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Monday, September 14, 2009

The Weekend to End Breast Cancer

In 2007 and 2008 I participated in The Weekend to End Breast Cancer which is a 60 km walk through the streets of Toronto. The 2008 event was a particularly special year for me because I walked alongside my mother and my mother-in-law, who were both celebrating 5 years cancer free!!

This year, I decided to take a year off from the event. I didn't regret that decision until yesterday when the fabulous dude, M&L and I headed to Toronto to support the walkers at the closing ceremonies.

We got their in time to cheer on team BOOBEES as they crossed the finish line, after walking a painstaking 60 km on a fairly hot weekend. This weekend, the team was made up of 6 wonderful ladies. FD's Aunt P, Be, my mother-in-law, my sister-in-law A and Caley. They also joined up with their friends Tina and Susan who were also part of the event. You go girls! I am so proud of you!

The weekend is full of emotion and I was lucky to experience a small part of it yesterday afternoon as I cheered on the walkers as they approached the end of their journey. I was even able to cheer for a 97 year old woman who was completing the event. She was there last year, too. Amazing!

Many people walk in honour of or in memory of those they know who have had their lives affected by breast cancer. On the back of Caley's shirt, she was proudly sporting the names of my mumma and mumma-in-law.

The closing ceremonies are likely the most emotional part of the weekend for all who are involved. During the ceremony, there is a procession of walkers who are breast cancer survivors who make their way to the front. As I watched these beautiful women (and some men) make their way to the stage after walking for two days straight, I gave thanks to God for my mom and my mother-in-law and spent time praying for those whose mothers, wives, sisters, aunts and friends have lost their lives to cancer.

I was proud to wave at and blow kisses to my mother-in-law as she walked in the procession with the other participants. You can see her in the bottom left of the photo below.
I haven't made a definite decision yet but you can probably count on me being there next year raising funds and walking the 60 KMs again in support of this cause. Because cancer is hard, walking isn't.

13 comments:

Brooke said...

i had to google how many miles 60K is and holy cow!!! what kind of training do you have to do to walk that far?

Caley said...

Ok blogs are making me cry today . . . could be because of the utter exhaustion I am feeling. As I sit here, feet in epsom salts, you reminded me that though my feet are achy and sore . . . Cancer is hard, walking isn't.
Love you!

Emily said...

That is wonderful about your mom and MIL. God is awesome!

What a wonderful cause.

This Texas Momma said...

What a great weekend! Maybe someday I will get to participate in the 3-day walk here. Both of my grandmothers and my mom's sister are BC survivors. What an awesome event for your mom and MIL. Congratulations!

Gwen said...

Yeah for your mom and MIL for 5 years cancer free!

I have never done the breast cancer walk, but have done the Alzheimer's walk every year for like ten years. It is always such a special event.

I hope that one day, both breast cancer and Alzheimer's is a thing of the past.

Becky said...

Thank you! There is nothing as awesome as seeing a group of amazing people cheering you on as you complete your final steps. It was so great to see you there!
Love you tons!!!!

Gwen said...

WOW!!! We do the 5K every year but I think I might be inspired to do the 60K now!!! I love the team name also. Too cute!!! XOXO

Holly said...

Holy cow! How long does it take to do that walk? It's a great cause, though, and I love the team name!
Craig did a 100 mile MS fund raiser bike ride on Saturday.

Elizabeth said...

What a wonderful cause to walk so long for. You have such a wonderful heart. I see it in so many of your posts!!

Anonymous said...

Lucy, this is so great that you do this. I can't believe all these women go so far! So amazing!!!

JennyLee said...

This post totally made me tear up! So many brave women!

Kelsey @ Seattle Smith's said...

My girlfriend just did the 3 day walk, and more power to you girls!! You have such strong women close to you (and you too!!)

Lucky in Love said...

How wonderful! I've always wanted to do something like this. It's amazing! So glad your mama and MIL are doing well :)