So I've done this before

In 2008, my family and friends set out on an amazing journey I will never forget. Under the team name, "Hearts For Gretchen," 7 of us joined the thousands of others clad in pink to do the Susan G. Komen 3-Day walk in Michigan. Three years later, it is long over due for another tour, but this time I'll be walking in Chicago.

When I originally signed up for the 2011 Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk, I was under the impression that my mom would be making the journey with me again; offering everyone electrolyte jellybellies (yes, they make these!) or helping me stretch out my legs at mile 9 of the second day, or just giving encouraging words of support. I never imagined I would have to do this without her and I think that is going to hurt more then the sore muscles, blisters, and 60 miles I have to endure.

I thought about quitting, about giving it another year or two, but along with the sadness that comes with my mother’s passing is the incredible strength and drive to do something, to continue fighting as she would have done. Walking 60 miles to raise awareness and one day end a disease that has now taken two family members that have meant the World to me seems the least I can do.

Without a cure, one person will die of breast cancer every 13 minutes in the United States. That's a pretty startling statistic and no one should have to face this disease. On August 5th-7th, I'm walking to support the survivors and those who were lost to this disease. I'm walking to raise awareness and funds for early detection. But especially, I'm walking in remembrance of my aunt, Gretchen Little, and my mother, Suzanne Pitluk, because they deserved a lifetime.