Walk for a Cure

One of the most fulfilling things I've been able to do this year was attend the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk. It's 60 miles of walking spread over the course of 3 days. Walkers camp out in little pink tents and do nothing but eat, drink, sleep and walk during that time.



Although I know this doesn't have anything to do with destination weddings, it does have to do with people and travel (sort of, if you consider feet are the mode of transportation). I thought it would be interesting to blog my experience to encourage people to consider either walking, donating or cheering on the people who do walk. Believe me, the people who cheer are half the reason walkers are able to make it through the event.

Here we are, one of my teammates and dear, dear friends - Jantina Roberts

During the opening ceremonies, they had several survivors or family members come up to join a circle in honor of breast cancer victims. It was very moving and really put things in perspective as to why we were there to walk.



Meet my team: Babes Bustin' Out. From left to right: Jantina, Kristi, Ninette, Diane, Shilpa, Tracy and me.

With the sun rising and the weather a brisk 65 degrees, we began our walk.

There were approximately 2,000 walkers that participated this year.

Along the way, people were there cheering us on. There was one group that made it out each day with a different theme to start us off smiling. Here they are in all their glory:

Then there were the pit stops. Each one had a different theme. This one was "baseball" and I just love the tagline of "Saving 2nd Base." So clever!

And what Breast Cancer Walk would be complete without a bag piper?

By the end of day one, we had aches and pains, but the crew members still encouraged us with clapping and kind words.

At night, we stayed in our little pink tents. It was chilly, but us Phoenicians make sure to bundle up when it drops down past 70!

The next day started out with some seriously sore knees, but I got myself bandaged up at triage and on our way we went.

Perfect team picture opportunity!

This pink fire truck had people's signatures all over it, even the interior was covered.

A break for lunch was always a good time to change shoes, socks and recharge our dying batteries.

When we made it to Scottsdale, where the event concluded, we found one of our favorite cheerleaders there giving us one final bit of encouragement. He drove around the entire weekend honking and dressing up in silly costumes to make us smile.

Before the closing ceremonies, they brought us into a holding area so that we could all make the final half mile together as a group. All the survivors are wearing pink, walkers in white and crew members in gray.

When we made it to the closing ceremonies, we learned it is tradition to remove your shoe and hold it up to the survivor's circle to signify why we are there in the first place.

All the survivors and loved ones of victims who opened the ceremony, closed it with hands held high and hope in their hearts.

The Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk was a life changing experience. I implore you to get involved. If not with a Susan G. Komen event for breast cancer, than for something that makes a difference and brings you closer to your community and to the other people we share this planet with. One thing you can do with your wedding is register for a charity rather than for gifts. You will feel good about helping a worthy cause and your guests will feel like they are making a difference as well! There are several great charities out there that you can register for.

This event proved to me that we owe it to each other and ourselves to join together to make a difference in this world - even if its with just a smile and a hug - it all counts!