Race for the Cure!

Sadly I missed last year’s Race for the Cure in the triangle, as I was headed out to LA for Teach For America’s summer institute.  Seeing as I’m here for the summer finishing up my Masters, there was no way in the world I was missing it this year.  Especially with the year my mom has had fighting breast cancer, it was especially meaningful to be there.  I can’t believe I’ve never been before, and think I will do my best to never miss one again.  What a powerful day…

LAURA’S LOVE POSSE: 10!

I raced with the most incredible team there, formed in celebration of my favorite Laura DeLoye, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 1 year and 7 months ago (is that right Laura?).  The group formed then to show her some love, and continues to spread the loving, especially when it comes to raising money for breast cancer.

Plus we’re just plain hard core.

OUR GAME FACES: 7

At least two of us were on the right track.  But seriously, are you guys trying to outsmile the competition?

OUR TIME: 5

Let’s just say we’re lucky we were participating in the non-competitive race, as it took us over 30 minutes just to get to the starting line…

And I suppose our photo stops didn’t help either…

Or the large crowds…

But we made it to the end in less than an hour and a half!  For a 5K that’s brilliantly embarassing.

Just meant extra QT with the framily

I PINK I CAN: 10!

Best. team. name. EVER.

ENTERTAINMENT: 10!

I promise this high rating has nothing to do with the fact that the fabulous Laura Deloye (of Laura’s Love Posse) was heading up the Entertainment Committee this year… or maybe it does, but either way the race entertainment was BRILLIANT!

A church choir, a folk band, a saxophone quartet, Mr. Wolf AND Woole Bull?!?  Can’t beat it   Certainly kept me energized when I nearly died alongside Lauren during the women’s 5k earlier in the morning…

WATER SUPPLY: 10!

With nearly 25,000 participants, in 90 degree heat, I’d say the folks organizing did an INCREDIBLE job of making sure there was enough water for everyone and anyone.  I drank 3 bottles myself, and was incredibly grateful for their ability to plan ahead

TRASH MANAGEMENT: 9

Considering how much water they were handing out, both in bottles and cups, they also did a great job of planning for where it all would go.  There was definitely some spillover in some places, but there were bags and cans EVERYWHERE, and they even had plenty of recycling- for plastic AND cardboard.  Hard enough to do in my own apartment, so much love for the large scale which they were able to recycle.

All in all the Race was incredible, especially considering my hatred of large crowds and heat.  The fact that I barely noticed these two, and actually kind of enjoyed the power of the crowd, says a lot about all pieces of this event coming together to make one incredible Saturday.

If you’ve never been before, DO IT!!!

Making Strides Against Cancer

As many of you may be aware (and how could you NOT be!), this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This year it hits particularly close to home for me, as my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer this summer.  One of her friends, Pauline Midori, a dedicated volleyball player and humanitarian, has organized a team for her to walk in, for the October 17th fundraiser in Harrisburg.  My family, and many of their friends, will be joining them, and their hope is that the funds raised from these events all over the country will make a difference for the future.

A message from my mom:

Why am I walking?

The last 4 months have been an eye-opening, and life changing time for me.  Since diagnosis on June 2, thru surgery June 30th, and now 4/6 chemo treatments done, I continue to grow emotionally, endure physically, and feel more connected with the need for a cure for this disease for my daughters sake.  My mother faced this twice, now me, and I want to stop the progression.
And you can be a part of it, too.

I have signed up to walk and hope you will join me in my effort by signing up to join my team or making a donation in support of my participation. Hope starts with us.  For further information on my status, check my blog called Meds and Maggie, that is where the team name came from – Maggie is our new pup!

To donate to the team click here.  Any amount helps, and sends a strong message of support, so don’t let that stop you!

MY MOM’S TEAM MAKING IT TO THE TOP 10 FOR AMOUNT RAISED: 7.  Clearly a good thing, but right now they’re in 10th.  Let’s see if we can move that up a bit…