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BARBARA JO KIRSHBAUM 2009 BREAST CANCER 3•DAY |
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Breast Cancer 3Day, San Diego, Nov. 20-22, 2009, 3800 walkers, over
500 crew, $9.2m raised, 408 male walkers
Whew! The end of my 12th year of walking and the completion of 11 long distance walks for 2009. It has been quite a year. Just to let you know, if you have been following my journey, that I was pain-free for all 3 days of the San Diego walk. That was a relief and I was most grateful to my body for behaving and doing what was asked of it. Bob and I and David arrived in SD on Thur. evening. Fri. morning came much too quick....it always does.....even for the 111th walk I was nervous in the morning getting ready. Once I got to the event I was fine, but always that anxiousness comes over me. John and Laurie were waiting for me, as was Jan. I guess they all planned to walk with me, and we actually walked all 3 days together. Jan was walking in her 30th walk, and Laurie was participating in her 15th event. John, was a 'virgin' walker. He was always home taking care of their daughters when Laurie participated in the past. Laurie has been my email stalker for many years. She emails before every walk and after every walk. When I say 'every', I mean 'every'. She has participated in any event that I was a part of in southern California to support me. She and her family have become very dear to me over the years.By the way, Laurie wears a banner with the names of her honorees on it......the exceptional thing about her banner is that she cross stitches every name on it......it is absolutely beautiful. Thanks for 'hanging' with me. The weather in SD was perfect all weekend.....mid 60's I think.....and the route was lovely.....with a couple of very steep challenging hills on day one and day three. If I just pace myself and keep on moving I got to the top.....Laurie was behind me on day 3 and she said she just looked at my shoes and followed my steps and make it to the top also. Good job Laurie. Jan, on the other hand, with her long legs moved right along past us. And you know what, we all got there! I don't think I have been on a walk with so many people giving out candy, cookies, water, Kleenex and any number of goodies. I also don't remember every seeing so many kids.....scout troops, cheer leaders, babies, families,.....etc. all supporting the event in their own way. It was really amazing. So, along with those observations, I have never seen so many people giving out Jell-O shooters, vodka, pink beer (I didn't even know there was such a beverage), wine and who knows what else....I think I counted 8 different stops (these are not officially stops!) on Sunday. I was personally more interested in those giving out candy and homemade cookies! Speaking of cookies, my dear friends the Weisman's, (they are dear friends that I have met through this cause), were giving out cookies on Sat. at the lunch stop. Alyson has 30 people baking cookies for her and her husband and son Jerad (who is a survivor) distribute them with milk each year. They give out 1000's of cookies. Last year they had a special cake made for me to celebrate my 100th walk, and this year they had a picture of Bob and myself and our story on the front of her table. It made Bob and me weep and we are so appreciative to all of them. We love you. I spoke with Laurie and Cathy from Boston. 7 came in to do the walk and Cathy was filling in for her friend who could not participate. This was Cathy's 10th walk and she had just completed 600 miles. What an accomplishment! Their team is called the Cup Crusaders and they raised $175,000 for the Boston walk. Wow! I spoke with Carrie, an exceptionally beautiful young woman. She hugged and thanked me. When that happens I usually know that the person is a survivor and they are thanking me for all the money I have raised. She discovered a lump one month after she was married 4 yrs. ago at age 30. Her doctor told her it was nothing and to wait 6 months. She went to another doctor. It was breast cancer. She is now 34 yrs. old and has a 2 yr. old daughter who she describes as a 'blessing'. Carrie says she "is walking until a cure is found'. Carrie, you are the reason we need to continue raising money so we can continue saving lives. And your story is the reason we need to keep reminding women about self examinations. I hope we meet again beautiful lady. In a port-a-potty line Teri and Jean wanted me to know they were my 'journal stalkers'! I didn't know I even had 'journal stalkers'. I love that. Cindy was walking in her 3rd walk. She wanted me to know how much the signs meant to her, especially this year. She reads my journals and knew of Bob's diagnosis. It was wonderful to see Maria and her hookers. They come to every SD and every SF walk.....they are so entertaining and play their 'roles' to the hilt. Maria, you are one special lady. Also, seeing the San Jose police on their bicycles 'training' the San Diego police. The San Jose police have always done a great job and the walkers 'love' them. My special thanks to Lt. Harper for his hugs. I look forward to seeing you at the SF walks in 2010. There was a beautiful young woman at lunch.....I did not speak to her but I gave her one of my pins......she was bald, and was still visibly in treatment. The research must stay ahead of this disease. Thank you to all of my local family, children and grandchildren, for being in San Diego and supporting my efforts and participating in their way. I love you from the bottom of my heart. I couldn't ask for more or better......We are so lucky... I thank the staff of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure 3Day, the National Philanthropic Trust, and Event 360, for a successful SD event. And to all of you Bob and I thank you for the amazing support we have received. We are most appreciative. If you would like me to wear a pink ribbon on my banner for someone special to you, please email their name for my 2010 banner. Thank you for following my journey. Wishing you a happy healthy holiday season.
Barbara Jo Kirshbaum
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