April 2, 2007

Hello everyone,
This year I am participating in the annual "Avon Walk for Breast Cancer" that takes place the weekend of June 2-3. Since my birthday is on June 4, I thought what better way to celebrate!

No presents or parties for me - I want to do something inspirational that all can benefit from. I asked collegues, friends and family to donate to my walk (and so can you!).

With this walk, my team and I are walking in tribute to the memories of loved ones and in honor to those who have survived breast cancer. For me, I am walking in honor of my mother and in memory of my aunt who fought a long battled, and died at the young age of 34.

"What am I going to do, now?" I've asked myself after the Avon Breast Cancer Walk, that took place June 2-3, 2007. Let me tell you: It was an amazing, life changing experience. I cannot express enough the people I've met a long the way, the friends I've made.

Sure, 40 miles in 2 days, you're all probably shaking your head, as was I. From the first day of training walks in preparation for the event, I would not have ever imagined ME, walking 40 miles, but I did it. At the 18-mile marker, I wanted to quit and have the sweep bus pick me up and take me to the campsite, but thankfully my friends kept pushing me further and I'm glad I did. Even though I've complained many times during the weekend of my aching feet and my face hurting from wiping the sweat with a towel, I would do it all over again in a heart beat.

Day 1, June 2: Rhonda, Christina and I woke up as early as 0300 to get on the shuttle bus by 0400, to make it to breakfast at Solider Field by 0500. We stayed at the Hyatt Hotel (sponsor) and I swear, I did not get any sleep Friday night. It may have been butterflies in my stomach, anxiety or just plain excitement. But whatever, I woke up, showered and got myself ready for Saturday's 26 miles.

The walk opened at 0700 and from there, it was a journey to never be forgotten. I was honestly surprised by the many supporters who came out to show their suport for the walkers. Remember, we walk because want to find a cure for breast cancer. There were so much love in the air, it was quite interesting!

The walk started at Solider Field and ended the day at Warren Park (Peterson/Western). My friends and I got to the park at 1830 (6:30pm ... I'm trying to use military time per med classes), where Julie, Megan and I quickly went to the SpaZone ... got our back massaged, our feet massaged ... it was heaven after pounding the pavement for 26+ miles for 11.5 hours ...

The food at the campsite (that's what I call it) was ok ... salad, spaghetti, chocolate cake. Let me tell you about the showers: they were on semi-trucks and whoever invented them, must be millionaires!! I was grateful to take a shower after the day's walk and did not mind waiting in a long line with other walkers. The showers weren't bad - they were seperated by curtains (so no group showers!) and had a little changing area, as well.

Since I've never been camping, ever ... this is as close to camping as I'll ever get. Melanie and I shared a tent (thankfully Joe and an Avon Crew set the tent up for us). That was also an experience to remember, especially for those who know me, I do not like grass (wet, dried, mowed, etc.) ... after dinner and a shower, all I wanted to do was sleep. I was advised from other walkers that while sleeping, to keep our legs elevated, so I put my duffle bag underneath my legs, kept my Camelback as a pillow and off to dreamland (wasn't so much dreaming) ... I was not use to hard rocks on my back so as you can imagine, my sleep wasn't peacefully, especially when it started raining early in the morning (after midnight)

Day 2, June 3: I forgot to mention above how Mel fell and scraped her elbow and knee, on Sunday morning, she woke up at 0600 to get to the medical tent. A couple walkers were already awake, so Mel and I started disassembling our tent and getting ready to Sunday's LAST 13 miles ... woohoo!!

My feet were hurting pretty bad, thankfully I acquired NO blisters on Saturday. I doubled up my socks, ate a hearty breakfast and was ready to start.

Sunday's walk started at 0700 and was told my experienced walkers that it would take about 6 hours to complete or so. I wasn't counting the distance of the walk, but rather the timing. I was aiming to finish by 1500 (3:00pm), totally.

In fact, Mel and I were ahead of schedule than the rest of our team! Yea, us ... rookies ... ahead of the experts :)

Mel and I met up with the rest of the team, near Solider Field (closing ceremony) to walk together as a team, and that experience blew my mind away. There were tears and I was crying, too ... not because the walk was over but because of the people. Strangers stop to thank us for walking, because they couldn't. We were given hugs by children, high five's to dozens of people. We got gifts from businesses ... it's amazing that people come together as a whole.

I've posted some of the hundreds of pictures - I'm sure I can write more, but don't want to take up too much of your time). If you any questions, feel free to contact me at derec021@robertmorris.edu ...

Current students ... we're close to summer break. You've done a great job and see you next quarter!!