60 miles...

I can do that.

I have recently been asked by several ppl about my decision to become involved with the Susan G Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer walk. The simple answer is that I walk to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Here are some statics to ponder:

1 in 8 US women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

A man’s risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 1,000. (yes, the men in our lives need to do self exams too!)

In 2011, about 40,000 women in the U.S. were expected to die from breast cancer.

That’s the black and white, factual reasons why I walk. Then there is the grey area, the reasons of the heart that motivate me to walk. Less than a year after Hubby and I were married, we lost his father to cancer. Before I ever had an opportunity to meet my father in law, Wayne, he had already been diagnosed and undergone a double mastectomy for the treatment of his breast cancer. It all started when he felt a tiny pebble like area on one of his breasts. Wayne is more than just a statistic for us. He loved rebuilding old cars, the Beach Boys, his friends and his family,. Lots of times I feel cheated. Cheated because I only had a chance to know him for a short while. Cheated because my husband lost his first hero. Cheated because my children never had the opportunity to meet him. Now we are approaching Hubby’s 40^th birthday, the doctors have advised him to begin the yearly PSA testing given his family history. So begins a journey of always trying to stay on the offensive should this nasty disease try to rear it’s ugly head in our family again. Or at least that is what my head says. My heart sometimes has moments of weakness and feels a little like it’s been gut punched. Like somewhere from the dark the other boot is going to drop down. I walk so that maybe before that happens a cure can be found.

There are several ways you can help me during this adventure. First is the most obvious, donations. If you are interested in donating, leave me your email address in the comment section and I will get in touch with you to provide you the information you need. Second, I need your prayers for strength during this process. Third, I need volunteers to take time to walk with me. I hate walking alone! It also helps to have people hold you accountable for getting your miles in.

As I continue with this journey I will try my best to keep you all updated to how things are going so you can experience all the trials and tribulations with me. This is my second time participating in the walk so I know that are a lot of moments to come that will be both emotional and hilarious!