Happy Father's Day!

I just remembered Father's Day is this Sunday and with the news I received yesterday it's perfect timing. I had inquired about being a part of the 3 Day opening/closing ceremonies since my mom had done it, and I was asked to submit my story. This is what I wrote:

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. The team name, “Hearts for Gretchen,” is in honor of my aunt Gretchen (my namesake and godmother) who passed away in 2007 due to breast cancer. Her along with my mother, were 2 of 4 sisters diagnosed with this horrible disease.

Three years later, it is long over due for another walk, but this time I'll be walking in Chicago with my cousin and under the team name, "Hearts for Gretchen & Suzie." When I originally signed up for the 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 lost my mother to breast cancer just this year on February 9, 2011. My mother was my best friend despite the miles that were between us. We talked almost every day and she was one of those moms I could call up just to say hi. Her attitude and view on life was astounding, especially with how she dealt with cancer. She was a nurse (RN) and besides calling on science and medicine, she drew from her own personal experiences with cancer to help her patients.

I signed up on January 6th of this year and after my mom passed away, 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.

The 3 Day events and participation has become almost therapeutic to me in dealing with my mother’s death. I really can't explain how or why, but I know if I'm really missing her and I start working on fundraising or training or helping another team out, I still miss her, but the pain doesn't seem as bad. I’ve been trying to get involved in every aspect that I can to promote awareness and advocate fighting breast cancer and finding a cure. I’ve volunteered my time as a graphic designer and designed 3 different shirts for a team in Seattle as well as a logo for another team. I just became a 3 Day for the Cure Ambassador and have been blogging my experiences and thoughts online and hope to help promote the event even more. Right now, everything seems small to me and I want to continue to do more, but I know she would be proud of me no matter what. My aunt and mother were both warriors against cancer and I will never stop fighting for them.

A lady named Gina called me and said she had filled most of the spots. The "my mother" and "my aunt" flag were already taken and she usually likes to pair the flag with a walker who has a story that relates to the flag. She said it didn't necessarily matter though. She had asked if I minded being away from my team during opening/closing ceremonies. I replied it was just my cousin and I on the team, but my boyfriend and others would be there and my dad was flying in from California for the event. Gina said, "well, the my father flag isn't taken. Maybe you could carry that? I know your dad doesn't have breast cancer..." And I realized it would be the perfect flag to carry.

I think we often forget the ones who stand besides those with the disease. I don't want to discredit what my mom or anyone else went through or is going through, but I know it takes a special person to help them with that fight. Jack stood by my mom through the good and the bad. He went to the awareness walks with her to cheer her on. He volunteered at them and even walked with us. She didn't have to go to chemo treatments alone or even doctor visits cause he was there to drive her back and forth in case the chemo made her sick. I also consider carrying the flag in support of my dad, to let him know that during this difficult time that our family has faced we'll help each other get through it. I like the fact Gina was open to a different perspective on the flag and I'm looking forward to standing on stage at the end of 60 miles with it.

The lady (Gina) at Susan G Komen emailed me Friday and said a woman had contacted her about carrying the "my father" flag because her dad was a breast cancer survivor. Gina recommended that I carry it for the closing ceremonies and the other lady could carry it for the opening. I told her it was alright if the other lady wanted to carry it for both, I would understand, but Gina insisted that I carry it for the closing.