Hello family and friends!
It’s
been nearly 3 years since I received the diagnosis that would rock my world.
Today I am blessed to be healthy and strong. From the beginning of my journey, you have each been
there with your prayers, cards, visits, and help in so many forms. Asking for and accepting help has never
come easy for me, but it is one of the many lessons that came from these past 3
years. You made it easier. Thank you!
Now,
once again, I am asking for your help. From Aug 22nd – 24th I plan to walk 60
miles in the Komen 3-day for breast cancer. And I won’t be alone. My dear friend, Doreen, who was such an
amazing support for both Kate and I, has agreed to take this next leg of the
journey as well. As part of our
commitment, we each need to raise $2300 to participate. It’s a big number, but I hope the end
result will make it look small by comparison!
You
may be asking, “How will walking 60 miles help the fight against breast cancer?”
Three words: research, education, awareness.
Having
breast cancer gave me a serious education on cancer, and what I know is that we
are all united in our fight against this invasive and destructive disease,
whether we have breast cancer, or colon cancer, or uterine, or ovarian, or
leukemia, or any of the many, many forms this monster takes. Research will mean advancements in
cancer treatment and detection, and early detection can make all the
difference. If you do get cancer, becoming educated on your cancer
enables you to be an active participant in your care; and access to reliable
information on treatment options, side effects and prognoses is an important
part of that education. But a big part of what Komen provides is
continued awareness of the growing epidemic that is cancer, the huge number of
men, women and children that are affected and the significant progress that is
still needed.
So
I'm walking...60 miles:
•
20 miles for those who have lost
their fight and for the people who have loved them: for Laurel, and
Cathy, lost to breast cancer; for Wendy, lost to colon cancer, and for too many
others to list.
•
20 miles for the brave warriors who
continue to fight, because the battle never ends. For Julie who is
fighting now; for Laurie and for me and the countless family and friends who
have been there, because cancer can rear its ugly head at any time so we are
constantly vigilant.
•
20 miles for the future – for my
daughter, for all our children, and for the hope of a cure...of a day when
cancer no longer causes fear of death or even invasive and devastating
treatments.
for PEACE for LOVE for HOPE
Why
am I walking 60 miles? Because, after 9 months of cancer treatment, 4
surgeries, 3 days in the ICU and many, many trips to the hospital…after losing
my breasts and losing my hair, and even losing my sanity to the medication that
was intended to keep me from losing my lunch… after all this… I am walking 60
miles for 1 reason above all others:
Because
I can
And for that, I am eternally
grateful.
-barb
Please help us in our journey! Each donation, big or small, helps us reach our goal. The web address for my 3-Day page is
below, a link in the top left corner will take you to a secure donation site:
If you prefer, you can print off a donation form from
the bottom of the page and mail your donation into the address listed on the
form – the donation will be credited to our team.
