We drove up to Lake Lanier Islands and 6 of us from my team spent the night in a small hotel room. We had to get up around 4 a.m. so there wasn't too much sleep going on.
DAY 1...After the sun came up, they had a beautiful, emotional opening ceremony and then we began our walk. Scott drove the Double Bubble Breast Cancer Bus around and cheered on walkers and talked to people who came out to cheer. He was "on call" for us for when we needed a lift. I think he got a few naps in too. He met a couple who are battling breast cancer right now. Her cancer has spread to her liver and she is waiting to start a trial. She was really excited to see the bus and encouraged by all of the walkers. Scott was inspired by talking to this couple who have such a great spirit while they are going through this hard time.These stories keep us going.
DAY 2...This day (October 22) was the 3 year anniversary of my diagnosis. I can not think of a better way to spend this day than walking with my friends and knowing we are doing something for this cause. We were able to get into camp a little early since we had our own personal sweep van(aka Scott and the DBBCB) .We put up our beautiful pink tent and had a delicious hot meal. Then we had time to do a little 3-day shopping and check out the memory tent. This is a place in 3-day camp where you can go to sign this white tent in memory of someone you have lost to this disease. There are pictures, momentos and stories that reminded us of why we were there. This was very emotional for us to look around and especially see all of these young moms who are not with their families any more. We had a chilly night but were ready to start day 2. Scott met us at lunch time and took us to eat BBQ. It was a nice break from the walk and a fun way to celebrate Cherie's birthday. Two of the crew members joined us for lunch and we were told that 75% of walkers do NOT walk the entire 60 miles. This really takes the pressure off to think you have to walk it all. I think that it is more about challenging and pushing yourself to do more than you think you can but it is not about pushing yourself to the point of really hurting yourself. We also met some friends who lost their wife/mom this past year to breast cancer. They were around the whole weekend to cheer us on. It was great to walk along and see how many people took the time to come out to support us. There was even a dog who came out that is a breast cancer survivor. She wore a sign that said "quadruple mastectomy". The ATL Coffee Kids were there every day to pass out coffee to walkers, play guitar and sing to us. These kids come out year after year with their dads to support the walkers. Once again we got into camp early and enjoyed hot showers in these 18 wheeler shower trucks. Then we had a fun night with Candy Coburn and her band preforming for us in camp. They were so great! Then we got to hear a "survivor" walker tell her story and then a dance party. They made the 3-day men get up on stage and shake their booties. Scott was a great sport and gave us all a really good laugh. We met a man who was walking by himself. He lost his wife 2 months ago to breast cancer and he was celebrating her birthday. He was having a great time dancing and getting a lot of attention from the women. We love our 3-day men!
DAY 3...It was kind of sad to pack up our bags and start day 3. We were happy that they told us we could keep our pink tents though. It was so fun on day 3 to walk through Buckhead and Atlanta. There were people cheering all along the way for us. We were so excited to get the chance to go on Candy Coburns tour bus and meet the band and sign the bus. Candy had seen Eva's youtube video of her signing "Pink Warrior" and wanted to meet her. Eva wore her pink tutu and cowboy boots but was very shy and wouldn't sing for Candy though. Candy Coburn was so sweet and she let us all sign the wall on her tour bus. She has committed to preforming at all of the 3-day events this year and 100% of proceeds from "Pink Warrior" go to Komen. click here to see~ Then it was time for closing ceremonies. It is a great feeling to walk in hand in hand with other survivors! The other walkers all hold up one of their tennis shoes in our honor as we enter into the area for closing ceremonies. It was so awesome to hear that the Atlanta walked 6.1 million dollars for the fight against breast cancer. Everyone Deserves A Lifetime...
I am ready to sign up for the 3-day again after having such a great weekend. I had so much fun and I didn't want the weekend to end. I think it should last a whole week! It really is a weekend where everything seems right with the world! We will wait until after the first of the year to decide what events we will be participating in next year. Thank you all so much for your support this year. We couldn't do this with out all of your support, encouragement and prayers. We will keep on walking until there is a cure!
My 2010 team.. Me, Scott, Debra Scott, Carey Faulds, Melonie Jones, Cherie Divin, Elizabeth Hurst, Carolyn Flood, Kimberly Timbs and Joanne Jenks. Thanks for committing to this cause and walking with me this year. Your support really motivates me to keep going. I love you guys and hope you can join me in events in the future. Love, Katrina
