I am delighted to be invited back as a guest blogger to talk about a Breast Cancer Walk that I participated in! My name is Debbie and my mom, Dianne, is the Owner of OrnamentShop.com. On June 6 and 7 I participated in my first AVON39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer in Chicago, IL. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month I am excited to share my wonderful experience.

I was inspired to participate in the breast cancer walk because in May 2012 my sister-in-Law, Mary, was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It was a surprise and shock to Mary and my brother, Don…to all of us.  Their lives were turned upside down and put on hold as a treatment plan was devised.  Through the support of family, friends, a co-worker support team and amazing doctors I am happy to report Mary is a breast cancer SURVIVOR!! 

Training For The Breast Cancer Walk Was Harder Than I Imagined!

Once I signed up for the breast cancer walk, I had 10 weeks to raise a minimum of $1,800 and get my body in condition to walk 39 miles in two days (26.2 miles the first day and 12.8 the second). My friend Laura was an awesome training buddy and she helped me every step of the way. Laura has participated in 7 walks and was very helpful in providing fundraising and training tips. She put together a comprehensive training schedule. We walked every weekend with Saturday’s being our longer walk of the two days. Our shortest walk was 5 miles and our longest was 22 miles. Thanks to the city of Chicago for providing us with a stunning backdrop as we walked along the lakefront to accomplish our distance needs.

Fundraising was new to me and for anyone who has done it; you can relate and know it is not an easy task. I had to step outside of my comfort zone and cast my net as wide as possible to meet, and ultimately beat, my $1,800 goal. The AVON39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer organization had a user friendly website for participants to manage fundraising efforts. I also utilized Facebook as a way to let all of my friends know that I was participating in the breast cancer walk. It was fun to open my e-mails and see the “Someone Made a Donation on Your Behalf” message. The donations I received went towards scientific research, screening and diagnosis, access to treatment, support services, awareness and education.

With my fundraising efforts well on their way I now had to get physically and mentally ready to strengthen my body for the breast cancer walk!  I went to Fleet Feet in Chicago and was fitted for a pair of shoes. They recommended going with a ½ size larger to allow for swelling and I was glad I did. They also helped me lace the shoes to accommodate for pressure points and minimize my heel from slipping, which would cause blisters. I saw a podiatrist during the early stages of training to show him my shoes, discuss stretching for the foot and ankle and to make sure my feet were in good health. It was also critical to have the correct socks that would absorb any moisture during training and try to fend off blisters. There is a saying…”blisters are temporary, fierce is forever” and it is so true. Getting a couple of blisters is nothing compared to what men and women who are diagnosed with this terrible disease have to endure! I was also on the hunt for any tops that were pink!

The Breast Cancer Walk Weekend Finally Arrived!

On Saturday we got to Soldier Field at 5:30AM and you could immediately feel the love, support and power of the breast cancer walk. We were surrounded by breast cancer survivors, people currently battling the disease, people walking in memory of loved ones and people walking for everyone. Mothers, daughters, husbands, friends…all walking for the same reasons…to end breast cancer. I was given a bib and was able to write who I was walking for. Of course, Mary was my initial motivator but through my fundraising I found several friends who were diagnosed with breast cancer and I was able to walk for them too. All along the route people come out to cheer you on. Random strangers yelled words of encouragement and big burly men on motorcycles dressed in pink made sure the traffic stopped for us to cross the street. My mom and dad met us along the route in several locations to cheer us on and it was great to see their faces. We finished the first day in 7½ hours, in the top 20 walkers, with a huge smile on our faces.

Day 2 started at 7:30AM and about an hour-and-a-half into the breast cancer walk we had a torrential downpour. Thank heavens for ponchos! The course was closed due to lightning and we had to wait out the storm at a local hospital. After almost 2 hours we were back on our way headed towards the finish line. Rain delay and all, it took us about 5 hours to walk the remaining 12.8 miles. I was not prepared for the emotion I felt when we crossed the finish line. Friends, family and supporters lined the sidewalk. Everyone was clapping and cheering us on for our final steps. I was actually sad to have the walk over. It was an amazing experience!

Through the kindness of family and friends I am pleased to report I exceed my initial goal and raised $3,820.80 in donations from 27 wonderful supporters. I can’t wait to do the breast cancer walk again in 2016. Now, we have to decide if we will travel to San Francisco, Santa Barbra or New York! Wherever we go, we will be walking in the fight against breast cancer!

If you know a survivor, someone currently battling the disease, a participant in a breast cancer walk or anyone who has been affected by breast cancer, we have personalized breast cancer ornaments that make thoughtful and meaningful gifts for those you love. Check out this breast cancer walk ornament that I bought for my friend that I walked with or this wonderful breast cancer faith ornament that I gave to my sister-in-law for encouragement. They loved them!