Part of my Motivation: 60-mile walk for breast cancer

samkaca

Hi everyone, I wanted to share something that has a part in motivating my weight loss

A little bit of story first, My grandmother is an amazing person and I love her dearly. She is such a bright, spirited person and I have never doubted her ability to do anything she wants in life. Even though she has been retired for about 10 years now, she continues to be very active in her community and in life in general. Since retirement she has worked as a bartender at the local eagles club as well as doing gardening side-jobs around town. Other than her addiction to Farmville on facebook, she really does not spend much time inside (I tease her about the fb stuff, heh). In the summer, you're likely to find her on the golf course or in the garden.

My grandmother has battled illness time and time again, barreling through and coming out stronger each and every time. Awhile back, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After weighing her options, she went for a double mastectomy, explaining to us that "I've been married for 40 years, I don't need 'em that much anymore!" Her sense of humor and positive attitude helped us all get through that difficult time. I am happy to say that she has been cancer-free since 2007, and continues to remain very active in her life. She is a very crafty and creative person, I can't even count how many hand-made gifts I have from her, all of which are simply amazing to me. Between the stained glass jewelry boxes, the knitted blankets, Christmas ornaments, and everything else, I'm constantly reminded of her love.

I am proud to be related to such an amazing and strong person. Even though I tell her all the time, I want to show her exactly how much she means to me, how important she is in my life, and how glad I am that doctors were able to rid her of this awful disease. I have registered for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer 3-day walk here in Michigan. 20 miles of walking per day, which doesn't seem so bad! For once it is during the summer and does not conflict with my school schedule, so I have no reason not to. I am happy to donate my time and money to a foundation whose research had at least some part in my grandmother being alive today. I want to put effort towards making this cancer a thing of the past- however long that may take. For now, I want others to be able to experience the feelings that my family and I do, that this is not the end of the world and it CAN be survived.

I wanted to share with you a little of my motivation for this weight loss. I have committed to doing something that is very important to me, and I'm going to stick with it. Now, I'm not here to beg for money. I am a broke college student, so I understand just not being able to afford some things. If you do happen to have a few bucks to spare, I would greatly appreciate it. I just registered, so I haven't even put a dent into my fund-raising goal. I'm going to be working very hard in the next few months to come up with that $2,300 I need to walk.

If you're interested, my donation link is here: http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/MichiganEvent2011?px=5785107&pg=personal&fr_id=1625
Words of encouragement are always welcome, as well

I know you guys will be supportive here, and maybe even offer some "training" tips? I'm fairly confident I wont need to do much in the way of training, but I should probably do something.

Thank you, and have a fantastic day!

miatavixxen

I have done this walk... it is amazing! Good luck and enjoy the journey!

samkaca

I have done this walk... it is amazing! Good luck and enjoy the journey!

Thank you! Can you give me any tips/advice?

TimKirkwood

Great story. I am sure you will do great.

I have signed up for the Relay for Life also. It's in May for the American Cancer Society. I am walking in honor of my grandfather who lost his battle with cancer 5 years ago. He was a great man. He was the founder and pastor of the church I grew up in. He was a wonderful grandfather with more love than he could every give away. I miss him.

The walk I am in is an over night 18 hour walk. I am looking forward to it and have a partner on my team. Should be fun!
If anyone would like to donate my page is at http://tinyurl.com/TimsRelayPage

Good luck on yours also!!!!
Tim

samkaca

Thank you for the kind words I'm still trying to find a friend to walk with me, but no luck so far. Might be going solo on it, but I'm ok with that

miatavixxen

I have done this walk... it is amazing! Good luck and enjoy the journey!

Thank you! Can you give me any tips/advice?

Good shoes. I actually went to one of the 3-day deals where they check your feet - found out i have a slight overpronation and bought shoes for it. Bring extra socks. If you don't know anyone walking there was a way you could join a team, at least when i did it. You don't have to stay with them the whole time but it is a really nice option. Please feel free to add me to your friend list and/or email me if you want more motivation. Heck, send me your website and i'll see if can donate a couple of dollars!