Thank you letter - 2004

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer in Vancouver BC was a beautifully planned walk. We started out near BC Place in downtown Vancouver after a truly inspirational Opening Ceremonies. 2401 walkers listened, many with tears streaming down their faces, as the walk was dedicated not only to those that have fought breast cancer but also to their friends and families that stood by their side during their battle. This message meant so much to me personally as I can?t begin to imagine facing the monster alone. I was so fortunate to have wonderful friends and family to support me and I loved the idea of dedicating this walk to those folks as well.

After walking through downtown Vancouver we walked completely around Stanley Park. Definitely one of the most beautiful routes I?ve ever been fortunate enough to walk. Shortly before lunch however our beautiful summer weather decided to take a vacation and monsoon season began. You might remember the weekend of August 2oth? It?s the one when it POURED rain and we were walking right through the middle of it! That said I?ve never laughed so much for no apparent reason! It was quite the experience to feel the water squishing up between your toes on every single step! The truly incredible part was the amazing attitudes of all the walkers I met up with. I heard no complaining, no whining?just a bunch of people meeting new friends, sharing stories, and generally having a good time! Pretty amazing?especially considering the conditions!

What was even more incredible was the community support we saw. Complete strangers opened up their homes for wet, cold walkers to dry off, use the restroom or grab a cup of tea. Entire families stood for hours in the rain holding signs thanking walkers for their efforts and cheering them on. Vancouver is an amazing city and the Weekend to End Breast Cancer was an amazing event. In fact I?ve already signed up to serve on the Crew for next year?s event! Want to join me?

The first weekend in October found me in sunny San Diego for the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk. Sixty miles?three days. My very favorite format! This time I was joined by nine Kindred Spirit teammates. These folks are the absolute best. Many of us have walked together now for four years. I couldn?t ask for a better support system out on the route.

The San Diego route was gorgeous. I couldn?t have picked a more beautiful place to walk. We started out in Del Mar north of San Diego then walked our way into town. Along the way we walked past ocean beaches, up some pretty challenging hills (who knew?), along the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 101), on several boardwalks as we watched the surfers, near Torrey Pines Golf Course and finally into San Diego. The weather was perfect?high overcast most of the time and a perfect 75?ish. I could feel the Seattle webbing between my toes disappearing!

This is the fourth year that San Diego has hosted an event and the community support was amazing. There was a gal who flew down from San Francisco to cheer us on all weekend from her rental car. Several families spent all weekend following the long trail of 2527 walkers handing out oodles of candy?always at just the right spot! There were signs on the side of the road, notes in chalk on the sidewalk, writing in the sand?all thanking the walkers and encouraging us on. It?s hard to describe how humbling it is to be on the receiving end of the biggest, most heartfelt hug you?ve ever had from a bald woman undergoing chemo who is on the side of the road crying and thanking you. It?s why I keep doing this.