For those of you unaware, here is some info on Susan G. Komen. Its a great fundraising event for breast cancer. And what is so great about it is that the donations stay local. 75% go to local programs and 25% goes to research conducted at some of our local institutions (Duke, UNC, Rex).
Here in the triangle this event started 15 years ago with 2500 participants. Saturday, over 25,000 people attended and so far an estimated 1.8 Million has been raised. HOW COOL IS THAT?
My participation started when my friend Kristen asked if some folks at Crossfit Durham could form a team to support me. Someone recently told me that people look for opportunities to do something for you and when an opportunity presents itself, you need to let them seize the opportunity. It ends up helping both you and the other person. So I let CFD seize this opportunity and Team Melinda was formed. They even had special shirts made that said Team Melinda.
Team Melinda!!! |
The event itself is a 5K. Some of my team did the competitive 5K and some did the recreational 5K. Some of my badass team did both. We met there under the instruction of the best team captain ever (Kristen). How we found each other among 25,000 people is entirely because of her (and my friend Amy's mad navigation skills). When I came up and saw my team, I lost it. Boohoo'd all over the place. Still, when I think of my friends helping me in this way - fundraising, showing up, wearing the tshirt, walking with me...well, I just get so freaking emotional. I guess maybe I am not used to being cared for in this way and it just feels good. And I don't know how to process this. So I cry. But this was just the start of it.
We started the walk and seeing the sea of supporters and all of my team made tears come. Talking to my friends during the walk after being so reclusive for so long made tears come. Thinking about life going on made tears come.
That's me at the start. All teary. That's Kristen on the right. |
I went all flat chested and out there. I figured if there was anywhere in the world where it was OK to be flat and proud it was at a breast cancer event. I think this helped me get past any embarrassment. I mean, it is what it is at this point. At least until the foobs come in (they've been ordered!!!).
Texas Superwoman |
Here we are at the end of the walk. Team Melinda!!!
Alison, Jonathan, Kristen, Nelly, Anna Lindsay, Tracy, Amy and Katie |
iamthecure.org |
Then my friend Alison and I went to go listen to the opening ceremony and we happened upon the survivor parade. This was the most powerful part of the whole thing.
Less than one year to 30+ years - left to right |
The tears just came and came and came. And come now as I type. Just powerful stuff.
My Team Melinda just let me cry and hugged me and rubbed my back and told me it was OK. I have the best friends. I am very lucky girl.
In summary - Race for the Cure is a keeper. Know someone with breast cancer? Take them to this. Have breast cancer? Go to this. And listen and look around. Don't just go to do a 5K. Get the message and see the hope.
Thank you to all of the generous donations. You can still donate! You can do so here. It's a great cause!
Love you, Mo and am so glad to see this particular post. Hope is a powerful thing and I think you have quite a bit more of that now. Yea Team Melinda!
ReplyDelete- - - Mom
Oh girl that is SOOOOOOOOOO awesome. I always keep up with your blog but hadn't checked it I guess and missed all this good stuff. Tears rolling down my face!!! Love you, pray for you, think of you, hugs!!!!!! You are amazing!!!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Shae
You are truly an inspiration. My hat (although not as cool as yours) is off to you. Thank you for being such an amazing strong voice for so many people. You go girl.
ReplyDeleteAnne
Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAnne, thanks for stopping by! I always get great stuff from your blog! I was pretty excited to see you commented!