pain, that is still with my magic potions!) It is absolutely amazing to me but I am very grateful. I talked with Nora. She is 48 yrs. old and was diagnosed 20 yrs. ago. She had a double mastectomy and was in remission for 8 yrs. She then spent the next years in/out of treatment for breast cancer again and lung cancer. She has been 'clear' since 2007. Isn't that a fabulous story? The money we are raising and you are donating is making stories like this possible. I spoke with Ronda. She was cheering us on with some friends. She was wearing a pink hat......a recent survivor.....she has her last chemo treatment coming up this week. She hugged us (Meagan and me) and was so appreciative of what we do. She said 'we are all connected'. Isn't that the truth? Kudos to you and finishing treatment.... By the way, I liked the new format of Opening ceremonies. We went to dinner after the walk with our friend Cathy, from Chicago. She had just crewed her 40th walk! We have know each other for many years from doing this. She is a survivor and a dear friend. Anyway, when we were at dinner there was a table of 5 young women next to us. I actually had spoken with them during the walk because some of them were from California. They came to do this walk because their friend, I think she lived in Houston, was celebrating her 40th birthday. Wasn't that an incredible way to celebrate......doing something that will really make a difference in the world. They will all remember that celebration for years to come. Thank you to everyone who is taking a moment to read this journal. This is an incredible journey for me. I appreciate your participation.
Barbara Jo
Kirshbaum ONE HUNDRED+WALKS/ONE MILLION+DOLLARS
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