Yep, I’m doing it again!

The 3-Day Flags

As most of you know I participated in the Washington DC Breast Cancer 3-Day last October. It was an adventure beyond description, which someone who hasn’t experienced can’t completely comprehend. I met some amazing friends, saw many wonderful sites in DC & the surrounding area and discovered that when I put my mind to something I can accomplish it no matter what.

During closing ceremonies, when everyone is tired and achy and still pumped full of Gatorade, a circle a breast cancer survivors walks onto the platform, and everyone takes off a sweaty walking shoe to "toast" the survivors. At a time when most really don't feel like bending over to untie their laces, the crowd reminds these survivors that they walked for them. And so someday there will be a world without breast cancer.

Although I wasn’t able to complete the entire 60 miles because of a pinched nerve in my foot, I walked nearly 21 miles on Friday, 10 miles on Saturday and the full 18 miles on Sunday. The last two miles I kept the mantra “Margaret, Jackie, Lilly” (my husband’s mother, sister and aunt that died/suffered from breast cancer) going through my head with each step to keep me going. But when we entered Closing Ceremonies I forgot all about the blisters on my toes, my unbelievably sore feet and felt powerful feelings of relief, sadness and elation; relief that the hard part was over, sadness that the walk had come to the end and elation that I accomplished something most people wouldn’t even attempt. “You are walking 60 miles in 3 days?!? You’re crazy!”

And yes, I’m doing it again! In spite of the fact this year I know what I’m getting myself into. I signed up for the 2010 Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure held in Dallas, November 5-7.  And I managed to convince my amazing friend Amy, who lives in San Antonio, to do it with me. (We are team “walksoflife”)  if anyone else out there would like to join us.) This event isn’t easy, but I wouldn’t be doing it if I didn’t believe 100% that it was worth every muscle ache and injury (tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, pinched nerve, oodles of blisters, lost toenail), weary nights in a little pink tent (too hot, high “are we going to wake up in Oz?” winds, pouring rain and way too cold—all over a two-night span!) and other interesting experiences that would be considered TMI to share here!

Tent City

Just in case you missed my account of why I signed up for the 2009 event, visit my personal Web page to read my story.

Yes, that DOES say Mobile Shower! Not my first choice to take a shower, but after a long, hot day walking it was heaven!

Okay now to the hard part.  I need your help. I am planning on surpassing the $3,300 that you donated so generously last time around to help end breast cancer. And to kick off my fund-raising I have a contest. Everyone that donates $75 or more to my walk will be entered to win a brand new 8 GB iPod Nano. You have to donate by March 31st, 2009 and I will announce the winner on April Fool’s Day. Tell your friends!

Just go to this link http://www.the3day.org/goto/k8thegreat_2010 to visit my personal fund-raising Web page and make a donation or download the form on the site (at the bottom of the page) to mail a donation.

If you have any questions or want to hear more about what I’m doing, send me a message. I love talking about the event. k8thegreat@thekellys.me

Thanks for all of your support. I’m incredibly lucky to have people like you in my life!–Kate