Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk Blog

Sep 02, 2009 6:43 PM by Alison Bills

Posted in SheKnows Cares / Breast Cancer Awareness / Breast Cancer Awareness & Support

Save The Boobies

On behalf of SheKnows, I participated in the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk in Denver this year. Unprepared and happily oblivious about what to expect going into it, I left the walk sore and tired, but a stronger, better woman. And in 2009, after going from 0 to 60 (miles, that is) in three days, I made a difference.

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Day 1

Please pass the caffeine
Half asleep still and a little nervous, I boarded the shuttle from my hotel to the Colorado Mills Mall in Lakewood, for the Opening Ceremony. I choked down a PowerBar and licked my third coffee cup of every last drop of deliciousness, then headed off the bus dragging my "35-pound" bag behind me.

Volunteers were shockingly energetic.

Pink wigs, pink hats, pink ribbons and beads, and smiles were everywhere and I immediately absorbed the great vibe.

All of us walkers loaded our bags into the semi trucks which would transport them to camp for us, then headed into an emotional opening ceremony.

New friends

Energizer was (appropriately) one of the event sponsors and handed out foam pink bunny ears to all of the eager walkers. It took about 7 seconds of me standing there awkwardly by myself before I made friends with the two women standing closest to me.

Valerie, a Denver local, and Ashley, also a native Colorado gal, whose mother, I'd later find out, had just lost her battle with breast cancer two months ago.

Opening ceremony

Bring on the tears... Opening ceremony was a tear-jerker as we met some of the survivors we'd be walking alongside, as well as those walking in honor of their friends and loved ones.

Flags paraded across the stage held by people who have been directly affected by breast cancer. For my MOTHER, For my SISTER, For my DAUGHTER, For my GRANDMOTHER, For my WIFE, For my PARTNER, For my HUSBAND, For my NEIGHBOR...

And we're off!

Inspired, motivated, (now fully awake and watery-eyed), and eager to begin, we started our walk. The sun was out and we were welcomed warmly by rush hour traffic honking and cheering us on at every stop light. We felt like rock stars with our very own fan club. It was such a great feeling being part of the sea of pink that flooded the streets throughout Lakewood and the surrounding community.

Neighbors stood in their driveways and sat on their front porches in their robes and coffee cups, cheering us on. Before we knew it we'd arrived at our very first Pit Stop.

At each stop, walkers are encouraged to drink about 4 to 5 ounces of fluids per mile, so the Pit Stops are stocked up with Gatorade and water coolers for us to fill up our water bottles. Drink, Pee, No IV! was the mantra that day. There are also snacks galore: animal crackers, pretzels, chips, string cheese, bananas, sliced oranges, yogurt -- you name it. So we stretched and refueled and headed back on our trail.

Next page: POTTY BREAKS

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Tags: breast cancer breast cancer awareness charity walks

Comments

Comments on "Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk Blog"

very good and cool,thank you for your sharing.

I've done Atlanta, awesome! Michigan, awesome and Chicago, hot, wet and awesome! This year I'm doing Boston. My goal, every city!

Last year's walk in Denver was my first - it was a great city to be hosted in, however the altitude is tough. Train hard if you choose that one! I've heard San Diego is a lot of fun, and I've heard great things about Dallas too! Good luck!

What city's walk would you all recommend for the 2010 Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk? I'll be a first-timer this year and I'm trying to decide which city would be best for my first 3-day experience!

So cool! I want to do this next year!

Wow Alison! You did a great job of describing our weekend in Denver. I can't believe it's already been 2 1/2 weeks since we finished. I can tell you I am so ready to do it again. I think I understand now why so many people do this every year. I am just in the mood to do it again THIS year. I think my husband was a saint for supporting me once... I better limit myself to once a year. I am thinking Dallas next year!!! wooohooo!!!

Great Blog Alison...you hit the "nail on the head" in describing the weekend...I've participating since 2005 and continue to "talk the talk" to anyone who will listen about the 3 day event. I was hooked after my first walk...with emotions that I never knew were in me...you go through a "roller coaster" of them during those 3 days. I walk in memory of my Grandmother "Leah" taken from my mom when she was a teen. Maybe I'll see you in Atl. one year :-) Take care, LeAnne www.Saving-2nd-base

Alison Welcome to our world, I'm the one that carried CUREiosity the Pink Rally Monkey. I see that you like so many others who come to The 3-Day become addicted to the cause. My walk in Denver was my 12th event and the first one as a walker. I'm glad you felt the love from within the community and you shared it wonderfully in your blog. If your in San Francisco The first weekend of October, look us up...

Way to go!! Thanks for sharing! I will be walking in Philadelphia in 36 days! I can't wait, although my feet can :)!

Great story & thanks for sharing! I will be walking my first 3-Day in Dallas/Ft. Worth this year...I am so excited and nervous. Your story really helps me to visualize what to expect. I can't wait!!!

Just the inspirational story I needed to remind me why I am walking this weekend in Seattle. Thank you!

Way to go Alison! I do not know you, as it sound the other people do! I have never participated in our "Weekend to end breat cancer" (It's call this in Canada) BUT I have always wanted to, but thought I would not be able to do it by myself....after hearing your story, and wiping the tears away often, I now realize that I do not need to have a partner to endure the pain with. There is a ton of friendly people who are willing to befriend you! Thank you for writing this. It is an absolute Inspiration, and I thank you! GREAT job to you and to EVERYONE who has participated in this event around the world! Next year I am IN!!

Go Alison!! I think a Team SheKnows is an awesome idea!! Just think of alllll the things we would, could and should talk about to keep our minds off the miles and miles and miles. You're a great inspiration!

Great job Alison! Thank you for walking for all the women who can't.

Congrats on surviving it, girl! Love your photos and write-up. It was so good my feet hurt just reading it. :-) Thanks for doing it!

Alison you inspire me! If you can organize a team SheKnows I'm in!!

That is awesome you did this, Alison! You made SheKnows proud!

Alison- this is amazing! You truly captured the spirit of the weekend and made an impact even on me-and I was there! Thank you so much for doing this, and I agree...I can't wait to do it again next year! Keep in touch!

Thank you so much for this Alison. I've always wondered how and why people would walk 60 miles for this event. After reading your blog, its obvious that its so much more than just a walk. As Joel said, this is article absolutely inspiring and I cannot wait to sign up for the next one. I truly treasure your friendship and am grateful to have you in my life!

Ali--I am SO proud of you for not only going to this, but coming back with such an amazing story to share with everyone!! You have inspired me and my group of friends to participate in this next year and we have already begun the planning!! Much Love, Ashley