I am back from the Breast Cancer 3 Day experience and I am very happy to report that I completed the entire walk.  My dear Team Celebrate Life were a lively and positive group.  I was proud to be a part of you.  There was lots of laughter and fun throughout the weekend which made this otherwise grueling task a real joy.  I believe that everyone who was within ear-shot of our tents or our path knew this team was a strong one.  I feel very grateful to have been part of this group of diverse and determined women. 

I want to acknowledge our team as individuals too:  First I must recognize and thank our Captain Dianna  – our inspiration and our survivor.  It is hard to imagine that she just finished chemo in mid-May.  She trained with us during treatment and was always a calm and steady presence.  We love you Dianna and we’re so glad that your journey with breast cancer brought us all together.  

Thanks to the rest of the team too —  Missy , Christine, Tina, Travel Carol, Conehead Carol, Joyous Joy  from Charleston SC,  Mardy, Diana, Kim, Stacey, Terri and the Las Vegas Ladies – Tammi, Camille and Deanna.   Last but not least I send a special thank you to my tent-mate and walking buddy Yvonne who was so easy to be with.   My greatest regret is that Yvonne became separated from the team that last day in the rainstorm.  She nonetheless finished and met new friends along the way.  Still – I missed walking with her and hoped she wasn’t hurt by the separation.

I am grateful for all of you – your positive spirit, the training fun we had together and for the interesting songs, activites and conversations that emerge while walking.  To describe this to someone who hasn’t done the 3 Day loses so much in translation!

One of the greatest challenges was keeping this big gang together both during the walk and also once we were off the course.  There was no obsessing about it – the group stayed in touch.  Smaller groups split off from time to time, then regathered later.  Constant group shifting and continuous motion – all good.  

Another fun part was making friends with other walkers as we crossed paths, waited for showers and stood in line for the porta-potties.  There were some really outrageous outfits and silly people.  It was like being in a big parade. 

There were also stories of loss, sadness, tribute and survival.  I was particularly moved during our lunch break on day 2 when a large family group of about 20 people in matching T-Shirts ranging in age from 4 months to 70 years gathered to celebrate with 3 family members who were walking.  Their shirts were printed with the photos of two beautiful women whose lives were taken by breast cancer . It was such a joy to be asked to take their photos with a multitude of cameras and to watch them share the happiness of the day.  Something so good and loving can result from tragedy and I was fortunate to witness it.

Now for the sad parts.  It is sad to have this 3 Day chapter of my life behind me.  I’m going to miss the group walks and that sense of anticipation.  The cancellation of the closing ceremonies due to the severe weather was also a huge disappointment.  We understood – yet it wasn’t what we had dreamed in our hearts.   Our team quickly started making plans for a roadtrip to Detroit so that we could there to cheer walkers and be part of their closing ceremonies there.  What a great idea!  Team Celebrate Life knows how to pick up the pieces and move on to more fun!

It’s now time to re-focus on my business and new methods to maintain my fitness.  My body survived this extreme sport well and I am ready to tackle new challenges and more good causes.  Bring them on!