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BARBARA JO KIRSHBAUM 2008 BREAST CANCER 3•DAY |
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Breast Cancer 3Day----Philadelphia----Oct. 17-19,2008--------3100 walkers-------$8.1m
This journal is dedicated to Jessica's Mom, who just died with breast cancer.......damn disease....My heart goes out to you Jessica.
I can hardly believe that I am now sitting at a computer in Hilton Head, South Carolina. We flew from Philadelphia this morning to Charlotte, No Carolina and then drove here for a couple of days R & R before the Charlotte walk this week. Anyway, here I am!
The walk in Philadelphia was fabulous. I loved the route. We walked through some beautiful residential areas, and some typical residential areas. I loved them because they really did look different than the west coast. We walked through some charming communities where I would have loved to shop if I had the time, and a way to carry the purchases! Something to consider for next year........ We also walked in the downtown area known as Franklin Plaza. We were near the Art Museum that has the famous steps that Rocky ran up, but it looked like there was some construction going on there, because I would have loved to run up those steps.....adrenaline would have made that possible! We had some areas near the camp where the Philadelphia skyline was spectacular and the sky was gorgeous.
The weather was really perfect walking weather. It was cool about 55 during the day and actually colder in the morning. I had 4 layers of wicking materials and only ever took off 1 of those layers. In addition to that, I had mittens with hand warmers in them that I had on until lunch, and one day I had a knit scarf, as well. I was comfortable most of the time. I would rather be bundled up and then shed layers as I need to, but it stayed pretty brisk. I might add that on Sun. by the time closing ceremonies, which were at the stadium at Villanova, started I was really cold and could hardly wait to get into the car with the heater. It seemed that the 'change of seasons' began this weekend. Leaves were turning color and falling to the ground. I loved it.
On Fri night after dinner, I was asked to stay for the program. Eileen, the CEO/Pres. of NPT, the organizers to the event, was on stage and introduced me, and said some very nice things about me. This was the weekend that I achieved my 5000th official mile in the fight against breast cancer. To honor that, NPT made a $25,000 grant to our local hospital, San Antonio Community Hospital, and their new breast center. That was the best part about achieving that milestone.....the grant to the hospital. I was so honored, since NPT has never done anything like that. They presented me with one of those huge checks that I can give to the hospital. Thank you so much to NPT for that honor.
My friend Judy Cherry who lives in New Jersey came to meet me on Fri at lunch. She had made buttons for the walkers and was giving them out. We sat for a while and then she left. That was so sweet of her to do that. Thanks Judy. See you next week.
On day one of the walk we
walked by several schools. All of the schools had their children outside
cheering us on. One group even included the
On Fri. I walked with Ian. Actually I think we started talking about 1 mile from lunch, and then we walked together the whole day. He was walking for his 35 yr. old daughter who was diagnosed last year, and is hoping to walk with her Dad next year. Ian wears a picture of Rachel around his neck and kept looking at her. I enjoyed walking with him, but as often happens, I never saw him again during the weekend. I hope that it was a great experience for you Ian and I look forward to walking with you and your daughter next year.
I spoke with Angela whose birthday is today! Happy Birthday Angela. Today is her 60th birthday. She had known about me and checked out my website for fundraising ideas. She raised $11,000.....that is just fabulous. This is a transitional time for her, and I know she will have lots of options. Good luck Angela. Thanks for sharing some time with me.
Dan was walking alone. Why? He was walking for his 42 yr. old niece....a 5 yr. survivor who has been fighting. It was amazing how many men were walking by themselves, meaning not part of a team. I spoke to another man, in his late 50's who heart surgery 2 yrs. ago, walking for his grandchildren, so they won't have to walk.
To all of the people I spoke to this weekend I thank you for sharing the road with me.. It seemed that I met even more people than usual, and didn't even have time to write names down. I was happy to share my story with you and I was honored that you shared your stories with me.
Bob and I are definitely looking forward to coming back to PA next year. I hope that isn't a conflict with our 2009 schedule, which I am starting to figure out now. Walk number 97 is complete......3 more to go for 2008. It has been one fabulous year. Thank you for all of your support.
Remember this is breast cancer awareness month......self exams, and mammograms! Tell everyone! Men get breast cancer too...
Please check out: armyofwomen.org and sign up.
Barbara Jo Kirshbaum
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