tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14659709065399229782024-03-13T03:02:55.690-04:00Sherri's Journey for a cureLife after breast cancer. Here's my story...Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-53749802078665780892013-09-02T11:15:00.001-04:002013-09-02T11:15:54.923-04:002013 3-Day DAY THREE!Friday morning I awoke to an overcast misty morning. We got up early knowing that we had to pack up and be ready to go by 7AM. Packing in the rain is just no fun. If you have ever camped, you know what I mean. I tried to pack as much as I could while sitting in my tent so that things stayed dry. I don't think my girls had that same idea. Imagine my surprise when I set up our tent only to find the girls' air mattresses soaking wet and covered in black astro-turf pellets. I am not joking when I tell you that after doing the 3-Day you will find these annoying little black pebbles for months!<br />
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Just before 7AM, CJ, his brother, and camera-guy Dylan, showed up. To refresh your memory, CJ works for <i><a href="http://justlive.com/">Just Live</a></i>, a lifestyle and fitness apparel company that encourages people to seize the unlimited potential of each day. TWP has partnered with <a href="http://justlive.com/"><i>Just Live</i></a>, and CJ was filming us during the walk. CJ was part of the crew that did our documentary, and has become a good friend since. When he approached us about partnering with <i>Just Live</i>, we knew we just had to. What is better than a Tough Warrior Princess who wants to just live and embrace all that life has to offer? Well, as you read on, it will become very clear, as it did to CJ, that the TWP definitely seize the unlimited potential of each and every day.<br />
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We gathered just inside the chute for a quick photo op, and were on our way--all of us. <br />
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As we exited camp, we were once again greeted by our stalkers who traveled from Amesbury early in the morning to cheer on each and every walker as they began their third and final day. There were lots of hugs and cheers. When starting on the route, we are walking on a very busy road. For that reason, the 3-Day staff have us walk, single file, inside orange cones. On each of these cones is stenciled "3 DAY" in black letters. Well, we were extra rowdy this morning, and thought it might be funny to pick up a cone. Gretchen took hold of one of the cones and continued walking. We thought we might borrow it for a while, because stealing is illegal, and then maybe place it back somewhere else, like someone's basement, or a TWP event. As we came upon a safety monitor, Gretchen decided to place the cone upon her head so as to not be seen--hidden in plain site. We were prepared to be scolded. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSBE3RAcYz7FAg-f_5eK70OKl9UZ9zNBmlXHDgnUT6j4Y3A5jimoARhZBcCugePZxsE0kjPZO6-fvXniJwKCNA9PcUgSty2W5iz9U0wHkYk5v5GNFVV0L00ZsF8z1-k3M-cXTWMUeJjo/s1600/IMG_1883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRSBE3RAcYz7FAg-f_5eK70OKl9UZ9zNBmlXHDgnUT6j4Y3A5jimoARhZBcCugePZxsE0kjPZO6-fvXniJwKCNA9PcUgSty2W5iz9U0wHkYk5v5GNFVV0L00ZsF8z1-k3M-cXTWMUeJjo/s200/IMG_1883.JPG" width="150" /></a>Luckily for us, he just rode on by. We thought we might be on to something, so Allison decided to follow suit. The two of them just plainly walked down Trapelo Road with cones on their heads while the TWP around them could not even stand up due to hysterical laughter. Ahead we noticed a safety monitor, a different one. You know how sometimes people try to be funny and light in what they say, but there is always a slight disgruntled undertone to it? Well, this is how this woman was. She was volunteering to help out, and I know it is awful to say, but she just rubbed some of us the wrong way. Unfortunately, for us, she was the safety monitor ahead--Operation Connie Distraction was in full effect. Connie went up to the "Princess" and obnoxiously danced with her while Melissa ran said cones over to Stalker Sean's car. Mission successful! Be sure to look for these cones at a TWP event near you!<br />
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As we left Waltham and continued into Watertown, Connie made it her mission that day to dance with EVERY police officer on route. And she did! Believe me, there are a ton! One at every major intersection. I loved this idea. Most officers were great about it. Some even waltzed in the middle of the street with her. Others, not so much. But in true Connie fashion, she warned them that if they did not dance with her, she would just bump and grind around them, and she did. The best thing about this was that every officer who was approached smiled and laughed, even when they were reluctant to dance. For a few moments, Connie made everyone forget about why we were here, and just made people laugh. She is truly someone who embraces and appreciates life, and I love her for that!<br />
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On Day 3, as we always do, we savored every moment. Maybe even more so this year. We had conversations with those around us learning their reasons for walking. <br />
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We continued to find every mode of transportation that Mo could have used for this walk including a shopping cart, which we so aptly put Dylan in. We chatted with CJ as he walked with us, GoPro on his head. We laughed hysterically, once again, when Dylan ate gummy bears after putting Icy Hot on and got it in his mouth! We stopped and hugged our stalkers, re-reading the inspirational Mo signs that they had created. <br />
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At one of the early pit stops, CJ interviewed me and Patty, and some of the other TWP. Now, the TWP aren't the only people to cause trouble. As CJ finished interviewing Alexa and Dylan, a 3-Day staff member comes over and starts talking to him. I can see from the conversation that he is in trouble. The staff member then picks up her phone and calls someone. We are assuming someone in authority. The end result was not that they were going to throw CJ off the route, just that he was not allowed to film at the actual pit stop. Lucky for us!<br />
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After more interviews at the next stopping point, we entered Boston, my favorite part of the walk. We were definitely taking it slowly. As we walked into the Public Gardens, there was another 3-Day staff member there. It seemed they were all over us today! She told us that the pit stop after the Public Gardens was closing momentarily and if we chose to go on the <a href="http://swanboats.com/">Swan Boats</a>, we would need to continue without support. After careful consideration (we had our own support crew and we knew we could find bathrooms) we decided to go on the <a href="http://swanboats.com/">Swan Boats</a>. It was a tradition, and one of our favorite parts of the walk. We held spots in line for the few people that needed to use the facilities at the pit stop just ahead. We thought they would be right back. We knew we were late because the Pink Angels and String of Pearls had just finished, but had no idea how far behind we really were. <br />
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As we waited in line, Connie's phone rang. It was Tina who had gone ahead to the pit stop. She warned us that they were busing everyone to lunch because the pit was closing. Our TWP were heading back on the route to avoid the sweep. She told us that if we didn't want to go directly to lunch, we needed to find another way out of the public gardens and back onto the route. We said we would figure it out while we were on the boats. Some of us were fine with sweeping. We had done the walk before, but for others, this was a personal mission. Walking 60 miles is no small feat. Since we are of the "no Princess left behind" motto, we decided to go rogue. Yes, you heard me right, we went rogue! Fortunately for us, Kaitlyn (I mentioned her in my last blog) had joined us at the Swan Boats and was very familiar with the Downtown Crossing area, plus she knew the route from year's past. As soon as our boat docked, we were off. We knew we had to be fast and sneaky. If anyone from the 3-Day saw us, they would pull us off the route and bring us to lunch. <br />
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We briskly took a different exit out of the public gardens. As we were leaving we could hear this vibrant live Spanish music. It sounded like one heck of a party. It kept getting louder and louder. Then we stumbled upon the Puerto Rican Pride Festival--a huge parade through the streets of Boston. There were masks, beautiful costumes, and dancers throughout the street directly in front of us. The street that we needed to cross. Anyone pick up where this is going? There was no way to get back on the route unless we crossed the parade. What would Mo do? She would dance her way along the parade route to get to the other side. So, that is exactly what we did. It was like a scene from<i> Ferris Bueller's Day Off</i>. At one point a young man came up to Gretchen and attempted to put a giant mask on her head. We were laughing so hard we could barely walk.<br />
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As we did the salsa across the street, we knew Mo was right there with us; however, there was still work to be done. We needed to find our way back to the route, and quickly. Our brisk pace had just about turned into a trot when my phone rang. It was CJ asking where we were. In our haste to get back on the route, we took off and lost the poor guy. Maybe he didn't feel comfortable doing the salsa? Anyway, I told him of our location, and he quickly joined us.<br />
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After a few minutes we found our way back onto the route. Boy, were we relieved. Now we were on our way to the <i><a href="http://whiskey-priest.com/">Whiskey Priest</a></i> to meet the rest of the team for a celebratory drink. As we looked around, we realized that something was wrong. There was nobody else on the route. Not even Safety. Were we that far behind? I guess it would make sense if they had closed the route 20 minutes before. We looked at our route cards for the closing time of the next pit stop. If we didn't make it there on time, we were in the same situation. They would bus us to lunch. The stop closed at 1:25. It was already 1:00, and we had 2 miles until we get there! Remember this is Day 3! Our bodies are exhausted at this point. I am not crazy about walking 15 minute miles during training, never mind 12 minute ones. We had to book it. Unfortunately, this meant that the <i>Whiskey Priest</i> was out. <br />
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After almost 10 minutes, we had still not seen another walker. I was starting to become nervous. It appeared that the route had been shut down, and we were left to fend for ourselves in the blazing concrete jungle. Then a knight in shining orange rides toward us on his bike. His exact words: "Where the hell did you guys come from?" Connie's response, "I had to spend some time with my people at the Puerto Rican Festival." Mind you, Connie has blond hair, blue eyes, and not an inch of Spanish decent in her. The safety monitor did not seem amused. For the next mile or so, he followed slowly behind us. This meant that we were the caboose! How exciting! I had always wanted to be the last walker.<br />
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We arrived at the next pit stop just around 1:30. They appeared to be waiting for us, so I think they knew we were coming. We did our business and were off again, on our way to lunch. At this point we were able to walk a little slower, but it still seemed a bit rushed for my liking. Especially on Day 3.<br />
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We walked into lunch being cheered on by our stalkers. Finally, some time to rest. The only problem was that the group that went ahead was still at the <i>Whiskey Priest</i>. The route was now closed. How were they going to get to lunch so we could all walk the last 3 miles together? Two minutes later a magical sweep van shows up with our lovely, refreshed princesses. They were able to enjoy a yummy lunch in an air conditioned restaurant and still meet us on time. I have to admit, I was a bit jealous. <br />
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Just as we were ready to embark on the last segment of our journey, Jeff Hollett asked us to join him in a Circle of Trust. If you check out my <a href="http://sherris3day.blogspot.com/2012_01_01_archive.html">ABC's of 2011</a>, Jeff is the "J." Please do. His story is very inspiring. The short version is that Jeff was in the service for many years and at the end of every 3-Day he walks into Closing in pink camouflage fatigues. He uses the Circle of Trust to change before the last few miles. The first time we did this with Jeff we sang God Bless America, and it was one of the most moving experiences I have ever had. This was one of Mo's favorite parts of the 3-Day and Jeff really wanted Dylan to be a part of it. Once again, it did not disappoint. <br />
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Immediately following, we gathered at the edge of the park to finish our journey together. I really wanted our entire team to walk the last miles as a group, even those who were not walking this year. It was the last 3-Day and we all needed to be together, especially to celebrate those we have lost; therefore, I invited all TWP past and present to join us. Even though some people did not walk this year, they helped mold TWP into what we have become, and the 3-Day was the initial glue that bonded us together. At first many of these women were apprehensive. They didn't want to take away from those of us walking, but I strongly felt they should be there. <br />
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The last 3 miles were what they always are--full of laughs, conversations, and songs--my favorite time of the 3-Day. As we rounded the last bend, we were anticipating the emotion that was to take us over as we walked in, but we had to wait a bit longer. Closing Ceremonies was moved to a new location, BC High. They added additional mile to the route. Ugh!<br />
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As we gathered the survivors up front to carry our sign, lead by Nichole and Dylan carrying the In Memory of Mo sign, we walked in. I have to say it was a bit disappointing. We usually walk in to a crowd full of people. Unfortunately for us, and many of the other large teams who wait to walk into Holding together, the spectators were asked to head over the Closing Ceremonies site just moments before we entered. I have to say, I was very frustrated. The organizers of this event obviously know who these teams are and what we do. There were several large groups of women and men that were just about to enter. These groups were the ones who, hands down, have raised the most money for Komen over the years. We were all anticipating the excitement of the remaining moments of our last 3-Day, and quite honestly, it was a bit of a let down. <br />
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I quickly moved on from feeling sorry for us, and celebrated us. I was once again able to stand hand-in-hand with my peeps in the survivor circle, those courageous women I am going to miss, especially when July comes along. I looked out through the crowd overcome with emotion. There in the back was my cousin Kimm, jumping up and down trying to get my attention. She comes to Closing every year. I don't know if she has any idea how much it truly means to me. Then I scan the faces closer to the stage searching for my TWP. There they are, Maurine in their hearts and tears in their eyes, just like me. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and my girls after Closing ceremonies.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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So, everyone has asked me if I will travel to another city for the 3-Day. The answer, for now, is no. Not next year. There is talk that in 2015 many of us may reunite for a walk in Philly. We will have to wait and see. <br />
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I believe things happen for a reason. I believe that the reason I developed cancer was to make me a better person, to bring so many beautiful people into my life, to make a difference. Maybe the Boston 3-Day has ended because I am supposed to focus on TWP. We are growing larger and stronger every day. Check out <a href="http://survivethenthrive.blogspot.com/">Patty's blog</a> to see all the cool things we have been up to.<br />
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So my journey for a cure will continue...until one is found. Now my focus has moved from honoring Mo and Bridget, to honoring Emma. In a few short days, I, along with many TWP, will walk in the <a href="http://jimmyfundwalk.org/2013/sherriziomek">Jimmy Fund Walk</a> on the team Every Step for Emma. We are hoping to raise $15,000 for Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that affects the nervous system, and is most often found in children. I know I have asked before, but I will ask again. Please think about coming on my journey by donating today. <br />
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Love to all!<br />
Sherri<br />
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<br />Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-6552293091763895652013-08-09T10:12:00.000-04:002013-08-09T11:09:34.195-04:002013 3-Day DAY TWOSaturday morning we awoke to sunny, but very brisk weather. I remember being completely buried in my sleeping bag, head and all. I never sleep well on the first night, and I think the cooler temps didn't help. I felt a chill all night long.<br />
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We quickly got dressed and walked over to grab some breakfast. After several years, you know what to expect--eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns, pastries, fruit, and a variety of cereals. I enjoyed breakfast, but Maddie and Mia thought the eggs were too cheesy. <br />
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The plan was to be ready to go when the route opened at 7AM. We always attempt to start when the route opens, but for some reason we never make it out on time. As we are waiting to gather at the chute, wouldn't you know that "Cure Me, Baby" starts playing. That silly Mo, she didn't want us to leave without her.<br />
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We wanted to start the day as a group, but shortly after we walked out of camp, we got split up. Sometimes you get chatting and don't even realize that others behind you have stopped. During the 3-Day we try to have our motto be, "No person left behind,"
but it can be challenging, especially with so many of us. In the past
we have had a buddy system, but we didn't this year. People think we are crazy to try and have so many of us walk together, but to me that is what the 3-Day is about. I say to people all the time, "It is a journey, not a race." What good does it do you to rush back to camp if you miss out on all the laughs?<br />
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Honestly, I was completely dreading Day 2. I just don't like it. I am sure that I have said this in previous years. Mostly because of Belmont Hill. It just sucks. Melissa prepared her husband Sean to be close by (most likely because I was whining about the hill the minute we started on the route). Three miles in, we take a left hand turn, and there it is--one of the most daunting hills I have ever walked. It really isn't that steep. It is just long as hell. You round the corner, thinking that you are done, and it just keeps going. Melissa and I were going to do this together--slow and steady wins the race, right? Sean's car would creep up the hill, always offering that supportive, yet annoying, BEEP! Melissa was in front of me, and I could tell she was in the zone. Her head was down and eyes were forward. I told her Sean just drove by. Her response, a simple thumbs up. I knew she was good. At the top you reach the water tower, and there is a spectacular view of Boston. The next mile or two includes a cheering station (at which Maddie was kicking butt) and is downhill through some residential neighborhoods. Honestly, that is really the only part of Day 2 that I like.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you look closely, you can see the Boston skyline in the background.</td></tr>
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At the second pit stop, we connected with the rest of our group. Now that we were together, we wanted to stay together as much as we could. Here I found Mia happily pouring Gatorade for walkers.<br />
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She really seemed to be enjoying this new gig. After a quick hello and a kiss, we were on our way again. Next stop--Dunkin' Donuts! On the 3-Day they boast that they give you Starbucks' coffee. What they don't tell you is that it is instant coffee and they only put about 2 ounces of water in it. In my opinion it is undrinkable; however, I think Starbucks is strong and can only get the froo-froo drinks when I am there. I only drink one cup of coffee a day, but I was needing some caffeine. So were the others. So once again we stopped. <br />
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The iced hazelnut did the trick and gave me the boost to continue my journey through Woburn. Along the route, the sweep crew stopped and gave some of us water balloons. I was so tempted to chuck one at Connie, but ended up getting so hot I broke it over me. Plus, to be honest, I was a little afraid of the repercussions. If you know Connie, you will understand! <br />
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Around mile 10 we reached Pit 3. Just after this pit we walk around Horn Pond. If you have never been there, I suggest you go. It is a lovely paved trail around the pond. The best part is that we can all walk abreast and talk. Get it? Abreast! I crack myself up. Just as we finished walking around the pond, we spotted our walker stalkers. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebPzY-IEXO6wdpV8tFbZ_B9yhPMxHf4UazoIfkRqwNSOR6u2DZ1xLtLpJEYhc4I_eaVr-Gvnk7YMKH7SmIm7FTHGgKh2rEEYjLgQ_olEZm8DzuwC1QQop1bhWH_rQTsvuGNpd0x8MmNo/s1600/IMG_1856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebPzY-IEXO6wdpV8tFbZ_B9yhPMxHf4UazoIfkRqwNSOR6u2DZ1xLtLpJEYhc4I_eaVr-Gvnk7YMKH7SmIm7FTHGgKh2rEEYjLgQ_olEZm8DzuwC1QQop1bhWH_rQTsvuGNpd0x8MmNo/s400/IMG_1856.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of our walker stalkers and team!</td></tr>
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There were a ton of them there, and Cheryl's dog Sampson even had a TWP shirt on! In addition, they also had a sign for our friend Sharyn and her team String of Pearls. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4ScwhcReWpFAtdXITOb-SVlk0ImsXcdFV0neqtWOnhIIQhFyEuYanRsei7XToBC7G6bZEeDJGplGs-QEjXan31VOmgqVT7wui5EA6v3opthgOlUSPPfpJPZjBFvw8HseqaXPEECKeYo/s1600/IMG_1854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK4ScwhcReWpFAtdXITOb-SVlk0ImsXcdFV0neqtWOnhIIQhFyEuYanRsei7XToBC7G6bZEeDJGplGs-QEjXan31VOmgqVT7wui5EA6v3opthgOlUSPPfpJPZjBFvw8HseqaXPEECKeYo/s320/IMG_1854.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will walk until a cure is found!</td></tr>
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The best part was that they had a sign that said, "Every Step for Emma" which is the name of our Jimmy Fund team and is in honor of Tina's daughter who lost her battle to Neuroblastoma last August. Once again, there was the motivation we needed to keep moving forward.<br />
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Another two miles down the heat oppressed road was our oasis--the TWP cheering station. This is just before lunch, so many of us meet our families there, have them bring us yummy food, and then bypass lunch. This year I have to give the HUGEST shout out to Kaitlyn, former TWP walker, and one of my all-time favorite students, for putting on the BEST TWP cheering station ever!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUPxad_ufkxQp4H5Vc65dOKBj3KQ9pzubMAjF9UzymcoJrCHh5kEynn7VvlGfiyQsWVD9LOgH7c5fbGGqIP2XpgiORQsMDgbFwitHDg5Hyv3GC0v0ZuCFIfKOQGs8CEcsRS5SzMQDukU/s1600/IMG_1859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglUPxad_ufkxQp4H5Vc65dOKBj3KQ9pzubMAjF9UzymcoJrCHh5kEynn7VvlGfiyQsWVD9LOgH7c5fbGGqIP2XpgiORQsMDgbFwitHDg5Hyv3GC0v0ZuCFIfKOQGs8CEcsRS5SzMQDukU/s200/IMG_1859.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Kaitlyn</td></tr>
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Her mom and dad are awesome as well. They had an EZ-up with relaxing chairs to sit in, 700 freeze pops, balloons, frozen Peppermint Patties, watermelon, water, and a dunk tank. You name it, they had it. It was so refreshing to hang with my family and regroup. The roast beef sandwich with pickles was pretty awesome too. I honestly didn't want to leave. As I was sitting there Connie comes running over to me with tears in her eyes. She and Jody were just talking about Emma and a dragonfly came right over and landed on Jody's hand, mid conversation. We knew that Emma was right there with us and urging us to move forward. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsBlBbs9zWOYRwhQKwmmT6-vlZaAIAAkEB0GLgx0uxnVkHnWf0UYzeTX6_KLtM6s0-4wpdKK_NV4PYGX5coEnZGQchz8aRmxq3HSOGQPQDXHc7gWzfGPPjrNXQWcIprHEqRIVA_QcSMI/s1600/IMG_1860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPsBlBbs9zWOYRwhQKwmmT6-vlZaAIAAkEB0GLgx0uxnVkHnWf0UYzeTX6_KLtM6s0-4wpdKK_NV4PYGX5coEnZGQchz8aRmxq3HSOGQPQDXHc7gWzfGPPjrNXQWcIprHEqRIVA_QcSMI/s400/IMG_1860.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving the TWP cheering station</td></tr>
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I knew what the next few miles had in store--no shade and a slight incline. I didn't want to do it. I knew I could. I was feeling fine. I just didn't want to. I felt like a little kid trying to assert myself for the first time. I was stomping my feet and refusing to go. I guess I was arguing with myself, because there was no one stopping me from getting in Andy's car and driving down the road a few. So I turned to Sandy, my partner-in-crime, and said, "What if we have Andy take us a few miles down the road to the next Grab and Go, that way we don't need to walk that horrible stretch?" I didn't need to twist her arm. She was in. So walked a bit before our knight in a blue mini-van came to our rescue to carry us up the road two miles. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Both of my girls were at the Grab and Go, and I got to really see them in action. Their hair looked different than it had earlier. (The older girls would try new styles on them.) They were giggling and laughing, and were all smiles. Maddie was starting cheers and Mia was right there too. I was so proud of them.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Youth Corps leading cheers</td></tr>
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During the second half of this day, our walker stalkers wanted to make
sure that we knew Mo was with us. Every so often there would be a "Mo
says..." sign. These signs were sometimes inspirational and sometimes funny. Either
way, they made us feel that Mo was with us every step of the way.<br />
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From here we had 6 miles left. On a training walk, 6 miles takes about an hour and a half, maybe a touch longer, depending on your pace. We knew we were taking our time, but we never expected 6 miles to take 3 hours! However, I have never laughed so hard as I did during those 6 miles. <br />
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As we entered Lexington Center we saw Orange Leaf. Hello! Of course we had to stop. OL has the best fro-yo ever. Just about the entire team went. We took up almost all of the chairs and actually had difficulty leaving because the A/C was so grand. This was Alexa's second ice cream of the day. She just had one about a mile up the road. Oh, to be 17 again and have ice cream twice in one day.<br />
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From there we continued through Lexington walking by some baseball fields. At this point we were all punch drunk. You know the feeling, where anything can make you laugh uncontrollably? Even the smallest or dumbest of things. In addition we had been hydrating plenty, and there was not a bathroom for 2 more miles. You get where I am going with this. The giggles could very easily turn into something ugly.<br />
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When you are walking on the 3-Day it is not uncommon to walk by someone's house and just see food or drinks left on the sidewalk for walkers to enjoy. As walkers, we don't think anything of grabbing random food from people we do not know. This is just what we do. As we came closer to the baseball field, we saw some guys practicing and noticed something on the sidewalk. It appeared to be a large bucket of pretzel rods. An essential item of the 3-Day buffet. All of a sudden, the coach swooped in and grabbed them off the sidewalk. It was as if he knew we were vultures and had been eating our way through every mile. It struck us all as hysterical the way he clutched the bucket and quickly walked away. I'm sure he didn't see the humor in it, but we could not stop laughing for at least half a mile.<br />
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After that, we ran into a couple members of String of Pearls, Sharyn's team. We had gone on a training walk with Andrea and Brandy, so we had already started developing a relationship with them. Connie was chatting with Andrea and telling her our pretzel story; meanwhile, Alexa was walking with them. Andrea starting telling them how everyone "calls you the gorgeous one." As she says this, she is looking toward both Connie and Alexa. She then turns to Connie and says, "Not you, her." Anyone who has seen Alexa knows they were talking about her. She is 17 and absolutely beautiful. Connie, however, took advantage of this situation. I thought she was going to fall on the ground she started laughing so hard. Poor Andrea, she had not meant it to come out the way it did. Nor did she realize who she was talking to. Connie can turn anything into a laughable moment. <br />
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The next few miles were filled with more giggles and lots of,"Stop it! I am going to pee my pants!" On the last part of Day 2 you walk up yet another hill and through some residential areas of Waltham. We knew that creepy stalker guy was right by our side, so we decided to forgo our fanny packs. Totally rebellious, I know. We threw them in the car, strapped them in, and let them sweep up the hill to camp.<br />
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We were coming to the area where there is an annual house party. The owners hang outside and offer free beer and food to walkers. Every year, I have bypassed this house. This being the last year, we figured, why not? So after the ice coffee, ice cream, and other 3-Day munchies, we added a beer to the list. We actually split one. With a mile left, I just don't think I could have consumed a whole one. <br />
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On the next corner, we happened to spot a police officer on a bicycle. You have never seen a group of women so excited. Why, you might ask? If you have ever seen our video <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi4HVW35t6Y">Walk Like a Princess</a> Maurine says that "next year I'm going to do this walk on a bicycle." Since then, we have taken every opportunity to take a photo of Mo on a bike. In honor of Mo, Gretchen wore a different shirt each day with a photo and a Mo-ism. On Day 2 she had a photo of Maurine on a police motorcycle with the above quotation on her back. Of course we had to ask the officer if we could please borrow his bike, no we were not going to steal it, to take a photo. After hearing our story, how could he not.<br />
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This bike moment created ideas for the rest of the walk, continuing on to Day 3. Every time we saw some mode of transportation, as quirky as it may be, we said Mo's phrase..."Next year I am going to do this walk on a dolly, or a wheelbarrow, or a Vesper." This continued down the hill toward camp, but became especially funny when we saw a young man mowing his lawn. The funny part was not the lawnmower, but what the young man was wearing. The jury is still out on his age. Some think he was a teenager, others think he might be in his early twenties. Either way, no guy should be wearing Tinkerbell pajamas that are so small they look like capris. Again the hysterical laughter ensued.<br />
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As we were just recovering from our Tinkerbell experience we came upon another Mo sign. Just dance. Mo's love for dancing clearly exhibited her love of life. So when the sign says "just dance" that's what we did. Albeit not very well after 40 miles. <br />
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After the last mile that took over an hour, we edged our way toward camp. At this point, it was almost 6 o'clock! Standing right outside were our ever-supportive stalkers waiting to cheer us on into camp. Beside them was Jim, Maurine's husband, who stood there thanking every walker as they entered camp. He stayed there until the last walker entered. It hurt my heart so much to see him standing there, but I knew he just had to do it.<br />
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After a quick shower, we made a beeline for dinner to secure seats for the camp show. This being the last Boston 3-Day, family and friends were invited into camp on Saturday night. Many people were up in arms about this, but to me I was thrilled. We could have all our TWP and supporters together to honor Mo. Before visiting the remembrance tent, we enjoyed some of the camp show. On this night the Youth Corps stands up and reads a piece of their essay that they wrote on why they want to participate. I had hoped to include video of this, but for some reason Mia's wouldn't upload, and having twins, I couldn't post one without the other. This year they had all former YC members join on stage. <br />
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It was very impressive to see all of these kids and young adults who have themselves made a difference. Since YC started 10 years ago, they have raised over $200,000. These are just kids! Absolutely unbelievable! Some of the speeches are very emotional and some are even heart-wrenching. This year, there were 4 kids on YC who had lost a parent. Once again, my girlies impressed me when they stood on stage and spoke. Mia, being the smallest kid on Youth Corps was the first to speak, and she did an awesome job. Maddie went a few people later, and did just as well. They said they weren't even nervous. I know I would have been. <br />
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After the speakers were over, all of us gathered at the remembrance tent. It was so moving to look at each person that Maurine had touched in some special way. We waited for a quiet moment and all went in together. To look around at the photos of women who had lost their battle has always been difficult, but this year was beyond painful. To see the pearls hanging from Bridget's picture, a photo of her with a giant smile frolicking in her wedding gown, just broke my heart. I couldn't help but think of her husband Alex and their life together that was much too short. Then I looked at Maurine's picture. It was a gorgeous photo that I took of her holding the Healing flag during one of our 3-Days together. Looking around at all of us there, many of us with tears, some writing notes to Mo, and others holding tight to one another, Maurine's photo couldn't have been more appropriate. She was helping all of us to heal. <br />
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<br />Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-82026071840255268792013-08-02T11:53:00.002-04:002013-08-02T12:11:33.683-04:002013 3-Day DAY ONEAs I rolled over to shut off the alarm at 4:45AM, all I heard was the pounding rain pelting the hotel window. This was not going to be good. I had to put on a brave face for my girls. They had no idea what they were in for. I, however, did. It sucks to walk in the rain, especially pouring rain. I jumped out of bed with a smile, and woke the girls up. After donning several layers, we were out the door and on our way to Farm Pond.<br />
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When we arrived, we dropped off our gear, and I signed the girls in. At first M & M were resistant to wearing the yellow trashbag-like ponchos the 3-Day provides, but upon looking around, they realized very quickly that they were the way to go. I found the rest of my team hanging out under a large tent. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85mEuQDvFJZBheDU2bXLTKaDcQ5fZZciFfvvP3KR1vvWMQ8ZkOlUEueuxlTUSIwP1pNgaoB9poh8K2saH-MeV-MJz5eUXZRjEI8KV2StBjAqpt7LzBGTeSyy5PuR5aGbqhyphenhyphen7DOTIwm-I/s1600/IMG_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85mEuQDvFJZBheDU2bXLTKaDcQ5fZZciFfvvP3KR1vvWMQ8ZkOlUEueuxlTUSIwP1pNgaoB9poh8K2saH-MeV-MJz5eUXZRjEI8KV2StBjAqpt7LzBGTeSyy5PuR5aGbqhyphenhyphen7DOTIwm-I/s320/IMG_1832.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connie and I waiting for Opening Ceremonies</td></tr>
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They had gathered at 3:45 AM to travel down to Framingham by party bus, after being sent off by several Princesses. That was always one of my favorite parts of the 3-Day, but I felt it was just too early for my girls. <br />
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It was freezing cold out, but in a way I almost think that was better. I was wearing my TWP shirt, a light-weight sweatshirt, my jacket, and a poncho. I also wore capris which I had never done before. Because of the cooler temps we didn't have plastic ponchos or jackets sticking to us. Plus with all the layers, I stayed pretty dry, even my feet. I avoided puddles at all costs, even if it meant taking many extra steps.<br />
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At 6:30 I joined my fellow flagbearers on the stage. This being the last year of the 3-Day, Komen did it right. Many of participants on stage were long time 3-Dayers. Sharyn from String of Pearls, Amanda from Team TuTa's and Kathy from Cup Crusaders among many others were all chosen to carry honor flags. I can't imagine how much money all of these women have raised for Komen over the years. If you add it all together, it has to be over $100,000. In the survivor circle I was joined by 3 of my favorite Pink Angels, Josie, Cathy and Martha. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me, Cathy, Josie, Martha, and Sharyn before Opening</td></tr>
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I was so excited when I saw them standing there. That is one of the tough things about the survivor circle. You are honored to be chosen, but it so difficult to not be with your team. I couldn't have been more proud to stand among these ladies. Each one of them has changed my life in some way.<br />
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After a crazy zumba warm-up session, Opening Ceremonies was on it's way. This year some of the flagbearers said a few words about why they walk. Listening to Dylan speak about carrying on his mother's legacy is something that I will never forget. From that moment on, I knew this was going to be one special 3-Day.<br />
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Standing up on the stage, I scanned the crowd looking for my TWP. Even though there were only 900 walkers, it seemed like so many. There was no way I was going to find my team. Then in the distance I saw one of our pool noodle princesses bobbing up and down. Thanks to Cheryl, one of our walker stalker extraordinaires, I was able to be with my girls even across a sea of people.<br />
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Survivors and flagbearers lead the walkers onto to the route, so Dylan and I waited for the others to arrive. The start of the route is always slow and becomes bottlenecked. We didn't mind. We wanted to try to stay together as much as we could.<br />
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As the morning continued, so did the rain. It let up from pouring, to a light rain. It was definitely bearable. As they say, it was better than chemo. We walked through Framingham, Natick, and into Wellesley. In Wellesley center we found our awesome team of TWP walker stalkers. Cheryl's car was tricked out with it's own giant crown. You could spot it anywhere. <br />
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At each pit stop I scanned the mass of people hoping to spot my girls. When we arrived at Pit 2, I saw Robin, one of the YC leaders. She informed me that several of the YC kids went to the laundromat to dry out some clothes, but that Maddie and Mia were fine and went on to work Grab & Go B. I couldn't wait to see them. I was hoping that they were enjoying themselves, but with the rain, I just didn't know.<br />
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Two miles ahead we entered Grab and Go B only to be greeted by Jim and our walker stalkers. All weekend long, we would see Jim along the route with his Mo sign. She was everywhere we turned--in conversations with walkers, in Dylan and Tyler's smiles, and in Jim's heart. She was just as much a rock star as she always was. I can't tell you how many people came up to us and had a Mo story to share. <br />
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It was at Grab B that I first saw my girls. They were filling up water bottles. The rain had stopped, and they had smiles on their faces. When I asked how it was, their response, "AWESOME!" I was thrilled. The best part was that as soon as they saw me, they both gave me a giant hug. This is not unusual for Mia, but for Maddie to hug in public is a huge deal. She is usually way too cool for that. I knew that she was proud of what she was doing.<br />
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Shortly after, we traveled into Newton where we enjoyed each others company over lunch. I usually don't eat much on the 3-Day, partly because I am snacking so much, but this year, I was famished by lunch. The <i>Panera</i> turkey and cheese didn't even taste too bad. Again, I got to see my girls meandering through the crowd carrying 2 gallon containers of Gatorade asking each walker if they would like a refill. I didn't even know little Mia could lift 2 gallons!<br />
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After lunch we continued through Newton. It was here that we came up with our quote of the weekend. Those of you who know us, and know TWP well, realize that we try to make the most of every situation. This is usually done by laughing, and even though I hate to admit it, sometimes by laughing at others. Along the walk there are many places where you can purchase buttons to place on your lanyard. <br />
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At many of these stops there are also bandaids, mole skin, hand sanitizer, deodorant, and the like. Well, our dear friend Nichole felt as if she could be a little fresher smelling, so she opted for the spray deodorant. As she began to spray, a large woman in some seriously hideous compression pants, snidely responded with, "May I make a suggestion? You should really move away from everyone when you do that." Yes, she was probably right, but her tone just rubbed us the wrong way. Our response, "May we make a suggestion? You really should not wear those pants in public." Well, not really, but we were all thinking it inside. Needless to say, "may I make a suggestion" became the quote of the weekend.<br />
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As we entered Waltham, we were greeted once again by our walker stalkers at the boat launch. As we arrived, we met a young woman, her husband, and their two small children. They were an adorable family with an interesting story. When they arrived to cheer walkers on, they noticed our Tough Warrior Princess banner. The mother, immediately came over and started talking to Cheryl and Patty. She knew us and was extremely grateful for what we did. You may remember that around the holidays Maurine had met a young woman at Dana Farber who was also battling breast cancer. The family had fallen on hard times, and TWP decided to help provide an extra special Christmas. Well, this was that woman and her family. We knew this was no chance meeting. Maurine had brought her to us so that we could meet. Unfortunately, we had to be the ones to tell her that Mo had passed. <br />
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By mid-afternoon there were only about 5 miles left. We were at that "I am done" point. If you have ever participated in an activity for a long length of time, you know what I am talking about. Everyone seems to get in the zone, and all conversation stops. You just want to "get 'er done!" It was here that we first started to appreciate "creepy stalker guy."<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPWvDp65ILHZe1JHSblPmu5KRlax-mCkG8CZUtYyk214AVT2u0UDLd0tILRsotcUgieHUf0tFqzkbPsClNSd5sJSebET2YsUd3jEYcqqTh8BR3etHZOWgqXjyGzkWpZU9jqiKh6ZNpwQ/s1600/45220_10151838454606062_2142012079_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPWvDp65ILHZe1JHSblPmu5KRlax-mCkG8CZUtYyk214AVT2u0UDLd0tILRsotcUgieHUf0tFqzkbPsClNSd5sJSebET2YsUd3jEYcqqTh8BR3etHZOWgqXjyGzkWpZU9jqiKh6ZNpwQ/s320/45220_10151838454606062_2142012079_n.jpg" width="240" /></a>"Creepy Stalker Guy" is not so creepy at all. He is actually Princess Melissa's husband, Sean. Melissa had walked the 3-Day last year with a friend. Like so many others, she, too, had conversations with Maurine, and was moved by her zest for life. Earlier this spring, Melissa asked if she could join our team, thinking she would be walking with Mo. She was heartbroken to hear that Mo had passed. However, Melissa fit right in. So did her husband. Sean followed us along the ENTIRE route, every day, from start to finish. He was nicknamed "creepy stalker guy" because every time we would turn a corner he was there. He was often known to beep his horn and scare us to pieces. But, he also had everything that a 3-Dayer would need, from snacks, to chairs, to paper towels. He was there as we took that last hill up toward Bentley College just in case someone needed some extra support. Knowing he was there motivated all of us to move forward. There was no way we were getting in that car.<br />
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As we walked into camp we received another sign from Mo. Last year during the 3-Day Maurine made up her own words to Carly Rae Jepsen's <i>Call Me, Maybe. </i>Her words were "Cure Me, Baby!" You could hear her singing it everywhere we went. We always said TWP needed a theme song, and Mo was going to make it her mission to have this song be it. Wouldn't you know that as we walked into camp that was the song that was playing. Of course Mo was with us every step of the way.<br />
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After setting up the tents, and taking a quick shower, we headed to the dining tent. On my way there I bumped into M & M who had just eaten dinner and picked up their mail. Thanks so much to all of our friends and family who sent mail. The girls received a TON! They thought they would just be getting letters from me. Boy were they wrong. They were super excited and could not stop talking. Mia told me I just had to have the mac and cheese, and Maddie told me that the "sweet treat" was delicious. Seeing them as happy as they were, I felt okay that I had only seen them about a total of 15 minutes that day. <br />
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Dinner was the usual--pasta. Mia was right, the mac and cheese was yummy. The slide show was fabulous too. Especially the first photo which was of Maddie and Mia, ponchos on, standing in the pouring rain, cheering walkers on. As dinner ended and the camp show started we looked toward the pink sky and there was a double rainbow. Yes, our friends above were with us and had blessed us with a beautiful day. <br />
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<br />Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-52669340334351893642013-08-01T05:57:00.001-04:002013-08-02T11:54:39.557-04:002013 Crew Day--BostonHere we are. The final Boston 3-Day. I really hope that it is not canceled for long. I have my fingers crossed that some time in the near future, it will return. Each year I say that the 3-Day is different, and it always is--new people, new experiences. Well, not only was this year going to be different, it was going to be difficult. We were missing Maurine and Bridget. As you read on over the next few days, you will see that while Mo and B were not directly by our sides, they were sitting right over our shoulders along side Emma. I believe that their spirit made this year's 3-Day the most special yet. <br />
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This year's 3-Day was actually a bit like a 4-Day because where Maddie and Mia were participating in the Youth Corps, they needed to attend Crew Day. We left our house on a cool overcast Thursday around 10:30AM to pick up the Turcotte boys. Tyler was participating in YC with the girls, and Dylan was a flagbearer. We arrived in Framingham to even cooler temperatures--low 60's. It was almost raw out. I was concerned that the girls would be miserable, especially Mia. She hates the cold. After checking in, and bundling up, they were off. Andy and I were left standing there, free for the afternoon. It felt a bit like dropping my children off at preschool for the first time, anxious and nervous that they might coming running back to me at any moment. <br />
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I don't want want to say that I am a 3-Day packing expert, although I have led the packing demonstration at some 3-Day Expos, but after having done the event 7 times, I have a pretty good idea what to pack. The forecast had predicted "showers" for Friday morning (boy did they get THAT wrong!) and increasing humidity throughout the weekend. They did not predict it to be FREEZING cold. My girls only had light sweatshirts and one pair of capris. They were already wearing both of them, and the 3-Day hadn't even started. I used that as an excuse to go shopping. Heck, we were in Natick--the shopping center of the universe! Everything had changed so much since we moved out of Boston 11 years ago. Andy and I took this opportunity to explore and enjoy each others company. While it is difficult to find long sleeve shirts in July, we were successful, returning to camp with 2 pair of leggings, a long sleeve t-shirt and a hoodie. I knew that at the very least, my girls would be warm. <br />
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We returned to Crew Day just in time to see the girls rehearsing for their speeches. You'll hear more about that later. At this point, it was pouring. After they finished, we piled into the car and headed over to Newton for the YC Alumni cookout. David Bechhofer started the YC ten years ago in Boston. It has since become a national program and is run at every 3-Day event. There is also a YC on the Avon walk. Dave was kind enough to open his home and invite all previous and current YC members to enjoy a BBQ. While the weather wasn't the best, it was uplifting to see so many young men and women motivated to make a difference. When I looked at the alumni, some of whom were in their early 20's, I hoped that my girls had made the right decision to join YC. These kids seemed so confident and full of self-esteem. My babies were just a mere 11 years old. As we drove back to the hotel, I asked the girls if they had a good time. They said it was awesome, and they couldn't wait for tomorrow. I couldn't have been happier. As a parent, we think we know our kids and what is best for them. In this case, I was right. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013 Boston Youth Corps on Crew Day!</td></tr>
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<br />Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-76602976747044156312013-03-24T16:42:00.000-04:002013-03-24T16:48:51.876-04:00WHY?<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">CANCER</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Big "C"</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The "C" word</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">No matter how you put it, cancer sucks. There is no way around it. It seems that I am reminded of this more and more every day--especially of late.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">WHY IS THERE SO MUCH CANCER? </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>Is it because I am getting "increasingly more mature" (ie. getting older)? </i></b> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I guess it could be. As we approach our 50's that is when our bodies start to fail. Why does it seem to me that I feel healthier than I did in my 30's? I am conscious about what I put in my body, and I exercise. So do most of those around me. Doesn't diet and exercise help to prevent cancer? My hope is that it will prevent a recurrence for me. So why hasn't it for those around me?</span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Is it because I have surrounded myself by those fighting for a cure? </span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Well, that makes sense too. Before I was diagnosed, I only knew of two people who had cancer. One was my best friend's dad, and the other was a family friend. Back then, they were both considered "older" to me. Through my affiliation with Komen and TWP, I often feel surrounded by cancer. On a daily basis I am either hearing an update on someone's battle, or I am being asked to say an extra prayer for a friend in need. The more people you know with cancer is relative to the amount of people you know. I guess I could just know a lot of people. Because of what I experienced, maybe I am more empathetic to the situations around me. I wonder if I would be the same way if my life had been different. I would like to think that I would still be trying to make a difference, but I don't know. </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is it because years ago we never talked about it? </span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Quite possibly so. As a kid, do you ever remember your parents saying the word "cancer?" Not in my house, and my parents are young. It was that someone was very sick. Never even mind the word "breast." Maybe it is that cancer was just as rampant, but people couldn't make themselves say the words because the unknown beast was just too scary to them. </span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Is it because we have the advanced technology to know that someone has cancer?</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm sure that is part of it. The survival rates for all types of cancer have increased over the years, especially in the last five. If it hadn't been for ultrasound, I may not have known I had cancer when I did. I was one of the ones whose mammogram came back clear. Luckily for me, I had a doctor who requested more testing. If it had been 10-15 years earlier, would I be a seven year survivor? Maybe not. When a woman is diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, she has a 90-95% five year survival rate. When I look at that in teacher terms, that's an "A." Years ago, maybe that person would have died. Now they are surviving, and many are living life as if nothing ever happened. They wear their survivorship on their sleeve, like a badge of honor. They have faced the enemy, and won the battle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Looking at the broader picture, I guess that we recognize that there is so much cancer because of all the aforementioned reasons. Putting all these reasons together does not make it any more bearable. Each and every time I hear of someone starting their fight against cancer, or having a set back as the result of a chemo regimen not working, I am just as affected as I was the time before; however, there are times when it hits me like a punch in the face. This is one of those times. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Then I think about how much more fulfilling my life has become because of cancer. Part of the cancer battle is remaining positive--mind over matter. I like to think I am a better person because of cancer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I look at Tina. She has shown so much fortitude and courage. She stayed strong throughout Emma's battle, ensuring that her daughter would too, and never gave up hope. I know that each day must be a struggle for her. She has now taken her experience and is giving back to the children of MGH by donating <i>Pillow Pets</i> and <i>Nooks</i>. She was even named to Mass General's prestigious list--<a href="http://www.theonehundred.org/">"The One Hundred"</a> as one of the volunteers whose "diligence, philanthropy and passion have helped advance the fight against cancer." I am so happy that she will be honored at this exclusive event. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Of course there is Bridget, who is now Komen's face of breast cancer. She has inspired hope in so many women all around the country with her words and her heart. I believe that she will continue to make a difference in years to come. She will be leaving her legacy. I can't imagine what my 3-Day experience would have been like without meeting her. Life is so not fair.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But Maurine is in my heart most of all these days. Like B, she inspires, but I just can't explain Mo to you if you haven't met her. She is one of a kind. Her infectious sense of humor brings a chuckle to all those she encounters. When I think of the funniest moments with TWP, you can bet that Mo is in 90% of them, like when she tells the story of her prosthesis falling out of her bathing suit and floating in the water or when she says, "Next year I'm going to do this walk on a bicycle" in our video. Her uplifting spirit and zest for life are contagious. No matter how increasingly difficult her battle is becoming, she continues to bring a smile to those around her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As many of us have said, time and time again, yes, cancer truly sucks. We cannot let it take control. We cannot just sit back and watch it consume those surrounding us. We must take a lesson from those fighting this battle. We need to smile, look cancer in the face, and say, "F-YOU!" </span><br />
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Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-35373122976344539172013-03-19T21:48:00.002-04:002013-03-19T21:58:48.806-04:00TWP--Making the Most of Each DayHere in New England you would have no idea that spring is arriving in just a few days. Fortunately for me, I have taken this 6th snow day to freshen up my blog. It has been long forgotten. When I don't write, I really miss it; however, as with many things, I seem to get into a routine, and when I finally do sit down to write, I find everything in my power to procrastinate. No more delaying. I have LOTS to share!<br />
<br />
Well, the 3-Day season is upon us. It has taken awhile, but I am finally starting to get excited. I don't know why. It could be that it is different without Bridget at the helm of the Boston 3-Day. This time last year I was getting frequent emails with requests for GSMs or other 3-Day events. I miss hearing from her. She is such a trooper, still fighting the fight. I admire her so much, being 29 years old and having more grace and dignity in her pinky than most people have overall. She will be in my heart every single step of that 60 miles.<br />
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Many of you may be aware that this year's TWP 3-Day walkers will look a little different. A few women in our group have decided to take some time off from walking to focus on our non-profit, which is growing so rapidly that we desperately need them to do this. I appreciate what a difficult decision this was for them. They have assured me that they will always be part of the 3-Day, and that the 3-Day will be part of them. At first I was terribly sad. I really couldn't imagine doing this walk without Patty and Cheryl, but then I thought about it. We are going to have the best walker-stalkers ever!!! Look out Pink Angels! Cheryl and Michele did such a bang-up job escorting us on the Jimmy Fund Walk that I can't even imagine what the 3-Day will be like. <br />
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The most exciting news that I have to share in regard to the 3-Day has to do with Boston's Youth Corps. Drum roll please...Maddie and Mia are members of the 2013 Boston YC! Wahoo! We are all so excited! For those who don't know, YC is made up of twenty 10-16 year olds who crew the 3-Day. They work at pit stops, set up tents, help around camp, and, most importantly, cheer on the walkers. To be selected for YC is no easy task. The girls had to write several short essays and have a phone interview. Fortunately, they were selected out of 50 applicants! It shouldn't be a surprise to me--they have been preparing for this role for seven years! They have already started fundraising, and are doing better than I am! Each one of them has to raise $500, but they hope to raise more. Both girls are almost half way there. I am such a proud Mama! If you would like to donate to them, I have included links to their 3-Day pages: <a href="http://www.the3day.org/goto/maddiez">Maddie's page</a>, <a href="http://www.the3day.org/goto/miaz">Mia's page</a>. If you are feeling generous, I am accepting donations too! Just click the link on the side of the page.<br />
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In addition to all the 3-Day excitement that is building, Tough Warrior Princesses, the non-profit, is growing and reaching more people. All the members of our Executive Board work full-time. What was supposed to be a part-time gig has developed into so much more. We have had to evolve and change. We are not just that group of women who walk for breast cancer. We donate money to cancer research. We educate the public. We provide support to women affected by ANY cancer. That support has been emotional, physical, and financial. When I become overwhelmed with what the future holds for TWP, I have to take a step back and relish in all we have done. So here is the highlight reel...<br />
<ol>
<li>TWP has raised almost $250,000 for research.</li>
<li>We received our first grant last year!</li>
<li>We had 3 unbelievably successful Silent Auctions</li>
<li>Threw a Princess Tea Party</li>
<li>Provided daily transportation to Dana Farber for a friend in need</li>
<li>Provided daily meals for that friend too! </li>
<li>Gave 20 survivor baskets to women </li>
<li>We "Lit the Town Pink"</li>
<li>Created Amesbury Cancer Awareness calendars</li>
<li>Banded 30 people together 2 weeks before the Jimmy Fund Walk to raise $15,000 in honor of Emma</li>
<li>Partnered with the <a href="http://ywcanewburyport.org/">YWCA</a> in Newburyport</li>
<li>Gave an extra-special Christmas to a young woman and her family</li>
<li>Provided gift cards and financial support to several women </li>
</ol>
Personally, I think that list is pretty impressive, especially considering I never thought I would be a part of something so meaningful.<br />
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The best part is that this list is growing. We have two exciting endeavors in the works. First, I recently received an email from the Director of Programs at the <a href="http://newburyportcancercenter/">Commonwealth Newburyport Cancer Center</a>. They want to develop a partnership with TWP. This is exactly what we have been hoping for. Through this partnership, we hope to assist more women. Patty and I will be going on a tour of the facility next week and meeting <span style="font-size: small;">to </span>discuss our future endeavors. We will be working together to plan a Survivor's Day Celebration scheduled for June 27th at the Firehouse in Newburyport. We will keep you up to date as details arrive. In the meantime, there is a great workshop scheduled for this week: <br />
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The second piece of exciting news began last week with an email from our friend CJ. For those that remember our video, yes it feels like forever ago, CJ was a member of the production staff. You may recall me talking about our film posse who followed us around those 3 memorable days in July. CJ was our lead guy. Our crew is honestly one of the main reasons that TWP came to be what it is today. Without the exposure from that film, we would probably still be struggling to grow our membership and get our name out. That film showed us that we truly can make a difference. For that I am forever grateful. As I sat in <i>Trader Joe's</i> parking lot that afternoon, ready to make the hour trek home from work, I decided to quickly check my email. It was exciting to hear from CJ, but the reason we were hearing from him was even better. CJ is working with a Florida based company called <i><a href="http://justlive.com/">Just Live</a></i>. <i>Just Live</i> is a lifestyle/fitness apparel company. Their vision is to provide people with the inspiration to make the most of each day. CJ's email was suggesting that we partner up with <i>Just Live</i> and make another video of the 3-Day! While I was absolutely thrilled, I felt that TWP had changed in the last few years. We are much more than walkers. I believe there is a greater story to tell--many stories. Who were we to turn down more fame, so we agreed to a conference call with Jared, the owner of <i>Just Live</i>. A couple hours and another phone call later, we have struck up a partnership. Both CJ and Jared saw what we see in the TWP. They, too, recognized there is so much more, and they believe that we embody the mission and ideas of <i>Just Live</i>. That being said, we are embarking on another new journey and partnership. CJ hopes to share our story while promoting <i>Just Live</i>. I have great faith in him and our future together.<br />
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So, the future is brimming with opportunity for the TWP. I look forward to sharing this excitement with all of you!<br />
<br />
xo,<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-82773955192783489472012-08-10T15:22:00.000-04:002012-08-10T19:24:10.351-04:00This one's for Emma--Day 2<u><b>DAY TWO:</b></u><br />
So I dragged my exhausted butt off of my
air mattress and out of my tent. As I arrived at Medical, everything was
dark, and there was a sign written on a clipboard, "If you need medical
assistance, wake one of us up. That is what we are here for. :)"
Really? I have to wake someone up? Maybe I'll just turn around and go
back to my tent. I sat there for what felt like ten minutes, but in
actuality was more like one. Across the large tent I saw someone stir. I
guess it was her lucky day! I walked over and explained that I was feeling
dehydrated. I defend myself and tell her that I am not a newbie, and I
did everything that I was supposed to. I am "Safety Spice" after all.
I described my symptoms and continued<u><b> </b></u>to explain that I
know my body and that I am dehydrated. As I am speaking, two more women
wake up. One was Dr. Michelle, and the other was Tigger who was Crew
Captain for Medical. Luckily I knew Tigger from Get Started Meetings,
so I already felt better having her in my corner. As the doctor took my vitals, she saw that my blood pressure was elevated. Even though I was drinking Vitamin Water, the more I spoke to her, the more my mouth felt like something had died in it. She determined that fluids would help, and planned to start an iv. Anyone that knows me, understands that things cannot be that simple. I had terrible veins even before chemo. Now they are just shot. In addition, I only have one arm to use because I had lymph nodes removed. Dr. Michelle assured me that she found a vein. It seemed too good to be true. She poked and prodded my arm. I thought Tigger was going to have a fit. She hates needles. Me, they don't really phase me. After 4 attempts she decided it would be better to have me go to the hospital. I honestly thought about telling them I would be okay and to just let me go back to my tent, but I knew they wouldn't have it. I tried to beg Tigger to drive me to the hospital. It was a no go. I said I would go if they could promise me a cute EMT. Dr. Michelle couldn't guarantee it, but in my heart I knew I had to do it. She took my credentials out of my lanyard and handed me the dreaded "red card." I never in a million years thought I would ever get one of those. She then proceeded to hand me two new pins. For those of you unfamiliar with the 3-Day, you earn Legacy Pins for all different accomplishments--raising certain amounts of money, being a survivor, being a team captain, and many other things. These were two pins I had never seen before. One said, "Got Cot?" and the other said "I got carded." Okay, so here was something to add to my souvenirs. It's not all bad. Before leaving I asked to grab my cell phone, so Tigger walked me back to my tent. Along the way we giggled as we passed some seriously loud snorers, but as we came closer to my tent, all became quiet as we witnessed the rows of candles for Emma. Going to the hospital was nothing compared to what that little girl has been thorough. <br />
<br />
I don't know how many of you have ridden in the back of an ambulance before, but it is not like what you see on television. I was tossed back and forth and side to side. When they asked if I felt nauseous, I told the tech that I probably would after the ride to the hospital. They even had the siren on. Really? It was 12:30AM, and it wasn't like I was in grave danger. <br />
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I arrived at Newton-Wellesley Hospital around 15 minutes later. I hadn't been there since I gave birth to the twins. Luckily they still had all my information. The crazy thing is that on your 3-Day credential you write your insurance information down on the back; however, when you are red-carded they take your credentials away. What is the point of writing down this information if you don't have it with you when you are at the hospital?<br />
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The staff at Newton-Wellesley was awesome. I saw Dr. Peterson, and right way she congratulated me on my accomplishment. She also listened to everything that I had to say, and I think she understood that I know my body. After lots of blood work and an EKG, they immediately started me on some fluid. Shortly after, my blood pressure began to come down, and my heart was not racing as frequently. I looked up at the television and saw that a replay of the Olympic Opening Ceremonies was on. As much as I wanted to watch it, I knew I needed some sleep. It was almost 2:30AM. A while later, I was woken up as they gave me another liter of fluid. Slowly I felt my mouth becoming less dry. At 4AM the nurse came in and told me that Dr. Peterson had signed my discharge papers. My direct instructions were to not drink Nuun. She said to get me some Gatorade! She also said that if I wanted to stay and get some sleep, I could. I knew my team would be worried when they woke in a short while, so I decided to go home. <br />
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I took out my 800 number for the 3-Day and before long, Tigger was outside the hospital picking me up. She drove me back to camp and said to meet her at Medical at 8AM. She said that I would most likely be cleared to walk after lunch. I would be spending the morning with her. <br />
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Back at my tent, most of my team was minutes away from getting up to start their day. As they got up, I had to explain my story time and time again. No one expected to hear this, I seemed fine when we went to bed. I was always the one telling everyone to drink, drink, drink!<br />
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It was really difficult saying goodbye to the Princesses that morning. I was in a position I never thought I would be in. I was exhausted and knew that I should sleep, but there really wasn't time. I wanted to be part of my team. I tried to rest for a few before Bridget came around telling everyone that camp would be closing in 20 minutes. She was shocked when our friend Meredith told her what had happened. This is generally something that happens to a first time walker, not a veteran.<br />
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I exhaustedly got ready preparing for what I thought would be a depressing day. What if this had been my first 3-Day? I would have been so disappointed. I arrived at Medical, and I tell you, there couldn't have been a better person to babysit me than Tigger. She has the spunkiest personality, and was going to do everything possible to make sure that I had fun and still had the entire 3-Day experience. We grabbed drinks from Medical and were on our way to the first pit stop.<br />
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While I was sad, it was great to see the walk from a whole new perspective. I was able to really watch the walkers come in and help motivate them to continue further. After the first pit, we drove up Belmont Hill (definitely a part of the walk I did not miss!) toward the next cheering station. As we started to drive by, I yelled to Tigger to stop, and she did! Right in the middle of the road! Across the street were Michele G. and Gretchen, who walked last year. They had beach chairs set up with large signs on them asking people to pray for Emma. In addition, there were tea lights lining the walkway along the chairs. It was really cool. So many people stopped and told us that they were following Emma on facebook.<br />
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From there Tigger and I drove to the next pit stop, but needed to make a quick stop at Stop & Shop. Here I got a phone call from Andy. I was hoping Tigger would give me the okay to hang with AZ for the rest of the day. She was resistant because she knows me well. She told me that she wouldn't release me until she saw Andy. She thought the minute she turned her back I would be on the route. Believe me, I did entertain the idea, but I thought better of it. After some serious coaxing, she allowed me to meet up with him.<br />
<br />
AZ drove me to the TWP cheering station, but not before grabbing me a hazelnut iced coffee--my fav! When we arrived, Kaitlyn, my former student and TWP was there to greet me and the rest of the team. She is always so thoughtful and brought me gifts--completely unnecessary, but appreciated nonetheless. One was a Komen Christmas tree ornament, (She has decorated the majority of my tree!) and the other was a breast cancer wine glass! She totally knows me. Christmas and wine, two of my favorite things! With Kaitlyn's help, we began setting up. Our stop was at <a href="http://mccuegardencenter.com/index.html">McCue's Garden Center</a>, and they are so incredible. They had watermelon, chocolate, and drinks for the walkers. Once again, AZ brought Big Papi to help "save second base." Many walkers took advantage of some great photo ops. I want to give a big shout-out to Judy Dodier and Rita Keil, two of our TWP who came in to cheer us on. (Remember, you don't have to walk to be a <a href="http://toughwarriorprincess.com/">member of TWP</a>!) It meant a lot to everyone to have them there.<br />
<br />
Shortly after, my teammates started to arrive, some looking a bit better than others. Blisters and knee injuries were already making an appearance. The heat that day had started to take its toll. It made me question whether I should walk after lunch. The stretch between Woburn and Lexington is just BRUTAL! It is all gradual hills, up and down, none of them seem too big, but it always feels like you are walking at a slight incline. Also, there is NO shade. It has always been my least favorite part of the walk. <br />
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After chatting a bit with all the TWP relaxing in their lawn chairs eating lunch, I asked AZ to drive me the mile to lunch so that I could check in at Medical to get my credential back. I had already decided that I would not be walking the rest of the day. I wanted to make sure that I was good to go on Day 3. It was super hot, and I had only gotten the smallest amount of sleep. I figured if I got back to camp early, I could take a shower and catch a few zzzzz's under a tree. When I checked in with Dr. Michelle she told me that I looked much better. She checked my blood pressure, my heart rate, and then handed me back my coveted credentials. I asked if I could keep the "red card" for my scrap book, but she said if I kept it I couldn't have my credentials back. No thank you!<br />
<br />
AZ then drove me and Sandy back to camp. (Her knee was shot.) I quickly showered and tried to take a little snooze under a tree. I would just start to fall asleep only to be woken up by small little ants tickling my arms and legs. Totally gross! It was not very restful. When I decided that I had enough, I got up, and turned around to face the most ominous of skies. Holy cow! We were in for a doozie of a storm. The next thing I know is that I see numerous volunteers running around securing tents for the impending storm. Sandy comes running back saying that Bridget says we may need to be relocated. All I can think of is 2008, my first walk, when we ended up inside Stoughton High School for the night because of horrific thunderstorms. I quickly threw some necessities in a bag in case we were told to go inside, and then walked over to the dining tent to await further instructions.<br />
<br />
They ended up opening dinner early. Fearful of a relocation, we all ate. There were still a few people on route, and there was talk that they would be closing it. Little by little we were seeing more of our friends come in. Then the rain came, and I mean came. It was torrential. We were still missing Maurine and her sister. Maurine was such a trooper. It was Day 2, and I think she had already walked more miles than she had all of last year! Someone got a text from her saying she was being transported back to camp. In the meantime, we decided to make the best of the conditions. Of course, our resident free-spirit, Alexa, went running around in the rain until her mom made her stop. Oh, to be young again. There were also several men who decided this was a great opportunity to strip down in front of a thousand women and use the yoga mats as a "slip and slide." It was pretty funny. <br />
<br />
Luckily for us, we didn't end up getting relocated. It continued to pour, and they opened up the school for a bit. They even offered to move tents over to the turf, but most of us didn't take them up on it. Our tent was dry, and the rain actually soothed us to sleep. By midnight, it was over. I think it was the best I have ever slept on the 3-Day. I actually know so because I didn't even hear everyone packing up around me. I rolled over and looked at my phone. It was 6:00AM! Yikes! I need to get packing!Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-88518065565022771542012-08-02T16:51:00.001-04:002012-08-02T17:04:36.103-04:00This one's for Emma--Day 1Another year, another 3-Day. Different than each year before, but as exciting as ever. There were new Princesses and new experiences. There was even some improvement in the weather; however, it wouldn't be the Boston 3-Day without thunder, lightning, and pouring rain. From Opening to Closing with friends and family it will be a weekend that will always be remembered.<br />
<br />
<b><u>DAY ONE:</u></b><br />
Okay, so I am actually starting a bit before Day 1. All day on Thursday I anxiously awaited the arrival of Keri and her friend Allison, the New York Princesses. I have known Keri for over 15 years. Her husband Wayne was Andy's college roommate. They used to play baseball together; actually, Wayne was Andy's catcher when he pitched. Unfortunately, because of the distance, we don't get to see each other often, so I was very excited to be spending these 3 days with her. Meeting her friend Allison was just an added bonus. I first heard of her when Keri called me shortly after Allison was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time she was only 33--so young. Years later, Allison was ready to take on her second journey of a lifetime. <br />
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Around 5PM, their minivan pulled up. I could tell right away that Allison was not feeling well. She had a fever, chills, and a sore throat. Uh oh, this could prove to be a challenging few days. After a pasta dinner, it was time for bed. After all, we needed to be at Cheryl's at 3:45AM! Yikes!<br />
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After picking up Nicole K., Sandy, and Allison S., the 6 of us were headed to Cheryl's to meet the bus. As soon as we arrived, I was taken aback by our 4AM cheering station. Patty's dad, George, and his girlfriend, Tucky, were there of course--they are our biggest fans. In addition to them we had Julie, Danielle, and Sue, all Princesses who were not going to be joining us on the 3-Day this year. How awesome is that? The best part was that Danielle brought a candle for Emma, and it sat there as we loaded up the bus. As we pulled away, Danielle picked it up and held it high. This was definitely going to be an emotional 3-Day. <br />
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Shortly after we started out, we stopped to get food and coffee. Some of us chatted, and some of us tried to get some more sleep. Before we knew it, we were almost there. Right before we reached Framingham, Vicky got a message from Tina saying that she was at Opening Ceremonies. She was determined to carry that flag. <br />
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Arriving at Opening was typical of any other year. There were a few sprinkles and we were excited to see friends we had been missing since last year. Our first task was to find Tina. Barbara had blown up and laminated a picture of Tina kissing Emma that we could all wear around our necks so that Tina would be with us the entire walk. Up until that morning, we were unsure if Tina would be joining us at all. Well, seeing Tina was indescribable. After all, she is why we were there. Emma was why we were there. Finding a cure for breast cancer will lead to a cure for all cancers. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cJrvtVOG5B40wWpFL2YNjGsfNB-eubM3tVL1-Yj57iCUfdoEjSZoZACIJ5Fxye8dXWQZtWhNHhhICMGqsi99D2bs-fz_RWZFQdxZxsbVtw4X0hCQTxyARIHhT3dYOyvPOHj_nwyMqzA/s1600/540337_10151062347264631_1207309260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7cJrvtVOG5B40wWpFL2YNjGsfNB-eubM3tVL1-Yj57iCUfdoEjSZoZACIJ5Fxye8dXWQZtWhNHhhICMGqsi99D2bs-fz_RWZFQdxZxsbVtw4X0hCQTxyARIHhT3dYOyvPOHj_nwyMqzA/s400/540337_10151062347264631_1207309260_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The TWP surrounding Emma's ICU nurses, the most special ladies around!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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When we saw Tina, she was surrounded by three of the cutest young women dressed in hot pink shirts stating, "Kiss my Sass!" These young women were Emma's ICU nurses from MGH. Seriously! They drove her in from the hospital because they knew it was important for Tina to be there. They knew she would need them as the team walked away. They knew what it meant to be a good nurse. How amazing are they? I overheard one of them talking to a Princess wondering if they had overstepped their boundaries by doing such a thing. To me, it is completely the opposite. How do you not assist someone like Tina in her time of need? These girls are the symbol of all that is good in the world, and I thank them for that. <br />
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Well, we hadn't even started Opening Ceremonies and there was not a dry eye among the TWP. We knew where Tina would be standing with the flag, so we gathered there awaiting her arrival. Words cannot describe the feelings we all had as she walked down that stage. Her face was so full of hope and love. She was the embodiment of grace and dignity combined with a courage that I could never muster. I would have just collapsed right there, a blubbering mess. But Tina didn't. That is not Tina. She held her head high and walked to honor her Emma, right into the arms of the TWP. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsZGpS9cSjOIeo1hNqTZRLkBYfog09iZWZSd3ONVNrxd5DfUd3VRT-roSpNZ8mWMa_iq0XfMGHmGdLPNN2J0oCXm5yL9UxOy0EOOg47g-uWRhp8jgu2wwIhWjPgtDGum3POBnJ6i4FuA/s1600/IMG_0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsZGpS9cSjOIeo1hNqTZRLkBYfog09iZWZSd3ONVNrxd5DfUd3VRT-roSpNZ8mWMa_iq0XfMGHmGdLPNN2J0oCXm5yL9UxOy0EOOg47g-uWRhp8jgu2wwIhWjPgtDGum3POBnJ6i4FuA/s200/IMG_0491.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharyn honoring Bridget</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2_fUHtJkRsqTc5AiD_QjvIejcP4koDHgDyNJ7of5SiGCcBCmNlbsOPFaW-U5Nkdy89iAS05gnu4KPz30PqfSa0pgUPjxtH-4-9hb4LmqatE2kaHQrRvhsAyj3bow3gpJjuSW76_ypKw/s1600/425144_10151062421439631_1779247857_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2_fUHtJkRsqTc5AiD_QjvIejcP4koDHgDyNJ7of5SiGCcBCmNlbsOPFaW-U5Nkdy89iAS05gnu4KPz30PqfSa0pgUPjxtH-4-9hb4LmqatE2kaHQrRvhsAyj3bow3gpJjuSW76_ypKw/s320/425144_10151062421439631_1779247857_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of Team TuTas</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I remember looking across the way and seeing two of my friends also bearing flags. Sharyn was carrying the "my friend" flag in honor of our friend Bridget, who many of you have read about. It was so great to have her right across from Tina. Next to Sharyn was my friend Amanda who carried the "my mother-in-law" flag in honor of her MIL, Kathey, who was in the Survivor Circle. Amanda and Kathey are members of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teamtutas">"Team TuTas"</a>, a young growing team that so reminds me of TWP. Be sure to like their page on facebook!<br />
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The rest of the ceremony was a complete blur. Every one of us had the "ugly cry" working. It was just a sobbing mess. I have never felt what I felt that morning. Leaving Tina behind as we walked off was one of the hardest things I have ever done. It sounds crazy, but it felt like leaving a soldier behind. We were the last ones to leave Opening--honestly, there was no one behind us. It didn't matter though, we just needed that time together.<br />
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The first 10 miles or so were typical of years past--pretty slow and uneventful. It is difficult to walk at a quick pace when there are so many people in front of you. We spotted some of our fans along the route and were thrilled to see Helen (the elementary school secretary) and her daughter, Lisa, both Michigan 3-Day walkers, on the side of the road in Wellesley cheering us on. This year we had a large group walking together for most of the day. I think it was 15 of us. There was one pit stop that was at a park in Wellesley. They had the most amazing playground equipment with two giant slides. Alexa, Patty's 16 year old daughter, thought it would be fun to go down the slide. I did too; however I could only imagine my sweaty body sticking to the slide, so I opted to take the video. My favorite part is listening to the girls voices in the background. It was one of the highlights of the day. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheryl, Patty, Ben, me, and Maurine at lunch</td></tr>
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As I walked into lunch, a few paces in front of some of the group, I heard several of my teammates hollering to come back. I was fearful that something happened. You never yell to someone to turn around and come back. That is more miles added onto the 60! Well, this was definitely worth it. When I turned around, there was Ben. Ben was one of the producers of our video, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi4HVW35t6Y&feature=plcp">Walk Like A Princess</a>. He hopped on his bike in hopes of finding us, and within two minutes was riding beside Patty. It was great to catch up with him for a few. Being a part of that video was one of the most memorable moments of my life. Every July that comes around I can't help but think of Nadesha, Rachel, CJ, Doug, Steph, Matthew, Paul, and of course Ben. That 3-Day will be like no other. <br />
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After lunch we continued together for the next several miles through Newton and into Waltham. The sky began to darken, and we knew it wouldn't be a Boston 3-Day without the rain. Just as it started to sprinkle, I received a text from Connie, saying that our tent was set up! Awesome! Up ahead there was a Dunkin' Donuts and several members from our team stopped. There were about 3 miles left, and I was on autopilot as so many of are when we reach that close to camp. I trudged on ahead, by myself, hoping to catch up to Keri and Allison. These two girls were amazing. They kept up such a quick pace all while Allison was sick. I eventually caught up to them, but Allison too, was on autopilot and pushed on ahead. Keri and I chatted and walked up the long hill by Bentley University, knowing that Gann Academy, our camp, was right around the corner. As we turned into camp, the rain stopped. Somebody was looking out for us.<br />
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We quickly showered and headed over to the dining tent where we spent most of the night. We watched the entertainment until it was time to turn in. I was exhausted. Day 1 was done, and I was happy. Walking back over to tent city, I was once again overwhelmed with emotion. There were tons of candles lit in honor of Tina and Emma. I wish I had pictures of them all, but it was too dark to get any good ones. There was one that stood out in my mind. It was small tea-lights that spelled out "EMMA." It was breathtaking. <br />
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As I lay in bed that night, I was having difficulty falling asleep. It was almost 11PM, I was exhausted, and I could not fall asleep. My heart was racing. I often have heart palpatations that I take meds for, but these were more frequent than usual. My stomach began to bother me. I knew I drank enough because I was using the bathroom frequently, but my mouth felt like cotton. I felt dehydrated. I kept drinking more Nuun (the new sponsor of the 3-Day instead of Gatorade) but it didn't seem to help. Should I go to medical? No, I can take care of this myself. 45 minutes later I was still no better. Maybe I should go to medical? No, I am still okay. Another 30 minutes and still no improvement. Yes, I should go to medical.Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-19397928981403255942012-07-25T13:13:00.000-04:002012-07-25T14:50:03.701-04:00All things TWPSo it has been a long while since I have written. I am not going to make excuses like I usually do, but I am going to say that the TWP have been VERY hard at work trying to find our place in the world. For many years, we have been known as "those girls who do the walk." Well, yes, many of us do walk the 3-Day, and that is where we started--Me, Patty, and Cheryl deciding to walk for a cure, but now we are SO much more than that. Finding a cure for breast cancer is still a priority to me, to us; however, the TWP realizes that cancer doesn't discriminate, so why should we? We are there to help ALL women! This is our true passion. So, we are working hard to create our new image. In doing so we have lots of exciting news!<br />
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Recently we have teamed up with Charlene Dolan from <a href="http://www.dolanfinancialservices.com/home.aspx">Dolan Financial Services</a>. Why might we team up with Charlene, you ask? Simply said, she is amazing. She has a wealth of experience, not just in finance. She has been on numerous boards, knows lots of people, and fortunately for us, she has taken a liking to the TWP. The more I get to know her, the more I admire her. She has met with me and Patty on several occasions, and she has forced us to hone our vision for TWP while striving to strengthen our non-profit. She recently helped foster what I believe will be one of our greatest partnerships. Ready for this...The TWP have partnered with the<a href="http://www.ywcanewburyport.org/"> Greater Newburyport YWCA</a>!!! Part of the YWCA's mission is to empower women. How perfectly does that blend with the TWP? In addition, many of you may not be aware, but the YWCA offers an unbelievable service to women who are breast cancer survivors. It is called the <a href="http://www.ywcanewburyport.org/encore.html">Encore Program</a>. Encore is a session based program designed specifically for those who have experienced breast cancer at any time in their lives. It incorporates gentle exercises,
relaxation techniques, information and peer
group support. It is safe, fun and therapeutic. Ilene Grady, who runs the program, shares similar views to us, in that she believes that health and wellness is essential before, during, and after treatment. To kick off our partnership, the TWP will be hosting a swim party for Encore members and TWP families. The event has been affectionately named, "YWCA meets TWP--Embracing Possibilites" Doesn't that sound great? It gives me so much hope for the future.<br />
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Over the last month we have also met with Deb Chiaravalloti, a local marketing rep. We wanted her take on our princess logo. Obviously our logo is pink, and we are not all about breast cancer any more. We had a great meeting, but most importantly, she loved our princess and what it represents. We are just trying to figure out how to make her appeal to all forms of cancer. It might take a bit, because we want her to be just perfect! Be on the lookout for her debut, I'm sure it will be a smashing one!<br />
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We also have another project that is underway for the month of October. I met with Mayor Keezer about a month ago to discuss it. I was cautiously optimistic that we would have his support, but it went way beyond that! He is thrilled with our idea! During the month of October we plan to "Light the Town Pink!" Community members will be able to purchase pink lightbulbs, and for one weekend we hope to light up the entire town. This year it is pink, who knows what color it will be next year! In addition to that, we will be releasing our "Men of Amesbury Support Cancer Awareness Calendar!" Ron Mushow from <a href="http://home.comcast.net/%7Erockstar.com/site/">Ron Mushow Photography</a> and Judy Dodier have been hard at work hunting down some special men, both young and old, for our calendar. We promise to have someone you know donning the pages. You'll have to visit one of your favorite downtown businesses to purchase one!<br />
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Also, I wanted to mention our survivor baskets. Earlier this year we received a grant to compile baskets for women newly diagnosed with cancer. To date, we have made 10 women's days a little bit brighter. We have gotten requests from all parts of the North Shore! I would be remiss if I did not mention Coleen Magowan and her business <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Wicked.Cool.Sea.Glass">Wicked Cool Seaglass</a>. Coleen has donated a beautiful cancer ribbon charm made of sea glass and sterling silver to EVERY basket! If you know of someone who could use a basket, or if you have something that you would like to donate to a basket, just shoot me a message, and we can work out the details.<br />
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Now, I assume most of you know what is happening in two days, right? Yes, I will be participating in my 5th 3-Day starting on Friday! I cannot wait. Each year you think that I would anticipate it less, but that is just not the case. I have so many dear friends, my 3-Day family, that I just can't wait to see. My favorite part of the 3-Day is walking with "newbies." I become filled with excitement watching them experience it for the first time. It brings back that rush that I had that first time I saw those big inflatable columns or the pink flags being marched out on stage.<br />
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Yes, this year will be different. Every year is, but it doesn't mean it will not be as good. What I am most excited for this year is something that my daughter Maddie initiated. By now, you all know of 9 year old Emma, and hopefully have read about the facebook campaign "Light the Way for Emma Journeay" to provide strength and support as Emma battles Stage 4 Neuroblastoma to find her way home from the hospital. (If you don't, you can read more about her story at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Emmas-Pen-Pal-Adventure-Around-the-World/122573034524877">Emma's Pen Pal Adventure Around the World</a>.) This year, Tina was asked to carry the "my child" flag at Opening and Closing Ceremonies. To be asked to carry a flag is such an honor, but for Tina to be asked to carry this particular flag, well, there are no words. Our hope is that Tina will be able to join the Boston 3-Day, and more importantly, her TWP at some point to celebrate Emma. However, as any parent understands, this may not be feasible, and luckily for us, we have Tina's BFF Vicky waiting in the wings to do Emma proud! The next piece is where Maddie comes in. She thought it would be great to have candles set up outside our tents "lighting the way" for Emma. How perfect! I mentioned it to Bridget, the 3-Day Field Coordinator, and she suggested I mention it to other teams. This morning it has gone viral on facebook and there are requests to light candles at ALL of the 3-Day cities around the country for Emma and Tina! Absolutely unbelievable! This is why I will continue to walk the 3-Day.<br />
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Obviously, you are aware that this has been a challenging year for many of the TWP. For some it may feel like this walk is insignificant compared to what is going on in their lives. I completely agree with that; however, I think the 3-Day is the initial glue that bonded the TWP. While we have all become close friends, the 3-Day is the one time of the year when we all get together and support each other. It is a time when we can cry, laugh, or scream together. It is one weekend when we all join for one purpose. It doesn't matter if it rains. To quote a friend, "I'd take rain over chemo any day!" It doesn't matter our feelings toward SGK. What matters is that we are together trying to make a difference, and holding each other up while doing it. What matters is that we are a team. What matters is that 3-Day provides HOPE. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3MMdgy12uBqPSK0eMypUGC2bbHLpo57kewqe_g9gYtXWLqXs81WhRZQROktKkL5VeV6icpI_-syvwUAT5gkhkvT4rw9UuUu1HiCTwyyLUvjTQQvldbgJm5gqQ2uvUIAXQEAvkmOR03k/s1600/Tough+Warrior+Princess+team+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY3MMdgy12uBqPSK0eMypUGC2bbHLpo57kewqe_g9gYtXWLqXs81WhRZQROktKkL5VeV6icpI_-syvwUAT5gkhkvT4rw9UuUu1HiCTwyyLUvjTQQvldbgJm5gqQ2uvUIAXQEAvkmOR03k/s640/Tough+Warrior+Princess+team+photo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-91264553374105829242012-02-24T12:16:00.000-05:002012-02-24T12:25:27.957-05:00TWPs off and running...I have been super emotional lately. All emotions--excited, fearful, reflective, angry. I sat down to write a blog several times, but I felt I just needed some time to get my thoughts together. I am sure that by now all of you have heard about the Komen/Planned Parenthood debacle. When it first went down, I didn't know what to think. I was just dumfounded. Many of us were. For days my Facebook news feed blew up with comments, both positive and negative. I had people saying sorry, but they were no longer going to donate to Komen. I had women that I had walked with for years questioning their commitment to this organization. Personally, I was hurt. How was I going to raise money if my donors were no longer going to support me? I didn't understand how something like breast cancer could become so political. In addition to that, I had to have a very adult conversation with my 12 year old son. He overheard me speaking to AZ about the possibility of people not wanting to donate to SGK. Z point-blank asked me why someone wouldn't want to donate to an organization that was hopefully going to find the cure for breast cancer. I then had to explain to him about abortion and political views--not a conversation I was expecting to have at this age. Fortunately, he is a bright kid, and he got it. His response, "What does breast cancer have to do with politics?" EXACTLY!!! Cancer doesn't care whether you are a member of the GOP, the Green Party or if you are a Democrat. When you take the politics out of it, SGK is the leading private raiser of funds for breast cancer research, second only to the United States Government. I have friends that are alive because of Komen grants, specifically Bridget and Maurine. So for me, this isn't political, it's personal.<br />
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Last weekend many TWPs and Pink Angels were at a GSM for Komen that was attended by a reporter from NPR. She was looking for insight into walkers' feelings about the situation for <a href="http://www.npr.org/2012/02/13/146812862/komen-hopes-walkers-wont-walk-out-on-3-day-event">her article</a>. Many of us were interviewed about our opinion, but Dana hit the nail on the head when she said, "This isn't about politics for me. It's about finding a cure for
something that's affecting 1 in 8 women, including myself. And I have three daughters to worry about." I think I can say with confidence that many of us echo Dana's sentiment and will continue to support SGK until there is a cure. <br />
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That being said...the TWPs are off and running. For the last few years, we have always taken a hiatus during the fall, but it appears that there will be no more of that. Now that we are a non-profit, there are so many people to help and so many things to do.<br />
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First of all, we are up to 26 members that will be walking the 3-Day! I am very excited about my friend Keri and her friend Allison joining us. Keri is married to Wayne, AZ's college roommate. In recent years, Keri has thought about participating in the 3-Day, especially after Allison was diagnosed. Well, this is the year. The two are making the trek up to Boston from New York to walk with us. In addition to them, we have another New Yorker, Teri Cox, Dana's BFF. The TWPs are now making our mark nation-wide. We also have Rita and Nicole K. joining us. Rita wanted to be part of a local team when she signed up. (I don't think she had any idea what she would be in for!) And Maurine recruited Nicole at a GSM. Nicole is one of our younger walkers. She decided to walk after watching a women in treatment while riding the T. She was so affected by her, she signed up just a few days later. Maurine has also convinced her sister Deb to join the TWPs, although I don't know how much convincing was involved after she made the journey up from Florida for Mo's 50th. Once you spend an evening partying with the TWPs there is no turning back. Then we have Barbara's daughter Amelia who is only in college. Every time she has been home from school she has gotten up early to walk with us. There aren't too many college kids willing to wake up before 10 o'clock these days. And of course our last not-so-new newbie--Alexa, Patty's daughter! Alexa is no stranger to the 3-Day. She has participated in the Youth Corps for the last two years. She is now officially old enough to walk, and she couldn't be more excited!<br />
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After our video last year, we knew the TWPs would grow. We hoped that our enthusiasm would be contagious, and it was. Personally, I thought it would be a one year thing. Well, that is obviously not the case. We have so many walkers returning! To do this event once is a decision in itself, but to be a repeat walker knowing what to expect is completely different, especially when we walked in 105 degree temperatures. I am thrilled to have these women with us. While we are 26, there is still plenty of room for new walkers. The 3-Day season is barely upon us. If you are even entertaining the idea, shoot me an email and we can talk. I promise I won't bully you into joining! <br />
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If you don't feel that walking is right for you, we do have another option for you to be involved in our organization. For $10, you can now become a TWP! I know what you are thinking. Isn't donating enough? Now they want me to do something else? No, we only want you to do what you feel comfortable with! Plus, you get discounted admission to one of our events! If you would like to do more, we would love your help. You can offer assistance with fundraising, decorating, making meals for women in treatment, transportation for people in need, or any other service that you feel you could contribute. Or like I said before, do nothing at all and just support us. Be sure to visit the TWP webpage to fill out your <a href="http://toughwarriorprincess.com/">membership form</a> today!<br />
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As you may have heard, we will again be holding our<i> 3rd Annual Dance Like a Princess Silent Auction</i> on Saturday, May 19th at Holy Family Parish Hall in Amesbury. We are hoping to surpass the $20,000 that we raised last year. We are looking for donations, so if you, or someone you know has a connection to a business or has a product or service that they would like to donate just let us know. We like to have a variety of merchandise ranging in price. You can email me, or just go to our <a href="http://www.toughwarriorprincess.com/help.html">website</a> and fill out your contact information. Tickets will be on sale soon, so save the date!<br />
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Another new feature that we have added to our team this year is that our friends now have the ability to make a <a href="http://www.toughwarriorprincess.com/donation.html">TEAM donation</a>. In the past, Komen only allowed us to receive individual donations. This year our donors have the ability to donate directly to the TEAM! We are hoping this will help our friends who know numerous people on the TWPs. Plus a portion of the money donated directly to the team will stay with our organization to help local women which I'm sure many of you will be happy about.<br />
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Lastly, I would love to say the sincerest of "thank yous" to my friends and family who have already donated to my walk. I am on my way with $1145! That being said...I still need your help. Remember, you can sign up for a payment plan through the <a href="http://the3day.org/goto/sherriziomek2012">3-Day</a> where you can choose to have money taken from your account for up to four months. Talk about enhancing your donation! Also, if you do decide to donate, check to see if your company offers matching gifts--another way to make your cash go further! <br />
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I am truly looking forward to sharing another 3-Day season with each and every one of you!<br />
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xo,<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-39959796129958715862012-01-05T22:14:00.002-05:002012-01-06T21:59:20.028-05:00My ABC's of 2011A new year, a time to reflect and a time to resolve.<br />
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I have never been one for resolutions. I just can't keep them. I don't know what that says about me, but it is what it is. This year, I will make one, as I do every year, and I hope to keep it. I resolve to write more blogs in 2012. Last year I really dropped the ball and I have heard from many of you that I need to pick it up again. Duly noted. I will do my best.<br />
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One thing that I do like to do, however, is reflect on the previous year. 2011--was quite a year--filled with some of the brightest moments I can think of, but at the same time filled with times of sadness and anxiety. Moving on, I am once again filled with hope for the future. As a teacher, I always find myself learning new things, and I try to relate my experiences to my teaching. As most of you may know, I transferred out of the Special Education Department and into the English Department this year. It has been challenging having to develop new curriculum for books I haven't read since college, but it is something that I am pleased that I chose to do. Thinking about how my life relates to teaching, I have decided to share with you my ABC's of 2011. Be prepared folks...it's a long one.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A: </b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Anniversary</b></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">During this past year I celebrated one of the BEST anniversaries ever! My five year "cancerversary!" I know you have all heard that once you reach five years your chances of recurrence go way down. Hooray for me! In addition, at the beginning of December I went off of my Tamoxifen! I am now drug and cancer free. Here's hoping 2012 stays that way. </div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>B: </b></span> </span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bridget</span> </b><br />
I am sure that most of you know who she is. I have written about her in several blogs, and provided links to her blog as well. She is my stage 4 metastatic breast cancer survivor friend. She was diagnosed at the age of 21 and was told she had a 16% chance of living to see the age of 30. She recently turned 28. Bridget is a brilliant writer who has an uncanny knack of making her readers part of her world. Throughout this year, Bridget has experienced great highs and also some very scary times. She has taken over a new job being the Field Coordinator for the Boston 3-Day. I feel so very blessed to have her as part of my life, and each day she gives me another reason to walk. Please take the opportunity to read her blog, <a href="http://mybiggirlpants.blogspot.com/">My Big Girl Pants</a> and you will see just how amazing she is.<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>C: <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">C25K</span> </span></b></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">After our walk in July was completed, many of the TWPs experienced "princess withdrawal"--a condition only known to those who have participated in the intense training that goes along with the 3-Day. Patty came to our rescue organizing a Couch to 5K program for those interested. The first week had over 50 people, and almost half of them were kids! It was incredible to see so many people gathered together trying to become healthier. It was a great 8 weeks even if the Race for the Cure was canceled due to the freak October snow storm.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpLBPvK9JRU/TwS6In6JDdI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ED4RFBq3SSA/s1600/1310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpLBPvK9JRU/TwS6In6JDdI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/ED4RFBq3SSA/s320/1310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">D: <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">DC</span></span></span></b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"> </span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">This past October Patty, Cheryl, Jody, and I made the journey to Washington, DC to be crew members of the DC 3-Day. It was an experience that none of us will ever forget. We were members of the Traffic Team and we literally directed traffic--sometimes in the dark! Even with reflective vests and light sabers, it was very scary standing in the middle of a busy street. The four of us were inseparable, and thanks to our fearless leader Jason, we became known as "Boston." We were one unit. The first day sucked. Of course "Boston" brought the rain down to DC because we know it always rains in Boston on the 3-Day. This rain was torrential--buckets and buckets. They ended up having to bring yards and yards of mulch into camp because it was a complete mud pit. We were freezing and soaked to the core, as was our luggage. Good thing we listened to the 3-Day coaches and packed everything in Ziploc bags. Day 2 was much better, and so was the weather. We were relatively comfortable with our duties, and Jason even let us cheer on the walkers coming in--a TWP cheering squad, the perfect job for us. We did have one minor mishap when we tried to jump into the back of a golf cart for a photo op and spilled mulch all over the route. Oops! The last day, Day 3, was TOUGH! We helped pack up camp. We stacked tables and chairs and more tables and chairs. Don't ever think that Crew is easy—working from 5AM-9PM is hard work. I would much rather walk 60 miles any day!</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times","serif";"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>E: <span style="font-size: large;">Emma</span></b></span></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Emma is a beautiful, vibrant eight year old girl who happens to be Tina, our Treasurer's daughter. Late in the summer Emma was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that affects the adrenal glands and the nervous system. It usually affects young children, so it was surprising to see that Emma had it. Being a survivor herself, Tina was devastated. She had some idea of what was in store for Emma. Since her diagnosis Emma has undergone chemo, which has been a rocky road with numerous hospital stays due to low blood counts and some illnesses. She will hopefully finish her last round this week and then be on to her next steps--stem cell transplants and surgery. I can't begin to fathom how difficult this time has been for Tina, Derek, and their two other boys. I do know that the TWPs will be by her side throughout it all. While this has been more than a trying time for Tina and her family, once again I feel that cancer has brought out the best in all of us. I know that Tina and Emma will stay PRINCESS STRONG!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/vE973STgoPY?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>F: <span style="font-size: large;">Flash Mo<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">b </span></span></span></b></span></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">This past October the TWPs joined forces with The Pink Angels for our first flash mob. After several practices, we met in Boston on a sultry October afternoon. Completing one last run-through in the parking garage, everyone casually made their way to the area in front of The Aquarium. Once the music started, we were led by several talented young dancers. Check out Mia on the left in front. She gets her great rhythm from her mom!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>G: <span style="font-size: large;">Get Started Meeting</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Last March I told you about a Get Started Meeting where a woman, Kathleen, recognized Patty and me from our video. She told me how she showed it to her sister who was recently diagnosed, and how it made a powerful impact on her and lifted her spirits. Well, this story gets better. On Day 3 of the walk, the TWPs were completing the last 3 miles of our 60, together as a team. (These were by far, the best miles of the walk.) As the survivors carried our sign, we rounded the corner to enter into holding. Before us stood a woman clearly just out of treatment. She yells to me, "Sherri! I'm Eileen, Kathleen's sister! When you said, 'Cancer is not who I am' in your video, you changed my life. Thank you!" I write that verbatim, because they are words I will never forget. That moment will be etched in my mind always.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QApzP-8gNjA/TwXDXSc3sRI/AAAAAAAAARo/TnZtQdpbwqU/s1600/278323_2229993467421_1175375666_3258886_4966292_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QApzP-8gNjA/TwXDXSc3sRI/AAAAAAAAARo/TnZtQdpbwqU/s200/278323_2229993467421_1175375666_3258886_4966292_o.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>H: <span style="font-size: large;">Husbands</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">The men who wear pink and don't think twice about it. Where would the TWPs be without our husbands? Really they are the glue that hold us together. Without them who would shuttle the kids to their games and activities while we are walking miles on end? In addition, who would put up with us when we are exhausted from walking the miles on end? Seriously, we have some of the greatest men around. Cheryl's husband Bob was so inspired by his wife he chose to walk with us this year, and Ronnie, Lisa's husband has taken hundreds of pictures for us and put them into slideshows which can be found on this page. If that wasn't enough, he is donating 5% of the proceeds from Ron Mushow Photography to the TWPs. Be sure to check him out on Facebook. Also there is Dana's husband, Jim, who would paint something new on his car every time he rode by us on the route. And of course, the other Jim, Maurine's husband, who followed us all along the route offering a chauffered ride to his lovely bride. They are all amazing, but we cannot forget my AZ who organized the TWP cheering station and creates some of the BEST signs ever! He is my rock! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I: <span style="font-size: large;">Inspiration</span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The TWPs have always hoped to be a source of inspiration to others, and I feel we have. My point was proven at breakfast on Day 3 of last year's walk. While a group of us were gobbling up eggs and bacon, a young woman, probably in her late 20's came up to us. She told us of her friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer while she was pregnant. Like many women, she opted against chemo for the safety of her baby. When her daughter was born, her friend arrived at the hospital with news that she had decided to walk the 3-Day in her honor. A few weeks later when the friend visited mom and baby, she decided to show her our video "Walk Like A Princess." The mother's quality of life had gone drastically downhill and she knew she did not have much time left. The video seemed to touch her soul. Two weeks before the walk, as she lay dying, she looked at her best friend and said, "Find the Tough Warrior Princesses at the walk, and tell them I said thank you." I have told this story many times, and even as I type it here, I have tears streaming down my face. That moment is what it is all about.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFxvEgYdAs8/TwW9QMzZZPI/AAAAAAAAARQ/soC_HNcGMyg/s1600/254710_1895841956035_1241160139_31676506_118766_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rFxvEgYdAs8/TwW9QMzZZPI/AAAAAAAAARQ/soC_HNcGMyg/s200/254710_1895841956035_1241160139_31676506_118766_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">J: <span style="font-size: large;">Jeff Hollett</span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">I have written about our friend Jeff, whose sister passed away from breast cancer. He is part of the team Baghdad Breast Defense, and was in the service while he began training for his first walk which he hoped to complete with his sister. Unfortunately she passed before July, and Jeff walked in her honor, and has ever since. Jeff is a great character--he dyes his hair hot pink and carries a large flag during the entire walk. Every year he enters Closing Ceremonies wearing pink army fatigues. This year one of the highlights of the walk happened with Jeff on Day 3. About one mile outside of Holding, Jeff asked us to form a "circle of trust." We all stood shoulder to shoulder facing outward with Jeff in the middle. He proceeded to change into his pink camo. As we stood there, someone started singing <i>God Bless America</i>. Immediately the tears started. What a memory to have.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>K: <span style="font-size: large;">Komen</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Where our money goes. Thank you for giving life to many of my friends.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>L: <span style="font-size: large;">Letters from Santa</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This was the second year that the TWPs conducted this fundraiser, and it was even more successful than last year. For $10 a child could receive a personalized letter from the Big Guy. Parents said that their children were ecstatic to receive something from Santa himself. The best part is that we raised $500! Way to go! Let's hope we have even more requests next year.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9OPG6IG_I0/TwXBk8FLi8I/AAAAAAAAARc/uQJTzIPpy08/s1600/388324_2636113738487_1124761669_32987340_1279962844_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d9OPG6IG_I0/TwXBk8FLi8I/AAAAAAAAARc/uQJTzIPpy08/s400/388324_2636113738487_1124761669_32987340_1279962844_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">M: <span style="font-size: large;">Maurine<span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Just a few short weeks ago, the TWPs gathered to celebrate Mo's 50 Years of Greatness! What a night! What was supposed to be a surprise was obviously not--Maurine looked too damn fantastic! There was good food, good company, and a fabulous roast with notes from friends who were not able to make it. Maurine's sister Linda even flew up from Florida! And of course there was lots of dancing. Whenever the TWPs get together it looks like a scene from "Old Ladies Gone Wild!" I think our feet were more sore after that night than during the walk. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">N: <span style="font-size: large;">Non-Profit</span></span></b> This year the TWPs became official. Yes, we are a 501c3! What that means for us is that we can now solicit donations directly from sponsors. We have our own tax exempt number which will make it easier to receive goods for events. Businesses can donate food and alcohol directly to the TWPs. We are hoping this will bring in even more funds this year! Speaking of funds...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>O: <span style="font-size: large;">One hundred and nine thousand dollars!</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Need I say more?</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>P: <span style="font-size: large;">Princesses (and Princes too!)</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> These are some of the most important people in my life. They are who I contact when I am anxious, sad, or thrilled beyond compare. I know that every single one of them would be there for me no matter what. Together we make magic. The only way you will ever understand what I mean is to join us. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Q: <span style="font-size: large;">Quest for a Cure</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> I am on it. This is my mission, and I will not stop until there is one. </span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlU8Fly1ulw/TwYosaD7QTI/AAAAAAAAAR0/0yWXSjtHWms/s1600/222530_590119234797_63600307_32498847_1481013_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AlU8Fly1ulw/TwYosaD7QTI/AAAAAAAAAR0/0yWXSjtHWms/s320/222530_590119234797_63600307_32498847_1481013_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>R: <span style="font-size: large;">Rides</span></b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;">Two of my favorite moments on this year's 3-Day involved rides. Both of which happened on the last day of the walk. On Day 3 I was feeling a bit down. I was not feeling the magic that I had experienced in previous years. With a large team it was difficult to get that close-knit camaraderie. As a large group of us was just about to leave Pit 1, we see Maurine come in. We made a conscious decision to hang for a bit and savor every moment of the rest of the walk. I am so happy that we did. I had it stuck in my mind that I wanted to ride the Swan Boats in The Public Garden. If The Pink Angels could manage to do it every year with a team of almost 100, then we could definitely do it. And we did!</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDXshbRzEJs/TwZf68eP1UI/AAAAAAAAASk/s3sYGQe5EYw/s1600/249365_2275943827026_1501640541_2550078_2098481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WDXshbRzEJs/TwZf68eP1UI/AAAAAAAAASk/s3sYGQe5EYw/s200/249365_2275943827026_1501640541_2550078_2098481_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">The other ride happened a little later that day. We were walking our last two mile,s singing songs and enjoying everything around us, when we happened to come upon 3 transit police. Coincidentally, it was one officer's birthday, so of course we serenaded him. Then good old Maurine proceeded to jump on his motorcycle ready to finish the route. It was classic Mo, and we all just cracked up.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>S: <span style="font-size: large;">Silent Auction</span></b></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Our second annual <i>Dance Like a Princess Silent Auction</i> was our most successful fundraiser to date. In one night we raised over $20,000 and had an absolute blast doing it. We had over 150 auction items. It was a lot of work, but so worth it. It is probably the only night, other than the walk, when the entire team was together (minus Melanie because she had already planned a vacation). If you weren't able to make it this past year, we will be releasing the date soon, so mark it on your calendars for 2012. It should be even better. For highlights from our 2011 auction, just click the link to the right. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">T: </span><span style="font-size: large;">Tea Party</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Last spring we held our first <i>Princess Tea Party</i> for girls and their moms, aunts, or any special person in their lives. The Amesbury Cultural Center was emblazoned in pink and the girls all looked so precious dressed in their finest. We decorated sugar cookies, made crafts, and even had Princesses Alexa and Kiki available for photo ops. There were tea sandwiches and sweets to satisfy everyone's pallet. I am so looking forward to doing this again in 2012. We plan to have two seatings this time, and I am sure it will be even better!</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>U: <span style="font-size: large;">UMASS</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Where Closing has been held for the last several years. Walking along the beach in South Boston and seeing the University in the distance is such an overwhelming feeling. You know that you have just completed three of the most memorable days of your life. You feel...</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>V: <span style="font-size: large;">Victorious</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Okay, so "v" was really hard to come up with. But it is true.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">W: <span style="font-size: large;">Walks</span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">What else would "w" be? Lots and lots of them. And really long ones too. Heck, we even have one planned for 6:45AM on Saturday. Want to join us? It may be a lot, but, you know what? I wouldn't trade any of them--even those on the hottest of days or the most blustery of mornings. Why? Because of the people I am spending my time with.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>X: <span style="font-size: large;">X-Rays<span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">This was the year of the x-ray. Last winter I thought I was having a heart attack and was rushed to hospital by ambulance. There they did a chest x-ray. Then I sprained my ankle hanging my new drapes--another x-ray. Then I broke my toe a week after the walk--yet another x-ray. And the piece de resistance...the brain scan because I thought I had a brain tumor. I should probably be worried about all the additional radiation exposure, but as a survivor I feel at peace knowing that I have had the majority of my body scanned recently, and everything looks a-okay.<span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";"></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Y: <span style="font-size: large;">You</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">My readers, my family, my friends. You are what made my year so very special--your kind words, your laughter, your tears, and your donations! I wouldn't be able to do this year after year without your generosity and support. I look back at where I was five years ago, and I was a different person. Thanks to you I am new and improved. For this I truly feel humbled. So I must say the sincerest of thank you's to each and every one of you! xo</div><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Z: <span style="font-size: large;">Ziomeks</span></span></b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">For most people "z" would be difficult, but not so much for me. When I say Ziomeks I mean my family--the hubby and the kiddos. They never asked for a cancer diagnosis, but they got one too, and I have to say that they have handled it with all the dignity and class one can muster. When the 12 year old boy doesn't blink an eye if mom hands him a pink shirt, or a shirt with a princess on it, you know that some good has come out of this mess. The same holds true for the girlies wanting to raise money for your walk, or make bracelets for your team. AZ holds a sign for me at closing each year and it says, "in sickness and in health." He is the one who is always there for me, each and every mile along that walk. I know I can round a corner at any moment and my family will be standing there in the sweltering heat, even when the route is closed down. </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, I know my parents' last name is not Ziomek, but I could not let the highlights of 2011 go by without mentioning my parents. They made me who I am. They taught me courage and resilience. They are the ones that encouraged me to never give up and to follow my dreams. They are the reason I do what I do today. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">So--That was my year. A little long-winded, I know, but I haven't written in 6 months. Here's hoping that 2012 is even more dynamic! </span></div><div style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love to all,</span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sherri </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span> </div>Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-66509203377132431992011-07-28T23:02:00.001-04:002011-07-29T14:36:14.739-04:00EXTREME 3-DAY 2011--Day 2Believe it or not, the majority of us woke up at 5AM chilled. We all left our tents open and were just sleeping with sheets--no sleeping bags this year. Personally, I didn't sleep great, but what can you expect. We quickly got dressed and put the fly and tarp over our tent. It looked like we might get a quick shower, but we figured it was going to be so hot, everything would dry quickly. They planned to open the route earlier than usual, at 6AM, because the temps were expected to soar once again. After a yummy meal of eggs, bacon, sausage, hash brown, and banana, we were on our way again. We arrived at the gate just a little after six, but the route still wasn't open. Someone said that the ice vendor would not arrive early, and they were fearful that people would arrive at Pit 1, and there would be no ice. At 6:20 the route was opened and we were on our way.<br />
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Every day on the walk we start together, but you've heard me talk about our kamikaze walkers with Connie being the leader. Well Connie had a partner in crime this day--little Miss Allison. For those of you who do not know Allison, she is one of the children's librarians in our town. She also can't be more than 5 feet tall. We used to joke that it was one step for Connie and two for Allison. Well, that day, Allison led the pack and arrived back at camp at number 140 out of 2000.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTrUhYwBVkN6kRxSmvwKG8uaZkKjqM0bwlOCx6u6ssgrtDtQHmZjiwAH6vvb1ajlhd_k5WgvXJFiD0S9yZMcDlLKyECEo-03TA0NVp-_j8GVGvhaWn-7TyIj24gXxERcATp-SdoQilc8/s1600/arl.+hs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcTrUhYwBVkN6kRxSmvwKG8uaZkKjqM0bwlOCx6u6ssgrtDtQHmZjiwAH6vvb1ajlhd_k5WgvXJFiD0S9yZMcDlLKyECEo-03TA0NVp-_j8GVGvhaWn-7TyIj24gXxERcATp-SdoQilc8/s320/arl.+hs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a break waiting for the route to re-open.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>What started as a much cooler morning with a slight breeze, began to turn ugly at about mile 3 or 4. There was one portion of the route where we had to walk up the street a bit, use a crosswalk, then double back on the other side of the street. When we turned around, the sky was an ominous charcoal gray. Oh no! I thought there would be no rain this year. Then began the rumbles of thunder. The wind was blowing, and it just felt like a storm. As we trekked up the "hill that never ends" (you've heard me mention in previous years) it began to sprinkle. Then the sprinkle turned to a light rain. Then came the lightning. Yep--extreme 3-Day! As a child, I was terrified of thunder and lightning. I'm over that now, but believe me, the last place I wanted to be was under a bunch of trees, next to a body of water in Winchester. Seriously? Being familiar with the route I knew that there was a pit stop ahead. As we pulled in, we put on our lovely pink ponchos, that Jody had so generously purchased for everyone, and were getting ready to refuel when they looked at us and told us that the route was closed due to lightning. It was me, Nichole, and Dana, and we sat down under a porch and waited. We found out later in the day that those in front of us were never pulled off the route, they just kept walking, and those behind us were pulled into Arlington High School for a bit. Unfortunately, that made the gap between all of us even larger. I knew we wouldn't be able to be together the entire day, but I was missing the rest of my team.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFawzAw1IPrmg3ZtMWVl3bvoGZoyJp3BQQvzP4Kq099gP7LExchLfnTApfitKYqwtda6kClxgnhdua0V5SkGgR8zONNi6plLVZr4gHe82z_vmUfpVR4Zci1eTluJI4627_KD-GPTBO7RI/s1600/pa+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFawzAw1IPrmg3ZtMWVl3bvoGZoyJp3BQQvzP4Kq099gP7LExchLfnTApfitKYqwtda6kClxgnhdua0V5SkGgR8zONNi6plLVZr4gHe82z_vmUfpVR4Zci1eTluJI4627_KD-GPTBO7RI/s200/pa+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7yGrEtBPJ1tM6RsVxb63VX8ljXDjexCSJTcmIiXn1yLPuLQDzQfBh8tnisxe1Uti2vE4MK4mPAwZP1_wIoSoYjGuXdH-iZM1RBfvMQdNJiBaQybB9A-mxauWGRU9QvsnLWgICJZywXo/s1600/pa+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7yGrEtBPJ1tM6RsVxb63VX8ljXDjexCSJTcmIiXn1yLPuLQDzQfBh8tnisxe1Uti2vE4MK4mPAwZP1_wIoSoYjGuXdH-iZM1RBfvMQdNJiBaQybB9A-mxauWGRU9QvsnLWgICJZywXo/s200/pa+1.jpg" width="150" /></a>After about 20-30 minutes, the route re-opened. Ponchos came off and the sun started to try to peak through. We began walking with Wayne from the Pink Angels. The Pink Angels, if you don't already know, is the largest team in the Boston 3-Day. They are simply amazing. Since their creation, they have raised over 1.5 million dollars! Very impressive! Josie, one of their captains, has also been a huge support to the TWPs in our endeavor to become a 501c3, and personally has offered much guidance in how to lead a large team. Thanks Josie! Love you! But, back to Wayne. Since I have walked, Wayne has always been a member of the Pink Angel Posse. He always dressed in a pink gown with big angel wings. You will see the posse everywhere along the route, and they are always wearing something to make us laugh. This year, Wayne was walking. His wife is a 14 year survivor, and he had the honor of carrying the "My Wife" flag during Opening and Closing. It was so interesting to talk with someone who is such a wealth of 3-Day knowledge and is just so passionate about finding a cure. It was one of my favorite parts of the day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQm3R9QDKDszdUKcSX_ctCX2DfjqSpW3VvSDt6mVb3qw3rNoCeixcul74wViRNJ-HMJ0sPe1_Xavfa5Q8kT8za8LYGjClcLlz88aEcUm264_zcJyVaWkc5odKQ7V05hia5rZNNIvkpYw/s1600/papi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrQm3R9QDKDszdUKcSX_ctCX2DfjqSpW3VvSDt6mVb3qw3rNoCeixcul74wViRNJ-HMJ0sPe1_Xavfa5Q8kT8za8LYGjClcLlz88aEcUm264_zcJyVaWkc5odKQ7V05hia5rZNNIvkpYw/s200/papi.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>From Winchester, we headed into Woburn where the TWP cheering station was. I had decided to hang there and eat lunch with AZ and the kids. It was motivating to see all of our families there. The signs were outstanding. McCue the Florist was super supportive, and even moved stuff around for us. They provided watermelon, and others brought orange slices, freeze pops, squirt bottles, signs, dunking stations, and we even had photo ops with Big Papi! My mom provided a camp chair with an awning so I took a few to sit back and relax. I loved hearing the walkers go by saying, "We love the TWPs!" "Those girls are the best!" It really made me feel good.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7mDGX4VTkzy-xjsGnZrRHTNhUEWRTsBjR9AzX_4j1jW1gyQzjIazJXZBdDFSD8G1tbE5R7EpDxpCL4wwB70Nno6rBt2XmQbVHxyOuH2lHNVbXLU5FRaMSoq4CFkwvmFg7WeIx-mzQe8/s1600/dana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7mDGX4VTkzy-xjsGnZrRHTNhUEWRTsBjR9AzX_4j1jW1gyQzjIazJXZBdDFSD8G1tbE5R7EpDxpCL4wwB70Nno6rBt2XmQbVHxyOuH2lHNVbXLU5FRaMSoq4CFkwvmFg7WeIx-mzQe8/s320/dana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>From there, we bypassed lunch and continued on the route. It was here that we ran into Dana's husband and her three gorgeous girls. Every time we turned around, they were there. And each time her husband had painted something new on the mini-van. It just cracked us up. This continued for the remainder of Day 2. Her girls showed up at a pit stop with face paint, and were even allowed just inside the shoot as we were headed into camp. What a special moment that was for Dana.<br />
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If you have been a reader of my blog, you know my friend Tracy--the woman who has been my rock for the last 5 years. She's the one who did all crazy stuff for me while I was in treatment, and she also made the outstanding signs that lined the route on Day 2 of last year's walk. Well, once again, Tracy came to cheer me on! As I was walking into Lexington center I see this woman walking toward me. Mind you, I don't have my glasses on, so to me she is just some random woman. Then I realize my dear friend has returned to the 3-Day to walk with me for a few miles. I am so disappointed I didn't get a picture of us. Tracy missed us at the TWP cheering station and decided to walk up and down the route looking for us. Before she met up with me, she had walked with both Kaitlyn and Patty. All in all she ended up walking about 3 or 4 miles in a skirt and flip flops. The funny thing was that she ended up with a blister! In all her miles of training years ago, she never got one! Must be those sassy silver sandals. Seeing her just brightened my day and gave me the strength to keep plugging. I keep hoping that one day she will walk with me again. No pressure Trace!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mZuJEAwG0Rsk9d7MT-diE_M57v4JOIlVJEWjagVkC1oaHAdGCvu5-7W8hWPceE26x5UG7tJFqEW1iIh2AS2v3rEBdksDLXU_bgkER4iz07iAZ1HLDUffo0p0LahwgQbtUs2dcmmxSvM/s1600/minute+men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9mZuJEAwG0Rsk9d7MT-diE_M57v4JOIlVJEWjagVkC1oaHAdGCvu5-7W8hWPceE26x5UG7tJFqEW1iIh2AS2v3rEBdksDLXU_bgkER4iz07iAZ1HLDUffo0p0LahwgQbtUs2dcmmxSvM/s320/minute+men.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dana, Nichole, and Sherri with the Minute Men.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>After saying good-bye to Tracy, we realized it was starting to get very hot again. It was around 2:00, and the sun was now blazing. Where was that lovely cloud cover we had earlier in the day? I would even take the showers sans lightning. We knew we only had 5 or 6 miles left, and that we could do it. As we passed through the Lexington cheering station, we were greeted by the Minute Men. Of course we had to stop and take a photo.<br />
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We arrived at Pit 5, 2 miles outside of camp at 2:55 when we heard rumors of the route closing again. Hell, no! I am not getting on another bus when I only have 2 miles left. I asked one of the crew what was going on, and they said that if you were not back on the route by 3:00, you would be transported back to camp. My response, "Gatorade, please." And off we went. <br />
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At this point, we were done--not actually, but we were ready to be. All that was left was a medium-sized hill. No prob. We would be back before the buses came in. No shower lines for us.<br />
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As I said earlier, we were greeted by Dana's family as we entered camp. In addition to them, was a member of the Event Staff who said we could not shower until 5:00 or so, and that they would prefer we did not go into our tents. I just said that I needed to get my flip-flops. "Okay," was his response. How could he argue with a woman who just walked 21 miles? Here is where I got a bit sneaky. Having done this walk for years, I understand my body, and know how it reacts to these conditions. I knew I had consumed enough food and Gatorade that I would be fine in the shower, but how could I argue with staff? People were standing guard at various entrance points to the tents. All of a sudden, I saw my break. One staff member walked over to talk to another, and immediately I started zig-zagging through tents, sneakily making my way to the showers. Not very "Safety Spice" like, but I just couldn't wait to get clean.<br />
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We had all agreed that we would sit together at the dining tent on Saturday night. What the majority of the team did not not realize was that the reason we wanted to do this was because our fearless teammate, Maurine, was chosen out of 2000 people to be the camp show speaker. Plus, the Saturday night camp show should be experienced as a team.<br />
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We didn't need to wait for the show to start, Connie was our entertainment--not just that night, but all weekend long. I think of anyone on the team, this weekend affected her the most. To see someone who is always laughing and joking around be turned to tears, really makes an impact on those around. At this point Connie proceeded to call the good Dr. over to introduce the TWPs to her. This year, Komen has a new National Spokesperson for the 3-Day for the Cure. While many of us miss Jenne, Dr. Sheri did a fabulous job. Connie called her to our table and made sure she knew who we were. Dr. Sheri said that she had seen our video, and that it was outstanding. She said that they gave the youtube link out at some Komen media thing. I don't know the exact details. What a great feeling to know that the TWPs are known outside of Boston.<br />
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The camp show started with the Bank of America money booth--one of those blow up booths where the money blows everywhere, and you try to get as much as you can in a certain time. There were two people that were chosen, and wouldn't you know that one of them was Maurine's son Dylan who was participating in Youth Corp once again. Dylan and another young woman were able to grab almost $250 dollars which Bank of America doubled and donated to the Komen Massachusetts Affiliate. It was an exciting start to the evening. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rPKNo-fwcWEuje5dklLd5aprdvaeRtxeYmcYw0TT9zWsnqX_08HMD7XV1f4QtAx2IZIwQeplJUi7v7QFqrTyu7mu1Pt9V2rYDylnpy5hpAKha7xn5IGvs8u_1sWYqNXZWPPb06lS9mc/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rPKNo-fwcWEuje5dklLd5aprdvaeRtxeYmcYw0TT9zWsnqX_08HMD7XV1f4QtAx2IZIwQeplJUi7v7QFqrTyu7mu1Pt9V2rYDylnpy5hpAKha7xn5IGvs8u_1sWYqNXZWPPb06lS9mc/s400/shoes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Following that was <a href="http://youtu.be/SjGCntPj6B8">Maurine's speech</a>. I really have no words to describe it. Maurine is simply one of a kind. She made everyone understand the poignancy of this walk while inspiring, motivating, and laughing along the way. She had the perfect combination of seriousness and comedy. I heard someone say after that they didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It felt like you were just having a conversation with her. If you have not seen it yet, please take the time to view it. You won't regret it. Her closing had such an impact on a young woman, Samantha, that she took a photo from her 3-Day adventure and embedded Maurine's words into it. I was thrilled to receive an email from Samantha and immediately forwarded it to the rest of the team. We now all have it as our profile picture on Facebook in honor of Maurine. Our hope is that Samantha will decide to join us as a TWP next year in Boston.<br />
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</div>After that, Youth Corp stood up and told the crowd why they raise money and volunteer their time to the 3-Day. These kids are wise beyond their years, and have such a maturity about them. I guess when faced with cancer, they have to. It is uplifting to see kids realizing that they too can make a difference, yet sad too, because they want to do this when they should just be kids. Our team is lucky enough to have 3 kids on Youth Corp. This was Alexa's second and final year. Next year she will be old enough to walk with us. This was Maurine's other son, Tyler's, first year. Of all the Youth Corp, Dylio, as he has been affectionately named, was the last to speak. At this point, all the walkers knew who he was. He had already done the money booth, and was on stage when his mom gave her speech. Let me tell you--like mother, like son. He just commanded that stage. He was absolutely adorable. <br />
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When the camp show ended, we decided to walk over to the Remembrance Tent. Last year when we went, it was so emotional for all of us. This year was no different. In the tent there are photos of walkers that had passed over this past year. They were such beautiful women. The most disturbing part was that many of them were younger than me. In the past I have written about those times when I feel so vulnerable--when I feel like I may not know it, but my cancer could still be wreaking havoc on my body. This was one of those times. Why am I here, and they are not? I think about years down the road. Will my picture be in this tent? Then in the next moment I look at those around me and think, "No, it won't. We will find a cure." As I walked out of the tent, I saw my friend Mara, a fellow survivor. Just one year ago, after turning 40, she walked for her best friend, only to be diagnosed herself after completing the walk. I can't even begin to imagine the emotions running through her. One year later, and she is here. I don't think I will ever forget that hug we shared that night. On the 3-Day you laugh and have loads of fun, but the Remembrance Tent is what it is all about.Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-78801444001325658662011-07-26T18:48:00.002-04:002011-07-26T19:02:53.313-04:00EXTREME 3-DAY 2011--Day 1Another year, another 3-Day. Once again, this year's 3-Day was one of a kind. In the four years I have been doing this event, each one has been so different from the others. This year's walk is being deemed the "EXTREME 3-DAY" for me because, well that's what it was--extreme.<br />
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Anyone who lives in Boston knows that yes, it can be very hot in July. We were expecting temps in the high 90's with a heat index even higher. During the week leading up to the event as I ran into friends around town at baseball games or soccer, they were all sending their well wishes, but each one had an edge of concern about the heat. "Make sure you drink lots!" "Potato chips are your best friend!" "Listen to your body!" "Sunscreen!" Personally, I was thrilled that there was really no rain predicted in the forecast. I had walked in high 90's before, but that rain--it gets me every time. However, as the week wore on and the team kept posting about tent ceiling fans, and how nervous they were about the heat, I, too, began to feel concern. I did my best to hydrate all week long. There was nothing else I could do--I had prepared as well as I could.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCgK3T7BBWVKBdnOdb-BPZpwRhB_o8CT4-KS5i7Vr4LUjmB3n4FAbOrAJ2iO7zqm9C4FtL28wxga70TxQgfaAcLBsoZztGa3R7SDcCnEsmSeDLiE5lSGHbVA0POcIKmPKg8Tf3VUVpbU/s1600/ally+and+sarah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqCgK3T7BBWVKBdnOdb-BPZpwRhB_o8CT4-KS5i7Vr4LUjmB3n4FAbOrAJ2iO7zqm9C4FtL28wxga70TxQgfaAcLBsoZztGa3R7SDcCnEsmSeDLiE5lSGHbVA0POcIKmPKg8Tf3VUVpbU/s200/ally+and+sarah.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allison and Sarah at camp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>On Thursday at 5:00PM I had to pick up Allison at the library. Allison was a newbie (I say "was" because she is now a lifer!) and was planning to spend the night at my house with Sarah, another teammate. Sarah and Allison are best friends. These two young ladies are simply amazing. They have brought a vitality to this team of 40-somethings. They were definitely extreme walkers, and came in at the front of the pack every day. On Thursday night, we made pizza, chatted, and finished making bracelets that M & M had planned to give all of the teammates. (The girls made 23 and then gave up. I thought 23 was pretty good for 9 year olds.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrgtWpP2yy38s2zGNhK3W2LB2D9fN3qzgbtXt_j-bfr8UdfPQgDcS2CJ3dYhRgVM8fyb7XQqN2BwH2MRbq2uVdkOBzxG4I1TK7uJ_0_XxS-0-kWggEAp8mraPNLZp9lwlww84Y4N6jF4/s1600/bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmrgtWpP2yy38s2zGNhK3W2LB2D9fN3qzgbtXt_j-bfr8UdfPQgDcS2CJ3dYhRgVM8fyb7XQqN2BwH2MRbq2uVdkOBzxG4I1TK7uJ_0_XxS-0-kWggEAp8mraPNLZp9lwlww84Y4N6jF4/s200/bus.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>At 3:15AM, Friday morning, my alarm goes off. It really didn't need to, because I honestly didn't sleep much. We quickly dressed and headed out. As I opened the door, I was hit with a brick wall. The air was so oppressive and thick. On any other day like this, I would not even leave my home--A/C all day long! Instead, we picked up Sandy and headed to Cheryl's house to board the bus. If you remember, last year we took a small "party bus" to the 3-Day. Well, this year, it was a Coach bus. It was so cool driving down the street to Cheryl and Bob's and seeing this huge bus w/all these cars parked around like it was 2 in the afternoon. We were so efficient loading up that we were on the road by 4:15!<br />
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The ride in was pretty uneventful except for the passing out of bracelets, cards, and the cutting of shirts. Barbara had this ingenious idea of cutting the sleeves off of our NB shirts. She did it so well, that they looked like they were supposed to be that way. With the sleeves off our shirts, it only felt like it was 101, not 105!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOIwCT3AGbiM2AxV6ILajZB-p1ZGv2QqIpPzL3xqRM-oJ_oH3FTjTDIwdB2GNNeTMdBee_Rz251aCqu2Mc5fbmJn3Od4Q1AzNGW3A20zzuPFUGM09XopNr-0-d8FCyRh_aLWoDrhez4Y/s1600/mo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOIwCT3AGbiM2AxV6ILajZB-p1ZGv2QqIpPzL3xqRM-oJ_oH3FTjTDIwdB2GNNeTMdBee_Rz251aCqu2Mc5fbmJn3Od4Q1AzNGW3A20zzuPFUGM09XopNr-0-d8FCyRh_aLWoDrhez4Y/s320/mo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakQB6yJ2Pktc2okozKE_kqDrDPtZnrY07JDiW8cwpS1uBU_1qW6wrjW1aoD8am8Yanss6-dfLUe3wrFLpMKGBXMxBUYFWPcDj0zNO5zIrI5lSVpbLRuKEoH_AxqUl8NpylK-feQPItPQ/s1600/patty+flag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakQB6yJ2Pktc2okozKE_kqDrDPtZnrY07JDiW8cwpS1uBU_1qW6wrjW1aoD8am8Yanss6-dfLUe3wrFLpMKGBXMxBUYFWPcDj0zNO5zIrI5lSVpbLRuKEoH_AxqUl8NpylK-feQPItPQ/s320/patty+flag.jpg" width="320" /></a>We arrived on time to be greeted by Patty and Maurine who had spent the night in Framingham. We loaded our gear bags onto the truck and made the short walk over to Opening Ceremonies. Last year Opening and Closing were so emotional for me because I was in the Survivor Circle. This year, Maurine was given that opportunity. I was absolutely thrilled to be able to stand there and watch her walk in with that flag. She is more than an inspiration. On top of that, Patty was a flag bearer as well, carrying the "My Daughter" flag in honor of Katie and Alexa. The most amazing part of the whole thing was that Patty and Maurine stood directly across from each other. In a sea of people, you could see the connection between these two women. It almost took my breath away. <br />
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After we wiped our tears, it was onto the route. It was 7AM, and man was it HOT!!! We started off, and figured it would be slow and steady. That it was. When you have 2000 participants leaving one place at the same time, it has to take a while to get where you want to go. We were slow to get on the route as well, so it seemed to take extra long. By the time we reached the first pit stop, the lines were absolutely out of control. I hit the porta-potties, grabbed some water and was on my way with the others. About 7 miles into the walk I started to feel yucky. I have done this enough to know when I am starting to get dehydrated. The headache was coming on, and I felt a little nauseous. I NEEDED Gatorade. Dana handed me a snack then Connie gave me some peanuts. It still didn't do the trick. For the first time in four years, I questioned whether I would be able to complete this walk. Fortunately, the next pit stop was just ahead. As we rested for a few, I drank almost 32 ounces of Gatorade and felt much better. I knew this day was extremely hot,<br />
but thanks to my former friend, Mother Nature (I have since severed ties with her because she never cooperates on my 3-Day), Boston experienced record high temps on Friday--We are talking Africa hot--triple digits!!!<br />
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We left the pit stop at the fire station, and were on our way through Wellesley toward the next pit stop and cheering station. It was about 3 miles. We trudged on through, but just as we arrived, they announced that the route was closing. 10 miles in, and we were done for the day. The temperatures were too extreme, and it appeared that it was difficult to keep up with the physical needs of walkers. Medical was swamped! I had never seen so many ambulances. I heard some people complaining saying walkers should be able to make their own decisions, but I believe that Komen made the absolute right decision. There were more first time walkers than ever in Boston this year. To me, that is reason enough to close the route in these temperatures. You really don't know what a toll this takes on your body until you have done it. Walking 20 miles is difficult enough, but doing it in 105 degree weather is absolutely insane. That being said, I do feel for those for whom this is a personal journey. For me, I have been there and done that. I understand how frustrating it must have been that your goal was just moved out of your reach by no fault of your own. <br />
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So the waiting began. Half of our group had been on the cooling buses, and were immediately transported to lunch which was moved to Pit 5, 3 miles from camp. The rest of us had to wait until the people along the route where there was no shade were rallied together and transported to lunch as well. Meanwhile, I was supposed to be meeting Andy and the kids a half mile up the road at the cheering station. If you know my stalkarazzi husband, you know that if we can't come to the cheering station, the cheering station will come to us. Soon after my phone conversation, he arrived with the kids, cherries, and drinks. It definitely helped to pass the time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUnJl-y3Mcw7vnFGXt1Gs6527pOB4r7AhRP1f5OhUWrNrTVZxIb729Y8a0YQu78WYTSb4BWmEmU370jHzQVar5HgWyYfvx1bhMUQB_bx11HPRgO0PwM-6sKU4wrJK5OUiQlIjXAG2uKg/s1600/lunch+photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUnJl-y3Mcw7vnFGXt1Gs6527pOB4r7AhRP1f5OhUWrNrTVZxIb729Y8a0YQu78WYTSb4BWmEmU370jHzQVar5HgWyYfvx1bhMUQB_bx11HPRgO0PwM-6sKU4wrJK5OUiQlIjXAG2uKg/s400/lunch+photo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>While we waited, texts went back and forth between team members making sure that everyone was accounted for. The crew came by with candy, ice, and Gatorade. They were doing their best to keep everyone comfortable. During this time, someone created a sign and was passing it around to different teams. I agree, I think we were the champions that day!<br />
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We missed several buses, because we didn't stampede everyone, and ended up waiting almost 2 hours before we were picked up. We had talked to the rest of the group and they had eaten lunch and were waiting for transport back to camp. When our bus finally arrived, we piled in refreshed by the cool air that greeted us. Almost immediately after sitting down, many of us dozed off. It was an eight mile ride to lunch. We awoke to see a ginormous line waiting to board the exact bus that we are on. Hell no! We were not getting off this bus only to wait for two hours for another bus. We would forgo lunch so that we could arrive at camp at a reasonable hour. As we looked closely at the line, the 9 missing TWPs were at the front of it. As several people climbed off heading to lunch, we waited in anticipation for our fellow teammates to board. As soon as we saw the first one, we started, "TWP! TWP! TWP!" Yes, we were together again!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxFmALswruYdmS17qSYhp974LCvZ-iVlSZBCCd_d3_NcLZ_U5qAre_xVjNlN5fRIwAh8u-u2IASC1P1rvJvWynwPd4PNEfvZqSyEGnU18HLzs5rk4UzW0Iib6SOs62AM32piF6-ht-kM/s1600/mail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCxFmALswruYdmS17qSYhp974LCvZ-iVlSZBCCd_d3_NcLZ_U5qAre_xVjNlN5fRIwAh8u-u2IASC1P1rvJvWynwPd4PNEfvZqSyEGnU18HLzs5rk4UzW0Iib6SOs62AM32piF6-ht-kM/s200/mail.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>As we arrived back to camp they had an air-conditioned gymnasium waiting for us. We were one of the first groups there, so we were the lucky ones with chairs. The dining tent and 3-Day Main St. were open so we all decided to get our legacy pins. Legacy pins are earned by doing different things during your 3-Day experience. There is a team captain pin, a survivor pin, a 5K pin, a Power Team pin (which thanks to our donors, we were able to receive) and many others. On this day I received a pin I never thought I would--the Sag bus pin! You hop on the Sag bus if you feel you cannot walk anymore. Well, this year, I had to get it because they closed the route. From there we went to the Camp Post Office where we retrieved all of the mail that was sent to us. Thank you all so much for your kind words of encouragement and support. It meant the world to me. I even received letters from fellow walkers that were so moved by our video! Absolutely unbelievable. My best letter that I received was from my mom. Every year she writes me a mushy letter telling me how proud she is of me. Well, at this point she had been telling me how great I was for 4 years. She needed to change it up a bit for fear of my head exploding. She decided to write a song to the tune of Gilligan's Island. I have included it below for you to see:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A tale of the TWPs. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Who would've guessed when two girls met,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>That this would come to be.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>One day Sherri took a walk,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>A walk of 60 miles.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>At the end when she looked up,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>She saw a great big smile.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Patty said, "I know your beat,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>And tired to the bone,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>But this day I will promise you,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>You'll never walk alone."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>So Cheryl turned her hair to pink,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Sue's hubby took the twins.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Theresa and Gretchen put down their books,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>And Vicky said, "I"M IN!"</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Then Tina joined, and Kaitlyn too,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>And pretty soon Maurine.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Ten strong women side by side,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Make an incredible team.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>New Balance came a-calling,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>The news had spread so far,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>You said yes, we'll do your show,</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We want to be the stars.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We want to be the stars.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We will walk.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We will run</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We'll do a dash, </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>With ease.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We'll work for sure.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We'll find a cure...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Cuz we're the TWPs!!!! </i></span> </div><br />
Isn't that awesome? Thanks Mom!<br />
<br />
At around 5:45 they finally allowed us into the showers. They were fearful that with the heat people would pass out. Believe me. You don't want to pass out in the showers. They will drag your butt out naked. We weren't even allowed to set up our tents until 7:00. I guess they figured we would just bake in them. After we showered, we ate dinner, got ourselves settled and decorated tents. They looked pretty awesome. Lots of tiaras, photos, and blinkie lights. By the way, don't even ask about tent decorating. I'll fill you on that on Day 2. <br />
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At around 9:00 we tried settling in. It still had to be in the 90's. I was happy that I broke down and bought a personal fan. I climbed onto my air mattress, pointed it directly at my face, and tried my best to rest up for the day ahead.<br />
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Stay tuned for Day 2...<br />
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Royally yours,<br />
Sherri<br />
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<span id="goog_1225817934"></span><span id="goog_1225817935"></span>Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-28339669712259634542011-07-15T22:38:00.002-04:002011-07-15T22:44:17.602-04:00WOW!!!WOW!!! That just about sums it up. I am having such difficulty finding words to express the emotions I have experienced today. I cannot believe that I am part of such an amazing group of people. If you haven't heard it by now, (those of you on <i>Facebook</i>, please forgive us for our 18 million posts that clogged up your news feed today) the TWPs reached our $100,000 goal! This morning we still had $3,500 to raise and now we are at $100,292 and have an additional member!!! Gretchen's brother decided to join our team. Can you believe it? I hardly can. Earlier in the week we just surpassed the $90,000 mark. When we started getting close, I became so consumed with this goal that my entire day was spent alternating between <i>Facebook, </i>posting how much more we needed and the 3-Day site, checking to see if our thermometer had risen. In the last two days I have received over $400 in donations. Simply amazing. Social networking truly does work! I have had my mom's high school friends donate to me! These are women that my mom hadn't seen in over 40 years and just recently reconnected with. The thing that shocked me the most were the donations that came in today from those who had already donated to other members on our team. Having such a large interconnected team, people often have to choose who to donate to. By becoming a non-profit, we will have the ability to divide funds among teammates. I had two different people donate to me today having already donated to others. One family has even donated to TWO others on the team already! When something like that happens, it really makes you think. I can turn on the news on a daily basis, and 80% of it is so depressing. Then I can have a day like today, and the world is a wonderful place. Again, I wish I could find the words to express what this day has meant to me. All I can simply say is thank you. My life has been changed because of every one of you.<br />
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Royally yours,<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-64788645063672249142011-07-15T06:53:00.000-04:002011-07-15T06:53:54.322-04:00What a difference a year makes!It's is 5AM, and I can't sleep. One week from now, I will be getting off of a coach bus in Framingham, ready to embark on my fourth 3-Day journey. Maybe that is why I can't sleep. I am too excited. I have already begun to run through my packing list making sure that I have all of the necessities. This year I purchased a new lightweight bag and am excited to use it. It has lots of space to hold everything including all of our tent decorations. If we don't win tent decorating this year, I am done--no more decorations for me.<br />
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As I sit here I can't help but think what a difference a year makes. Last July, Patty and I started on the journey of a lifetime with the filming of our <a href="http://youtube.com/whatmovesyou">New Balance video--Walk Like a Princess</a>. It was during this weekend last year when we had the pool party and found out what we were really in for--the cameras, the microphones, the interviews, and the friends that we made. I recently viewed it for the first time in a long time the other day. It was just as amazing. We have received over 63,000 hits. It really was pretty incredible to be a part of something like that. But the thing that has been even more incredible, is the impact that it has made on those around us. Our little team of 10 is now an army of 31. 30 women and one prince, who have each raised at least $2300 and trained for hundreds of miles. Yes, I said hundreds. There are very few people around Amesbury who do not know the <a href="http://toughwarriorprincess.com/">Tough Warrior Princesses</a>. We can usually be seen in the early morning hours of the weekend, dressed in pink, walking around Amesbury or Newburyport. Just this year we have raised $96,500--just $3,500 shy of our $100,000 goal. However, we have high hopes that in the next week we will surpass that $100,000 mark. While I am eternally grateful to those of you who have already donated, if you have forgotten, no need to worry. Believe it or not, you can still donate. Just click on the link to the side of this page. Think of the lives that will be impacted by this money. Maurine and my friend Bridget, (you have hopefully all read her blog--<a href="http://www.mybiggirlpants.blogspot.com/">My Big Girl Pants</a>) are both recipients of Komen grants. Our money is helping them to live their lives the way that they should be lived.<br />
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While the money this year is terribly exciting, I can't help but look at the bigger picture. As most of you may know, the TWPs have filed to become an official non-profit. It took lots of work to create Articles of Association and Bylaws, but we did it and are just waiting to hear back from the IRS. What I am most proud of is our mission statement. We talked a lot about what we want the TWPs to become and what purpose they should serve, but to put it all on paper was very challenging. We wanted everything to be perfect--not too specific, but not too broad. Drum roll....I would like to share with you the TWP mission statement!<br />
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>The Tough Warrior Princesses are committed to raising funds for breast cancer research, educating and enlightening the public on the need to find a cure, and providing support to local women and their families impacted by cancer.</b></span> <br />
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Pretty good, huh? In the process of doing this, I just so happened to be reading <a href="http://ww5.komen.org/donate/promiseme.html">Promise Me</a> which is Nancy Brinker's story of how she started Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It is simply amazing to me, that something that started so small, just like the TWPs, has blossomed into an organization that is the global leader in funding breast cancer research. It definitely makes me think about what we can accomplish. By no means do we have plans to reach far and wide, but we would like to broaden our scope to include women with all types of cancer. From experience, we know that being involved in something bigger than you can make a great impact on your life. Our hope is to expand the TWPs to encompass those who want to make a difference in the lives of a woman diagnosed with cancer. We want to include people who may not be able to walk 60 miles, but feel that there is a need to do something, whether it is babysitting, making a meal, or driving someone to treatment. Simply put, we want to help make the lives of women battling cancer just a bit easier.<br />
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So while we wait for the IRS, life on the 3-Day continues. This Saturday is Street Team Day, a day when we canvas businesses along the route and let them know that 1,600 people will be traipsing through their neighborhood in just a few days. It is a fun day where I get to see my 3-Day family who I have really missed since the Get Started Meetings have ended. Plus, it gets a walk in. I know I am ready, but one more walk can't hurt. <br />
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On Monday I get to spend some time with my TWP family. Lisa S. has graciously offered her home for a little TWP party. Every time our entire group gets together, it is always for a reason, whether it be a meeting where we have to discuss business or a walk. While walks are entertaining, and can be downright hysterical, we have really had little time to just hang out and talk--no business. I am looking forward to bonding with my "sole sisters" as we begin this journey.<br />
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You, too, can be part of our 3-Day journey. Be sure to visit <a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BO_Spectator">Spectator information</a> to find out about all the ways that you can support us. Consider coming to closing ceremonies Sunday afternoon at UMASS Boston. It is so amazing, I can't describe it. It needs to be experienced. Or if you would rather join us on Saturday, in addition to the cheering stations listed on the 3-Day site, the TWPs will have their own cheering station at the McCue the Florist parking lot on Saturday July 23 from 10am–2:15pm. It is located at 200 Cambridge Street, Woburn on the corner of Rte. 3 and Lexington St. next to the 99 Restaurant. Our families will be there, and hopefully you will be too! <br />
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Thank you all again for your continued support. Many of you have been with me on this journey for 4 years. For that, I am forever grateful. I wouldn't be where I am today without all of you! XO<br />
<br />
Royally yours,<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-41703768773149565612011-04-23T10:25:00.001-04:002011-04-23T10:37:08.449-04:00Spring has Sprung!Like so many of you, I really enjoy this time of year. Spring signifies re-birth, and that is truly the case with me. It is during this time when I really kick my training into gear by walking several times a week. I always feel like a healthier me. I am getting up earlier, eating better, drinking more water, and getting fit. Sometimes I enjoy the early morning solitude of walking by the farms as the fog hangs low in the field, cows staring as I walk by. When I say it that way, it sounds kind of creepy, but it really isn't. Then on the other hand, just as fun, is walking with a group of 10 women laughing and sharing stories of their escapades the evening before. For this reason, I chose to become a 3-Day Training Walk Leader this year.<br />
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My first year I completed the walk, I didn't really participate in any of the Komen events. Luckily, at the time, I didn't realize what I was missing. I thought that I knew all I needed to know in order to have a successful event, and I did. What I did not realize was that I was missing out on so much more--the friendships that blossom during that time. I have said it before, but it takes a special kind of person to participate in the 3-Day. I don't mean to sound boastful, or arrogant, but to take the time to train for hundreds of miles, and to raise thousands of dollars, this event has to be of significance to you. When my friend Meredith runs her Get Started Meetings, she always tells a story about her brother and how he asked her what makes the 3-Day different from other events. She replies that it is the "community of kindness" that the 3-Day creates. What exactly is a "community of kindness?" Simply said, it is bringing your best self to the event. When you choose to walk 60 miles and raise $2,300, you are being your best self. When you see someone sitting alone at dinner and you invite them over, you are being your best self. When you are standing in a parking lot in 100 degree weather cheering your family on, you are being your best self. When you volunteer to drive in to Boston, pick up your friend's luggage, schlep it a mile back to the car, walk back, and cheer them on as they proceed into Closing Ceremonies, you are being your best self. Clearly, everyone who, in some way, participates in the 3-Day is bringing their best self.<br />
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So I decided to bring my best self and become a Training Walk Leader this year. You may not think so, but this was a difficult decision for me. I train with a group of women that really don't fit the training walk profile. What I mean is that we didn't always follow the rules. I know that might be a shock to some of you, but it is true. We weren't blatant offenders, but could incur some minor infractions. There would be the occasional cell phone conversation while walking, sometimes we would not stretch enough, Connie might not walk on the sidewalk, Connie could have us walking at a 5mph pace, and I believe there was one time when Connie did not bring water on a hot day. So I guess that it really wasn't all of us...it was just Connie! JK--xo Connie! Seriously though, the fact that we were so comfortable with the way we did things, and how we were with each other, I was nervous about including new people and new rules at the same time; however, I figured it was important, so I signed up.<br />
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If the TWPs were unhappy about me being a TWL, they didn't show it. Nine of them signed up for my first official training walk two weeks ago. I had mapped out a great five mile route around Amesbury which included everything that it needed to--a few hills, a stroll along the river, water, restrooms, and stretching. I remembered the echoes of Pit Stop volunteers, "HYDRATE, URINATE, STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH!!!" I tried to anticipate everything. I had waiver forms waiting to be signed, and my cell phone was charged. I had water, and my safety speech was ready to be recited. The one thing I didn't anticipate was that even though it was technically Spring, and some flowers have started to sprout, it is still felt like winter in New England. I was not expecting 25 degrees, with a zero degree windchill.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ52v2_Dp6d0BXJcy3vW5RYLtpWJL7MczSXaeG4KCbJcS7RZPo53aY79rqsiMx11R-OoF-5Y57eVYLjsuC53S5-S0Wdfy3YsS2TRFRea6NlIE_2cU8VwWukuCGu2bGGYgnQZagG5zVrIY/s1600/safety+spice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ52v2_Dp6d0BXJcy3vW5RYLtpWJL7MczSXaeG4KCbJcS7RZPo53aY79rqsiMx11R-OoF-5Y57eVYLjsuC53S5-S0Wdfy3YsS2TRFRea6NlIE_2cU8VwWukuCGu2bGGYgnQZagG5zVrIY/s320/safety+spice.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sherri the Safety Monitor AKA...Safety Spice!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We arrived at our starting point, the Rail Trail in Amesbury, behind the Stop & Shop. We all waited in cars for the last of the stragglers. When everyone was almost there, we began our stretching. As I am just about to finish, Michele G. shows up with a special present in honor of my first training walk--a reflective vest with the words, "Sherri--AKA Safety Spice" emblazoned on the front. Yes, I had made it to the big leagues. I was now one of the Spice Girls. All I needed was a pink whistle. Having that vest allowed me to play up the safety role and made for a more entertaining walk. I was proud of the Princesses for walking despite the freezing temperatures.<br />
<br />
Since then, the TWPs also participated in the 3-Day Kick-Off event. When you sign up to do the 3-Day you have a choice of which training schedule to do--a 24 week one or a 16 week one. My first year I did the 24 week one. At the time, I hadn't been doing anything physical and was just a year out of treatment. I thought I needed that much time to be prepared. I walked more than I needed to and was very burned out by the time the actual walk came around. Since then I have opted for the 16 week schedule. So, the Kick-Off event is a day where participants gather together and celebrate the beginning of the 16 week training schedule.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZE2wAfM0V9S1aFD8xk9ku4qhIDGopuGkmpHUCFB1ZxvQb6C1E8GsZp9ZLqkNDpHgUD1ZnOz5EZeDs3SILcjT_3bm0pHkngtE3ejKQWYyHr9GMBAfTye-RcvWRemW1MPVxzGQYsAuplw/s1600/kickoff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ZE2wAfM0V9S1aFD8xk9ku4qhIDGopuGkmpHUCFB1ZxvQb6C1E8GsZp9ZLqkNDpHgUD1ZnOz5EZeDs3SILcjT_3bm0pHkngtE3ejKQWYyHr9GMBAfTye-RcvWRemW1MPVxzGQYsAuplw/s640/kickoff.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The TWPs in full force!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvEaGJBY5mnZjJMN9sgOd2ZPubz8wjU8swTqCXtQrLTr_BDYP3nEmsG6vEIII4CWtCMKArRXi33-5Vqmzj_Qr36F5I6j1ZoIiKTYi0gBPKrohai2Xl9NwW_g8XACkHJ9O1YeffDVKMwk/s1600/kickoff4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEvEaGJBY5mnZjJMN9sgOd2ZPubz8wjU8swTqCXtQrLTr_BDYP3nEmsG6vEIII4CWtCMKArRXi33-5Vqmzj_Qr36F5I6j1ZoIiKTYi0gBPKrohai2Xl9NwW_g8XACkHJ9O1YeffDVKMwk/s200/kickoff4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheryl sporting her new toy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>We met at New Balance in Burlington where we planned to do the first of two 3 mile training walks. Believe me, the TWPs were going to represent! We had about 20 of our 33 teammates there! After checking in, the store was open just to 3-Day participants, and we got a special 20% discount. Many of us loaded up on t-shirts, flip flops, and some of us even got sneakers. At 8:00 we began the first of the two walks. It was a leisurely pace with one stop on the way. I don't think the TWPs knew what to do! We rarely walk at a leisurely pace. After getting back to the store, we shopped some more, ate munchkins and waited for raffles. Lucky Cheryl won a really cool pedometer/heart rate monitor. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AXFtBn3v5ZYtjab0P16ji4VI_Ckwc4gFaCDlkoNp465B1bnLLxYtwr_Qda6yYbZoh-SYogu3AV-Is-2qRG4y2HU8LTQHAiC_k5x15RjZLWrGtwlqjWSXxu-w7n67QuRqrwKIlj17_UU/s1600/kickoff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_AXFtBn3v5ZYtjab0P16ji4VI_Ckwc4gFaCDlkoNp465B1bnLLxYtwr_Qda6yYbZoh-SYogu3AV-Is-2qRG4y2HU8LTQHAiC_k5x15RjZLWrGtwlqjWSXxu-w7n67QuRqrwKIlj17_UU/s200/kickoff2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna, Melanie, and Dana</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY0AfIMaWeJyWHdSmx2zenqa8lzOrgmVKZ60rhIl7nQEN4lovH9sFn-JJsxWIIKvC5NuSyR_ail6exv_NewNxUaPzCyxDo1zkCszL4HRJdvZwcRet66ttTj2FyOLWmNJYBw9PL-9DjM0/s1600/kickoff7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieY0AfIMaWeJyWHdSmx2zenqa8lzOrgmVKZ60rhIl7nQEN4lovH9sFn-JJsxWIIKvC5NuSyR_ail6exv_NewNxUaPzCyxDo1zkCszL4HRJdvZwcRet66ttTj2FyOLWmNJYBw9PL-9DjM0/s200/kickoff7.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julie and Lisa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>While we were there I thought it was a good time to grab some photos of our new TWPs. I hope that as the season progresses you will get to know them as well as you did last year. They are a great group of women who are adding a whole new dynamic to our group. There will definitely be tons of laughs on this year's walk. In addition, they have renewed my energy, and once again reminded me why I continue to walk. What I love most about them is that they all want to be a part of the "team" that we have created. While some of us stayed in Burlington to do a second 3 mile training walk, another group went out for breakfast. I have to admit I was a little bit jealous when I received a text from Cheryl with a photo of them sitting around a large table with the caption "Our second training walk." I'm glad they had the opportunity to hang out a bit. It is all part of the journey.<br />
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xo<br />
Royally yours,<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-60192511709112339842011-03-10T10:20:00.004-05:002011-03-15T11:18:15.254-04:00Inspiration...it's contagious!Even though there is still more snow on the ground than us native New Englanders have come to expect, I am sure that if you look out your window you will agree with me that it is finally beginning to melt. With the promise of spring, comes numerous 3-Day activities. Over the last month or so I have been volunteering at 3-Day Get Started Meetings--a LOT of them. To quote my dear friend Sharyn, "I am a 3-Day addict." These Get Started Meetings are such an important part of your journey as a 3-Day participant. There are always a bunch of volunteers ready to offer support and encouragement. Meredith or Mara, the two Boston Field Coordinators, run the meetings explaining just what this 60 miles is all about. <br />
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Arriving at these meetings, it is wonderful to see old friends, or those I have affectionately come to know as my "3-Day family." Just as exciting is meeting the "newbies" who have no idea what to expect. It is such an inspiring feeling to be surrounded by people who all share the same motivation and desire. I think about the times in my life when I have been in groups like this. Of course, there were those clubs I was in when I was in school, and those who shared the same major as me in college, and even my PTA friends, but this is different. Maybe because we are talking life and death. Everyone who is there is there for a specific reason. We all have a story. It seems that when you get a group of people together to talk about the 3-Day there is an electricity that reverberates through the room.<br />
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During some of the meetings, we have been watching our video "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/whatmovesyou">Walk Like a Princess</a>." Mind you, I have seen this video a million times. My daughter Mia even says it is her favorite movie ever! (Probably because she is in it, and her sister was too scared to be!) But watching it in a room full of people who are about to embark on one of the most life changing experiences, adds a whole new level to it. The first time I saw it in a group like this, I saw the tissues being passed around, and heard muffled sniffles. I couldn't help but join in. I hadn't cried watching it since the first month it was posted. I think about when I say, "We have made a difference," and we have. I looked around at the women in the room, and they were inspired. My hope is for that chain reaction--for those women to inspire others too with their commitment to finding a cure.<br />
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While in a meeting one night, a 3-Day participant, Kathleen, said that she recognized me and Patty from our video. As the meeting finished I approached her and asked her how she had seen it. She explained that she had followed a New Balance link. She had decided to complete the 3-Day because her sister was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. She said that her sister was having a very difficult time coping with this diagnosis when she happened to stumble upon our video. During a visit with her sister in Pennsylvania, they viewed it together. Kathleen told me that when I say, "cancer is not who I am," I truly made a difference in her sister's life. It made her sister realize that cancer does not define her and has since changed her outlook on things. Immediately the tears started. To think that my words could have that affect on someone. How humbling. Another reason to continue this fight. <br />
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Just last night, Patty, Cheryl, and I were attending yet another GSM. There were so many volunteers there, including Wayne from the "Pink Angel Posse," (he dresses up as a pink angel to cheer the walkers on) and Jeff, who is a one man team, "Baghdad Breast Defense." Jeff is a Sergeant First Class in the Army and has been overseas many times, most recently returning from Kuwait. He told us how he became involved in the 3-Day. His sister had breast cancer, and upon celebrating her 5 year "cancerversary" they agreed to walk the 3-Day together. Well, Jeff registered, and kept waiting for his sister to do the same. Then came the conversation with his mother saying that his sister Kim's cancer had metastasized to her bones and brain--she would not be able to walk with him. While overseas, Jeff began to train. Fortunately for him, Jeff was able to come home on leave and walked his first 3-Day. While at closing ceremonies, he scanned the crowd for Kim, but to his disappointment she was too sick to come. Kim died in December of that year. He continues to walk each year, now with his sister Jen by his side. To see him speak of his story with such passion shows what a true hero he is. <br />
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In addition to all of these outstanding volunteers that were at the meeting, we were also blessed with Maurine, TWP Extraordinaire, who arrived with her two sons. Every time someone who does not know us watches our video, their first question is, "How is Maurine?" To have her there as a survivor last evening made quite the impact. If you don't know Maurine, she truly is one of a kind. She is full of wit, sarcasm, bravery, love, and more hope than one could imagine. During the walk she insisted on doing everything for herself in the midst of going through treatment. Last night was the first night I ever caught a glimmer of her fear. At the end of the meeting she stood up and asked Meredith if she could speak. She looked at the crowd of potential walkers and implored them to not wait--to sign up today. She continued saying she was the research and that she did not want to leave us five minutes before the cure was found. She referenced her two boys, sitting off to the side, saying she wanted to see them graduate from school and have their own children. Believe me when I say there was not a dry eye in the place. All I could think of was her boys and how brave they are as well, to stand there and listen to their mom say she might not make it. As scary as it is for me to think about losing a friend, I can't even fathom how Maurine's family feels. I don't see how anyone could have walked out of that room without signing up for the walk. <br />
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Today Patty and I are heading to the Haverhill Rotary meeting to discuss our experiences with cancer and the 3-Day. We again will be showing our video with hopes to inspire those present to make a difference. I believe we have made it pretty clear that one person can. I ask you to please think about how you can too.<br />
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Royally yours,<br />
Sherri<br />
xoSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-71354651188984742842011-02-28T16:04:00.011-05:002011-02-28T17:13:26.754-05:00What a crazy vacation!After posting my most recent blog, I sent letters out to co-workers explaining my "cancerversary" and 5 years later asked for their support. This time I was hoping their support would be in the form of a donation to my 3-Day walk. Once again, my colleagues did not disappoint. Donations have been coming in over the last few weeks, and I am on my way. It makes me feel honored to have such giving people in my life. If you would like to donate, just click on the link on this page.<br />
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While this blog appears to be an "everything is wonderful in the world" blog, it is; however, it didn't always start out that way. Just two days after I distributed letters at work, I was rubbing my leg and I found it...yes, a lump. Then further down on my leg, another one. Many of you are probably saying, "I have a lump in my leg. What is she worried about?" You are right. Many people have fatty deposits in their legs. I have many friends that do. But, these people have not had cancer. I have said it before. If you are a survivor, it is sometimes so difficult to stay away from that evil place. I feel that I go through my entire life trying to be positive, but there are just times when I want to someone to say its okay that I got dealt a sucky hand. Again, I have many friends that are battling much more difficult situations, but sometimes I just need, even for a minute, to think why did this happen to ME? This was one of those times. It was about 11 o'clock at night, and I tried to self-diagnose online. Please, please, please don't ever do it! I thought I had learned my lesson the first time, but obviously I didn't. I walked upstairs inconsolable, only to wake my sleeping husband. After 45 minutes of conversation and good old hugs, I finally fell asleep with the promise to call my oncologist in the morning. <br />
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The following day was a Friday, and I had to work. I woke up feeling a bit better and determined to make it through the day. As I sat in my office waiting to call my doc, I just lost it. I called Patty on the phone and told her what was happening. Patty was fabulous. She knew exactly what I was feeling. She said I had every right to be scared to death. That was what I needed. I needed someone to justify what I was feeling, not someone telling me that everything was going to be alright. After I hung up the phone, Tracy and Carolyn, two friends from work, picked up where Patty left off. Within the next 15 minutes I was waiting for a return phone call from my oncologist. My breathing became less labored, and I made it through the day. Around 6:30 that night, I heard back from them, and they had scheduled an appointment for me the following Friday. My mind seemed a bit more at ease when they said that breast cancer doesn't usually manifest itself that way. <br />
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So I had to wait a week. I could do that. I was feeling a little more at rest after talking to my doctor. I had Z's basketball game over the weekend, and all the craziness that goes with the week before vacation for a teacher. As Saturday went on I started to develop a case of sciatica--a debilitating case. The only time I had ever experienced it before was when I was pregnant with the girls. Man, does it hurt! By the end of the day, I was in bed speaking to the on-call doctor at my PCP's office. She prescribed something, and over the next day or two, I began to feel better.<br />
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The waiting game continued. Early in the week, was business as usual. My back was feeling better, but I was extremely dehydrated. The meds I was on were killing me. I didn't feel like I was taking in enough water, but figured I could bear it for a few more days. <br />
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Tuesday night, Patty called and invited the family over for dinner Friday night. I told her that we would love to and that I would need either celebrating or consoling because I was headed to DFCI that day. She then told me she had an appointment with our oncologist one hour later. We decided to make it a date, and go in together. That way AZ wouldn't have to take off from work, and honestly, Patty is such a huge support. She truly understands what I am going through. <br />
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Wednesday and Thursday evenings were spent volunteering at 3-Day Get Started Meetings--definitely a place to keep my mind occupied. We all know how much I love speaking about the 3-Day. I met some wonderful people, and a lot of them signed up. Yahoo!<br />
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I came home Thursday evening ready to relax and watch American Idol which I had dvr'd. At around 9:45, I started getting heart palpitations. Those of you who know me, understand that this is something that happens, and has been checked out by my doctor; however, these were different. They were lasting much longer and were not resolving themselves. I decided to go to bed. I figured that I was probably making myself more anxious, therefore making it worse. As I lay it bed, it did get worse. My chest started to feel heavy, and I began to have difficulty breathing. All I could think of was that wouldn't it be just great if I beat cancer and died of a heart attack. Seriously! I told AZ we should probably go to the hospital, so we called my mom and dad, who always come to the rescue, to watch our little cherubs. As we waited for them to arrive, I felt worse. I made the decision to call 911. I have heard so many stories of women and heart attacks. I didn't want to be one of the statistics. Shortly after, two adorable (of course) EMTs showed up at my house. Upon the initial monitoring, they noticed something unusual and decided it would be best to take me to the hospital. <br />
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The ride to the hospital was uneventful. The most fearful part was that the EMT had to put an IV in my hand. Keep in mind, how smooth Amesbury's roads are when you think of this. Fortunately, he waited until we were stopped at a light. He gave me some nitro and I started to feel better.<br />
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At the hospital I explained my situation, and told them what meds I was on. I couldn't remember the name of the anti-inflammatory or the steroid for the sciatica, but they said that was okay. They ran a bunch of tests, a chest x-ray, an ekg, and a slew of blood work. The preliminary results looked good--just one more blood test to wait for. They told me that as far as my palpitations were concerned, they were normal. That made me feel much better. While I was there, they gave me 2 liters of fluid and I still felt thirsty. Weird.<br />
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A few moments later, the nurse came in and told me that my d-dimer test was slightly elevated. This is a test that can determine whether you have a pulmonary embolism otherwise known as a blood clot in your lung. The way to rule this out is with a contrast chest CT. I had one of those when I was first diagnosed. When they insert the dye you have a rush of heat throughout your entire body, and you feel like you are peeing your pants. It is truly a bizarre feeling. The whole test takes about 5 minutes, and then you feel fine. The down side is that you have to wait about 45 minutes for the results.<br />
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AZ and I dozed in and out of sleep in the ER for the next hour. It was about 3:15AM when the doctor came in and informed us that everything looked good. There was no blood clot. Of course my question was why was my test elevated. I was told that a good thing about this test was that it could rule out blood clots, but if it is elevated, it could be a number of things causing it to present that way. They sent me home with instructions to follow up with my PCP the next day.<br />
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I crawled into bed at 3:30 only to be aroused by the alarm at 5:30. Patty was picking me up at 6:15. I again, dozed in and out on my way into DFCI. Patty and I arrived early enough to navigate our way around the new building. It is just gorgeous. The healing garden is definitely something to see.<br />
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Our oncologist assured me that the lumps were just fatty deposits--of course they were. We chatted about our video, which she had not seen yet because it was released after our last appointments. We shared with her our excitement about the TWPs becoming a non-profit, and she gave us some great advice on ways to help women with the funds we raise. She even squeezed Patty in earlier, and we were out the door before we knew it. I would be home in time to call my PCP and get in to see him.<br />
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After a quick nap at home, I went to see my PCP. While there I was talking with him about my sciatica and how dehydrated the meds were making me. He didn't understand why until I showed him the pill bottles. The on-call doctor, not affiliated with my practice, had prescribed the wrong medication for me. The meds were not even remotely related to anything one would take for sciatica. No wonder I felt awful. He immediately told me to stop the meds and get some probiotics. My whole system was out of whack! He assumed this contributed to all of the palpitations. Just to be on the safe side though he wanted to run a full cardiac work-up, but he said I was able to continue with all of my activities. It was vacation after all!<br />
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Even with all of the craziness, vacation was off to a good start--I didn't have cancer, and I didn't have a heart attack. It would be a week of rest, family visits, some basketball, and ski trips. Of course my cardiac tests were thrown in there, but that was only one day. <br />
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The highlight of the week (or so we thought) was our Tuesday night skiing trip with friends. <a href="http://gunstock.com/">Gunstock</a> has an amazing deal on Tuesday's from 4-9PM it is 2 people for $28! You can't beat that. The conditions were a little icy, but the kids had a blast skiing with their friends. My kids just really started skiing this year, and they have taken off. They love it, and have become confident skiers. Little Mia is our daredevil and always wants to go as fast as she can. She tries to go over jumps, and for being such a quiet girl, is just an aggressive skier; however, on Tuesday night, her daring personality got her into a bit of trouble. On one of the last runs of the evening, Mia caught a little too much air on a jump and came down on her hand. Bill, the EMT in First Aid, wasn't sure if she hyper-extended her thumb or broke it. He immobilized her hand with this really cool cast made of cardboard and foam and advised us to see a doctor in the AM.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke53iHwnEnyK4-TYU9yNkM52h_JQRSjEf22MApYBEOL9ip3BE5TjLgVh7CQPLbFfP8eKbkbitJosw4aBLf1-N0hs6Z6UKH5kHB88Kxk4YMdnK33HjKRTag4hc6W5oW2x9AYe5ff0TdXU/s1600/mia+cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhke53iHwnEnyK4-TYU9yNkM52h_JQRSjEf22MApYBEOL9ip3BE5TjLgVh7CQPLbFfP8eKbkbitJosw4aBLf1-N0hs6Z6UKH5kHB88Kxk4YMdnK33HjKRTag4hc6W5oW2x9AYe5ff0TdXU/s200/mia+cast.jpg" width="148" /></a></div>Long story short, my entire Wednesday was spent traveling back and forth to <a href="http://www.ajh.org/">Anna Jacques Hospital</a>. By my third time there, I had forgotten where I had parked and spent 5 minutes looking for my car. No joke! I was there first for my cardiac echo, then for x-rays for Mia, back for my cardiac stress test, and back yet again for a hot pink cast for my sweet girl's right hand. Yes, her thumb was broken. Being the TWP that she is, of course she chose a hot pink cast. The little thing handled everything so well until it was time to go to bed. We all know that time when you are alone with your thoughts. Well the same happens for kiddos too. Mimi called to me, sobbing, saying it was all her fault, she never should have skied so hard, now she couldn't do gymnastics and had to wear a "stupid cast" for a month. It just about broke my heart. We had just planned more ski trips, and she is so close to getting her "<a href="http://www.gymnasticsrevolution.com/GymInteractive-Bars-Kip.htm">kip</a>" in gymnastics (one of the more difficult moves to get on the uneven bars). In typical parent fashion, I explained how it could be much worse. Just imagine if it were summer. She eventually fell asleep and woke up with that same smile on her face. A restful night can always make the world appear a little brighter.<br />
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Now it is Monday, and I am back to work, thinking about the week ahead. Thursday night is our second TWP meeting. I am so looking forward to having everyone together. We have lots of plans in the works including our Second Annual "Dance Like a Princess" Dance/Silent Auction on Saturday, May 14th! Be sure to save the date! It is a night not to be missed. We have changed the venue to Holy Family Parish Hall in Amesbury so that we can accommodate a larger crowd. If you or someone you know would like to contribute an item to our auction, just let me know. We would like to offer a variety of items ranging in price.<br />
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I'll keep you updated with the future endeavors of the TWPs. Keep those donations coming!<br />
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Royally yours,<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-6374494862527834302011-01-24T17:54:00.003-05:002011-01-24T18:03:23.021-05:002011--A Big Year2011--This is a BIG year for me. There was a time almost 5 years ago when I wondered if I would see this year. This spring I will celebrate 5 years of survival. In the world of breast cancer, that is a HUGE anniversary. Over the last few years there have actually been times when I have forgotten that I had cancer. They are most always times when I am doing something fun with my family--skiing, sitting on the beach at the Cape, running around Amesbury for M & M's Amazing Race birthday party, and several others. In the beginning, I never thought that would happen. Mind you, these times are not always frequent, but they are there. What exactly does that mean? To me, it means that I am doing everything I can to stop this cancer from invading my body once again. When I was first diagnosed, no one would have anticipated that I would run a 5K and then actually continue to run after the race. I also never expected that I personally would raise almost $20,000 for breast cancer research--I had a hard time selling Girl Scout Cookies when I was a kid! But to me, the most important thing in warding off my cancer is surrounding myself with positive energy--energy from me, my family, my friends, and of course the TWP's! The people in my life are the ones that have gotten me through these five years.<br />
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Over the last few days I have been very nostalgic, reflective, and super emotional. If I wasn't in menopause, I would think that I was PMSing. Many of you have heard of my friend Bridget, and hopefully have read her blog <a href="http://mybiggirlpants.blogspot.com/">My Big Girl Pants</a> through the links I have shared. If you have not, you really should read it. Bridget is a 28 year old woman who has been living 6 years with metastatic breast cancer. If you look in the dictionary, next to the word "hope" you will see Bridget's name. Every time I read what she has written, I remember how fortunate I am to be surrounded by caring and inspirational people. That in turn, brings me back to that summer five years ago. I am sure that everyone of you have been in the situation that my family and friends were in that summer. What do I say to her? Can I do anything to help? Does she want to talk about it, or should I just ignore it and pretend life as usual. When I was diagnosed, I was very open about my situation--hiding it was not going to make it go away. I am a high school teacher and a firm believer in teachable moments. For that reason, I just opened up and let everyone in--family, friends, and students alike. Because of this, I was lucky enough to have my friends do some really cool things for me. I would love to list everything that they have done for me over time, but there is absolutely no way I could; however, I will include some of my favorites--a video of faculty and students wishing me well as I started chemo, a pajamagram, my red lipstick on the day of my mastectomy, <a href="http://dreamdinners.com/"><i>Dream Dinners</i></a> from Zach's baseball team, Tracy's picture of her photoshopped bald head, the basket of gift cards and activities for the kids from Zach's kindergarten class, my radiation kit, the hundreds of cards that hung on a bulletin board in my computer room for over a year, my surprise visit on my last day of chemo, and probably one of my personal favorites--house cleaning (something I have continued in the following years!) Why do I tell you this? Because it is so important to reach out to friends and family in need. Most likely, they don't know what to say either. If they don't want you around, they will let you know. Nothing is lost by making an effort.<br />
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So, making an effort. That is what I am planning to do. The other day Patty and I sat at lunch talking about our upcoming speaking engagement. Yep, we have been asked to speak at the Haverhill Rotary Club in March. We were discussing the approach we were going to take, and Patty shared her New Year's resolution with me--"BE MORE." It struck me. I can do that. I can be a better parent, friend, and teacher. I can work harder. I can raise more money. I can beat cancer.Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-49780338525608086842010-09-10T16:32:00.000-04:002010-09-10T16:32:02.072-04:00Life after the 3DayEach year after the 3Day, there is always a let down. Those three days are so overwhelming and such an adrenaline rush, that of course you are going to be slightly off your game afterward. You no longer have people cheering for you as you cross the street, nor do they give you candy when you hit that all time low. For me, this year has been especially difficult. From spending hours with these women, to getting back to the daily routine of work, activities and whatnot, it has been quite an adjustment. We all learned what it means to be a team. We definitely embodied the motto, "no woman left behind." The ten of us bonded in a way that is difficult to put into words. I still see most of them regularly, but it is different now. We are all back to our routines. I miss "us"--the TWP's.<br />
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Last night was the first night since the walk that I had that TWP feeling again. Andy and I decided to go up to the track to run--remember that I am training for my first 5K with many of the other princesses. Patty rallies a group of us together every Tuesday for running club, but because of my crazy schedule I have missed the last few. Don't worry, I am still training, but just on my own. As we got out of the car, I looked to my left, and Patty was pulling in the parking lot. I was so happy. Patty and I became very close this spring and did the majority of our training together. I knew that I couldn't keep up with her running, but at least she was there for support. She then told me that Cheryl was coming. Cheryl was definitely more my speed. After she arrived, we started to run together. I took my headphones off, and we just listened to music. The next thing you know, we got into a groove. We were running at the same pace and were even able to carry on a conversation, which I am never able to do. Cheryl, was a week ahead of me in our running program, but decided to stay with me because I had my ipod. I don't know what came over us, but we just kept going. We pushed each other, and ran further than we had to. When we were done, we had run two miles and were thrilled. Once again, I had that TWP feeling, that indescribable "I can do anything with you by my side" feeling. It was the first time that I thought I can make it through this 5K. Cheryl called me her "running soul mate." I couldn't have said it better. Needless to say, we plan to do the rest of our training together.<br />
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Speaking of that feeling, be sure to save Friday, October 1st so that you can attend our "Pink Carpet Premiere Party" at the Lafayette Club in Amesbury. There will be a cash bar, munchies, dancing, AND we plan to show our documentary. We are hoping to have a blooper reel, which I'm sure will prove to be more entertaining than the actual short film. Our hope is to have a fun, relaxing evening celebrating the success of our 2010 walk. Tickets are just $10 at the door, and proceeds go the the 2011 TWP team, which by the way, already has 7 members. We look forward to seeing you there.<br />
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Royally yours,<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-18467129651609287262010-08-23T00:40:00.001-04:002010-08-23T12:27:07.186-04:00The Real Housewives of the 3Day: Day 3Well, I am back from vacation and can finally finish my blog. Here goes... <br />
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Once again, everyone got a pretty good night's sleep. How could you not be exhausted after walking 40 something miles? We knew we had to get up early because we told Paul, the director, that we would be leaving camp around 6:30. I don't think he really believed that we would be ready by then, so we had to prove him wrong.<br />
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After waking, we got dressed and went over to the dining tent. Again, breakfast was just okay. We quickly ate, stretched a bit, and went back over to the tents to pack up. Normally we would pack up first thing, but we wanted to leave our awesome decorations for the crew to see. Even if we didn't win, we knew they would appreciate them. When we walked over, Ben and Doug were already there, and they were filming. They proceeded to film us packing everything up and chatted with us a bit. When Patty and I both realized that we forgot our deodorant and went to put it on, we asked them kindly not to film that.<br />
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Around 6:00AM Cheryl arrived. She had gone home the night before because her feet had been so bad, but she was looking refreshed and appeared to be feeling well. I knew she would cross that finish line with us. Kaitlyn's feet continued to get worse, and she was over at Medical getting them taped. Maurine was doing well too. We knew we would be at UMASS arm in arm even if people had to sweep the majority of the day. Those last 3 miles after lunch we would be together.<br />
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We left shortly after 6:30 and were excited to be on our way to the finish. When we left camp, somehow we had lost some of the crew and just had Ben and Doug with us. The poor guys--we were on a mission. I was supposed to arrive at UMASS no later than 3:00. Doug would run ahead to get footage of us walking toward him. It was extremely hot already, and I felt badly. I keep remembering Ben running with a camera, holding his coffee, and trying to ask us questions. Ben is a producer; he usually does not have a camera. He was doing remarkably well until he inevitably tripped. Fortunately he only lost half of his coffee. However, it did make me feel better about my spill the night before. <br />
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When we left Waltham, we walked through Watertown which is where we met up with Paul and the rest of the crew. From there we had a pit stop in Cambridge, where we did a short group interview. At this point, everyone had heard about my lack of balance while dancing, and of course Paul had to ask me about it while on camera. Ha ha! Funny! Let's laugh at Sherri again.<br />
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Not long after we left the pit stop we met up with <a href="http://menwithheart.org/">Men With Heart</a>, a team of all males who are simply the most unbelievable men. The wear bright yellow shirts, serenade you, and cheer every single walker into camp even in the worst of conditions. When we met up with them, we were just entering Harvard Square, and they asked us to sing one of their cheers with them. Of course we obliged. The cheer was something like you would hear as you marched in the army. We repeated everything that they said. It was a lot of fun--something I had never done during the 3Day before. It was especially cool because we did it as we tromped through Harvard Square.<br />
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Just after we passed the magazine stand in Harvard Square, our director Paul, insisted that he wanted to get some footage in Harvard Yard. He made us walk out of the way, and into Harvard for which we gave him a hard time. We sat on the steps, and he asked us a few questions before security came over and kicked us out. I guess you cannot shoot footage inside the campus, just still shots.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>From there, we continued through Cambridge toward City hall where there was a cheering station. Remember I said we had the best cheering stations, well once again our family rocked it. As you can see, we had a ton of people there. Gretchen's family was actually there too, but they arrived after this photo was taken. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gkDwW9cpyktpXS3Qa7xLLrvxSmhjPAcPvB7L2mpfInVdGuHhQkFksAfpJFtrjrr8oDHuzNu4EK5n9cyh1iumvd3AkDZlUy5ey4AV5FKhKYYIBZVBfZeSPgy9GA6pX5uBvGJfAk6BBpo/s1600/DSC0230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gkDwW9cpyktpXS3Qa7xLLrvxSmhjPAcPvB7L2mpfInVdGuHhQkFksAfpJFtrjrr8oDHuzNu4EK5n9cyh1iumvd3AkDZlUy5ey4AV5FKhKYYIBZVBfZeSPgy9GA6pX5uBvGJfAk6BBpo/s400/DSC0230.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While we were grabbing some snacks and chatting with our families, I spotted Team Courage. If you were a woman at the 3Day, you knew who Team Courage was. Tina spotted them Friday night at camp, and the cougars began to prowl! They were 4 young, very attractive, very well-built men. We joked about them, and admired them from afar all weekend. I don't know if it was the mood that we were in, or if it was because of the cameras, but we called them over. We had no problem fawning over them, and Andy even joined in the fun saying they had nothing on him. We took some great photos, and they even had us record a message to their 4th teammate who was not able to walk on Day 3. They were such good sports. You should have seen our faces light up when we found out that one of them was a podiatrist. Blister help, please!!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6Zvo09B8B0FsV2uG1O_4kfpPDAmui7Qw29LvctANP2p0hr0K_QzqU6H7s8UlCf0j44iupoXbyXPd9_iTPj9poVeG_BL4Ojw06_sDMofya6VFk-cDJHxCyqUAQcXGu5BnU053xJ84mmU/s1600/DSC0268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi6Zvo09B8B0FsV2uG1O_4kfpPDAmui7Qw29LvctANP2p0hr0K_QzqU6H7s8UlCf0j44iupoXbyXPd9_iTPj9poVeG_BL4Ojw06_sDMofya6VFk-cDJHxCyqUAQcXGu5BnU053xJ84mmU/s320/DSC0268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
From there we continued through Cambridge toward MIT which was our next pit stop. After MIT we were crossing the Mass Ave. bridge where the crew would be shooting some special footage with a long lense from up in a building. This was the reason that Paul wanted to know when we were leaving in the morning. He wanted to make sure that the cameras were there at the right time. At this point, Kaitlyn was really hurting. She was planning to take the sweep van to lunch, but we all convinced her to stick with us until she got over the bridge, then have the van come get her. She was such a trooper. While walking over the bridge, we had to be in a very tight formation and we said our cheer. It seemed to take forever, but I think it will look great in the film.<br />
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From Mass Ave, we turned onto Commonwealth and walked toward the Public Gardens. Last year on this part of the route, there were not many people. It was a beautiful area, but you did not feel the support of the spectators. This year was extremely different. There were lots of people, and even a cheering station. In the Public Garden, Patty and I did our last individual interviews. We were both a bit emotional to think that we were so close to ending our journey--about 8 miles away. It had been so amazing up to this point, we could only anticipate what the culmination would be like. Here we told our families to meet us at Closing. We felt we needed to be a team and try to get to UMASS in a timely manner; therefore, we opted to pass by the Swan Boats even though they looked very relaxing.<br />
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The next few miles of the walk were some of the most difficult for me. After the Public Gardens we walked through Downtown Crossing and made our way toward South Boston. I felt that this area of the walk was not very scenic, and there was a lot of concrete and hot top. Concrete and hot top = HEAT!!! I remember Theresa looking at me and saying, "I can't believe that you do this every year." Yep, and I will continue to until a cure is found. Hearing her say that gave me the little push that I was needing right at that point.<br />
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Soon after that we came into Southie. It was here that one of those memorable moments happened. The 3Day is filled with them--the typical ones like Opening and Closing, but there were many others--Theresa's tears, rain at camp, falling at the dance party, Maurine's spirit, Patty trapped under the air mattress, and the guy with no pants. You heard correctly--the guy with no pants. As we walked down the hill toward lunch, we looked across the street and saw a man standing on the corner in his boxer shorts with his pants around his ankles. Who knows what he was doing. He was just standing there. Of course, in true TWP fashion, we cracked up. Then in true Gretchen fashion, the comedian of our group breaks into a chorus of "Pants on the Ground." The rest of the way that was all we sang. Seriously, it was so hysterical.<br />
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On our way to lunch there were only 7 of us. We knew the other Princesses and crew would be meeting us there. It was so cool to walk in to lunch hearing the rest of the team and the entire crew shouting, "TWP, TWP, TWP!" We continued to have our own fan club. Sitting near the water, it was 30 minutes of shoes off, refueling, hydrating, and gearing up for the last 3 miles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJUHWTimj_BcvVCIeiAQ58aMqFIjecWn3Va5YgO4DpJbF325jdIW1GHrSZ-dM2u_cZYW1YKAtTPymyuTmh8O6Q1DxvBI0Kr1n1pPG7gboVyTZ_X6TZWEQtfA-tsO0mqk6agN9cjuFDoE/s1600/DSC0354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxJUHWTimj_BcvVCIeiAQ58aMqFIjecWn3Va5YgO4DpJbF325jdIW1GHrSZ-dM2u_cZYW1YKAtTPymyuTmh8O6Q1DxvBI0Kr1n1pPG7gboVyTZ_X6TZWEQtfA-tsO0mqk6agN9cjuFDoE/s320/DSC0354.JPG" /></a>The last 3 miles were going to be completed together. We were a team--we were whole once again. We walked along the water, and just chatted. It was an easy walk, and it was beautiful. About a mile from UMASS, Youth Corp was there waiting for us with chocolate chip cookies, cheering us on. It was here that they let Alexa and Dylan walk the last mile with us. This had never been done before. We were so excited. We were singing songs and listening to music. We were pumped and so proud of ourselves. I knew exactly where we were and how close we were to the finish. When we got really close, we gave Alexa and Dylan our sign to carry in. We marched arm and arm behind them. That was when we saw our families. They were all there. We literally stopped traffic on the route with all of the camera equipment, and hugs that were being given. It was such an amazing feeling. That would be the last time we would see our families until Closing Ceremonies. From here we went into Holding. In previous years, you could just hang out with your family outside, but this year we were shuttled into the gym. The nice thing was that it had air-conditioning. And music. Yep, more dancing! Walking 60 miles then dancing on the speakers sounds like something the TWP's would do. It was AWESOME!<br />
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After we collected our victory shirts from Patty's friends Jody and Barbara, who were volunteering, we were able to hang for a few minutes before we did our final group interview with the crew. Paul chatted with us and asked us all what the 3Day was to us. I honestly can't remember much about that interview, that was when I lost it. I had been pretty composed during most of the interviews, but not this one. This year's 3Day was so surreal to me. It was like none I had ever experienced or will probably ever experience again. It was simply amazing, and I still had Closing.<br />
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As I walked up to where Closing was, I noticed another Tracy sign. It said, "TWP--Yeah, you know me!" Like the 90's song, OPP. I think most everyone knew us by now. We had definitely made our mark.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLV8TodG-5FRRIgZGkNP4-lrKiUdOOCBKd4RoXBH8A5q9fYB2fSrgUTvs_EYwPiOaR653HNdPIKA53Ld_IsuuNG6FYDm4y6XhXGVjywR6mXnzNTPrvtr2VFQ5tJPaff5hOVuZBhG5LdE/s1600/DSC0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRLV8TodG-5FRRIgZGkNP4-lrKiUdOOCBKd4RoXBH8A5q9fYB2fSrgUTvs_EYwPiOaR653HNdPIKA53Ld_IsuuNG6FYDm4y6XhXGVjywR6mXnzNTPrvtr2VFQ5tJPaff5hOVuZBhG5LdE/s320/DSC0392.JPG" /></a></div>Walking in to closing was even better than Opening. When they raise that flag that says, "A World Without Breast Cancer" I always cry. Standing there looking up at that flag, holding hands with women who know what it feels like to have cancer, I can't stop thinking how unbelievable it would be if my kids never had to think about breast cancer. I look at the crew and see how this is affecting them. I looked over to Patty, Tina, and Maurine and blew them kisses. We did it. After such an emotional moment, <a href="http://candycoburn.com/">Candy Coburn</a> comes out and sings her "Pink Warrior" song. It brings a feeling of empowerment to the entire crowd. As the ceremony ends and music begins to play, of course the dancing commences to none other than the Black Eyed Peas--I Gotta Feeling. Tonight was definitely going to be a good night.<br />
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From there we said "so long" to our new friends--it could never be "good-bye." We gave our last hugs, shed our last tears, and walked away with a sense of accomplishment like no other. We had spent an indescribable 3 days together--something we will never forget. We were proud of what we had achieved and didn't know what we were going to do with all of the free time that we now had. We had raised over $41,000 for breast cancer research. That was pretty incredible. How were were going to keep this feeling alive? We knew it would last for a few days, but when would it fade? No one wanted it to. We needed a way to have the TWP spirit live on until next year. Several of us decided that if we could walk 60 miles, then we could run a 5K. It didn't matter that many of us had never run before. We were the TWP's, and we were a special breed of women. <br />
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So I went home and registered for the <a href="http://komenmass.org/">Race for the Cure</a> and started a Tough Warrior Princess team. We have 10 members so far, and many others that are planning to join us. We would love to have you join us too. If you can't run, just come and cheer us on Sept. 25th. <br />
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I again want to say thank you to all of my friends, family, and supporters who helped to make my third time a charm. It was simply the best. I look forward to sharing the experience with you once the video is released. We are in the process of organizing a Pink Carpet Preview Party, so we'll keep you posted.<br />
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Love to all!<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-51282066815599399122010-08-06T14:07:00.005-04:002010-08-07T12:40:50.391-04:00The Real Housewives of the 3Day: Day 2I awoke earlier than expected on Day 2 (about 5AM) to the sounds of someone in a tent behind us speaking much too loudly for that time of day. I think I speak for the team when I say that we were all feeling pretty great. The rain had stopped, and the temperatures were already starting to heat up. We were determined to make it in to camp earlier than the day before--we no longer had that film crew to hold us back. We all got dressed, and then went to eat a hearty breakfast to nourish us throughout the morning.<br />
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All throughout breakfast I kept thinking about what the day's route would be like. Yesterday was the same exact route as the year before. Did that mean that today was going to have that monster hill that last year had? If you followed my blog last year you will remember the hill that actually caused my lymphedema. It is one of the biggest hills that I have ever walked up--Prospect Hill in Belmont, and I absolutely hated it. The year before, we were told about it at camp, and offered a sweep van up it. This year, I had not heard a thing; maybe that meant they had changed the route. Either way, I knew what to expect, and I was mentally prepared for it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>As we left camp, we felt like we were missing something. We didn't have our matching shirts, and we didn't have our crew. It was like we didn't know what to do with ourselves. I felt like we were scattered. You couldn't spot anyone without the big pink NB, but as soon as we started on the street a little before 7AM, our cheer unified us. The thought that it was going to be another amazing day was only intensified by a sign that I saw just outside of camp. Not only was it a motivational sign, but it was a sign designed specifically for the TWP's! TRACY!!! You may remember that Tracy was red carded on Day 2 last year, and was not allowed to walk. She was very upset by this, and wanted to show her support of me, so she went out at the crack of dawn and hung signs all along the route. I think Tracy's decision to not walk this year was a difficult one, and she was experiencing feelings similar to those of last year. Once again, Tracy lined the ENTIRE Day 2 route with motivational, funny, and sometimes inappropriate signs. They really got us, and many others, through the day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl8rFW1DNrO7vIfKlef1ERguS10IHBAuFRyf_RSgQlo5XN-Ilj86GRJx4ZuJNxsFxcQL22idMPG19NXk2Ej7Ra7tzO0DnhId3Btk-PnnersVFI8RM6Wy-JkQaVkaA5U7B2KynsrmG4PE/s1600/P7240025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFl8rFW1DNrO7vIfKlef1ERguS10IHBAuFRyf_RSgQlo5XN-Ilj86GRJx4ZuJNxsFxcQL22idMPG19NXk2Ej7Ra7tzO0DnhId3Btk-PnnersVFI8RM6Wy-JkQaVkaA5U7B2KynsrmG4PE/s400/P7240025.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Our second day had started at a great pace. We were feeling fabulous, and everyone even made it up that daunting hill. I felt much better than last year. I don't think I trained more, maybe I just knew what to expect this time. Shortly after that we arrived at our first Grab & Go on the route. Just then Kaitlyn asked if I had seen the tricked out TWP car that just drove by. Oh crap! I missed it. What color was it? Silver? Of course--Tracy. I called her up again (I had already thanked her at 7AM when we saw the first sign) and asked her to drive by us again so that we could all see the car. She turned around, and came by again. She had painted her side windows, and the on the back window were the words, "Tough Warrior Princesses." Where was the camera crew when you needed them? Our "Posse" appeared to be growing. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v_eL4p5iPPvndPe1E_qtLw3cIonGCm3JD-Ycee_NaCj2wIy40u-sFnkxsEqMW-CCKNRrKAQK6PNyQqo61gJHpNJYUuJxcPqyK36jatWYTHtcq3qASCub576IVxR8Rm-u_PTDZrGaAQ4/s1600/DSC0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4v_eL4p5iPPvndPe1E_qtLw3cIonGCm3JD-Ycee_NaCj2wIy40u-sFnkxsEqMW-CCKNRrKAQK6PNyQqo61gJHpNJYUuJxcPqyK36jatWYTHtcq3qASCub576IVxR8Rm-u_PTDZrGaAQ4/s320/DSC0160.JPG" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7pL7ozpMaFVZGN8WeHiKFJsvPgeK3d-hcH_eJGbBXH9l9z_IXUje4A1mChUb1X94SGQ7MyyvkECd0ubAKdKFm6J99hSzhQDnaWoTqS-_X1KzeCgZtGHqC4KAi1zedf5CceuFveEJm5g/s1600/Twp+3day011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7pL7ozpMaFVZGN8WeHiKFJsvPgeK3d-hcH_eJGbBXH9l9z_IXUje4A1mChUb1X94SGQ7MyyvkECd0ubAKdKFm6J99hSzhQDnaWoTqS-_X1KzeCgZtGHqC4KAi1zedf5CceuFveEJm5g/s320/Twp+3day011.JPG" /></a></div>We continued walking through Winchester, and about a mile from the second pit stop our amazing families were waiting once again. They had actually set up their own mini cheering station. There were outstanding signs indicating that, "Blisters are this weekend's fashion statement." But for me, the best part was seeing Tracy. I was so excited that she was there, but when I saw what she was wearing I almost cracked up. Tracy had taken our TWP logo and added the word, "wannabe" below it. She also took her daughter's favorite crown and added the princess to it. She is the best! Seeing her refueled my strength.<br />
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As the morning wore on, the temperature continually increased. On our way in to lunch a thermometer at a bank said 93 degrees, but it felt hotter than that. We seemed to be constantly walking up hill, and there was little shade. The heat was taking its toll, and so were people's feet.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnKLYRA-U2QIjahvozyAWI2AhHJr8FjCvkNfz6QcNIwxhupawk-090j4HXzeAPV_7z6lBsShgWPpSRA3iIMcGLxpH6fMNcqvO9VkLHedZngrh7SBqKU6W6NAZ-zePBBKKLhwHo2XUHsQ/s1600/P7240026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnKLYRA-U2QIjahvozyAWI2AhHJr8FjCvkNfz6QcNIwxhupawk-090j4HXzeAPV_7z6lBsShgWPpSRA3iIMcGLxpH6fMNcqvO9VkLHedZngrh7SBqKU6W6NAZ-zePBBKKLhwHo2XUHsQ/s400/P7240026.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>As we got in to lunch our amazing husbands had set up quite the spread for us. In my opinion, the food this year at the 3Day was not great. In past years it had been so good, but this year they hired a new catering company. Luckily for us, we had a picnic spread with all sorts of fruit and even a blanket to sit on. I'm sure other walkers were looking at us thinking, "Those damn TWP's again!"<br />
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For the brief time you are at lunch, it is important to take off your sneakers and give your feet a break. Most people reapply moleskin and Vaseline, and change their socks. It is important to just check your feet to make sure no blisters are forming. Cheryl and Kaitlyn's feet were really bothering them. Kaitlyn had already had her blisters taped up, and it didn't seem to help much. It was during lunch that we first saw Cheryl's blisters. Yikes! She had two huge blisters on each of the balls of her feet. When I say huge, I am talking at least 3 inches in diameter! On the balls of her feet! No wonder she was in so much pain! The worst part of this was that Cheryl had trained harder than anyone else on the team. Other than her feet, she was feeling fabulous. She was determined to continue. That is one thing about this team...we are full of strong, assertive, stubborn women!<br />
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Right before we were leaving lunch we received a message from one of the producers, Ben. He planned to stop by to drop off a new Flip camera for us because one was not working. He showed up with his adorable daughter minutes later. It was so great to see him. We were really missing the crew, and I dare think they were missing us as well. After a brief visit, we were off again.<br />
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To me, the afternoon on Day 2 was the toughest part of the walk. It continued to be uphill, and it was never-ending. When they divide the 60 miles between the 3 days, Day 2 is always the longest. If I remember correctly it was over 22 miles. You may not realize it, but those 3-4 miles can make a huge difference. As the afternoon continued, our team began to dwindle. Cheryl's blisters became unbearable, as did Kaitlyn's. Maurine had also walked much further than she should have considering that she had treatment scheduled for Monday. We encouraged people to take sweep vans so that we would all be able to walk across that finish line together. To me, that was what was truly important. I think others agreed.<br />
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We made it back to camp, albeit short a few people. Reunited with everyone, we immediately wanted to get our tents decorated. Because of the rain the night before, we were not able to decorate Friday night. We knew that we would win the contest. We pulled out all of our materials and went to town. We had crowns, flags, lanterns, our noodle princesses, and of course our incredible sign that so many of you signed. That sign was going to win us tent decorating. As we were busy at work, a fellow walker came by and asked us if we were trying to win tent decorating. Of course was our response. Then she hung her head and said she didn't know how to tell us this, but the tents had already been judged and her friend had won. What!?! No way! Not fair, not fair, not fair! She did say that we totally would have won. Although we were feeling dejected, we continued to make our mark, by letting the 3Day know that the TWP's were here to stay!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> After we finished decorating, we took showers and went to dinner. Dinner was chicken cacciatore, and was very dry--not too great; however, the entertainment at the tent was fabulous. Jenne, who is the national spokesperson for the 3Day is AMAZING! She is funny and caring, all rolled into one. She just recently wrote <a href="http://jenneink.blogs.com/jennethink/2010/08/everyone-i-know-everywhere-i-go-people-need-some-reason-to-believe---jackson-brown.html">a blog about "The Pink" and the Boston 3Day</a>. It is truly worth reading. After the silly games that are played, my favorite part of the 3Day happens. Youth Corps, 20 kids ages 10-16 stand up and speak about why they are part of the 3Day. I've said it before, but these kids are something else. They sacrifice 4 days of their lives, raise a ton of money, and work their tails off for something that many their age never even think of. These are the kids that realize that life is precious. They all have a story, a reason they are there, and their stories are always the most powerful. No one wants to see a child affected by cancer, but each and every one of these 20 kids has had their lives changed forever because of it. Some of the stories are uplifting and talk about survival, others are just the opposite and talk about the loss of a mother, grandmother, or aunt. This was when Alexa and Dylan stood up and spoke about their moms. They were phenomenal! All of these kids are unbelievable, and there was not a dry eye in the place after they finished. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKvXSg1RC4HxVbHTQ6TLxLJSA2DopT1U1wmy1uULqQbhniT9bPNTv_HSulutJ0ELz3zEwbehSDwaCmZBGU_bBIlg6UpGMaD7j8BFBVjBybe-jm0XgOLsO9OLmNWvgy2UY8zU7ogu6GC8/s1600/3day+2010-amazing+race056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKvXSg1RC4HxVbHTQ6TLxLJSA2DopT1U1wmy1uULqQbhniT9bPNTv_HSulutJ0ELz3zEwbehSDwaCmZBGU_bBIlg6UpGMaD7j8BFBVjBybe-jm0XgOLsO9OLmNWvgy2UY8zU7ogu6GC8/s400/3day+2010-amazing+race056.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>While the 3Day is filled with lots of tears, it is also filled with so much laughter. After Youth Corp spoke, it was time to lighten the mood again with a dance party. Yup, you heard correctly. After walking 40 miles, you get up and dance your butt off. Believe it or not, it feels great. It stretches your body, and makes you use muscles you haven't been using all weekend. The TWP's were psyched. We had been dancing the entire weekend. We would dance at pit stops, along the route, anywhere there was music. This was right up our alley. We got out our Flips and were having a blast. Sue was filming Patty and I dancing to FloRida--"Low." If you've ever heard the song, you know that it says, "low, low, low, low." Well, that's exactly what Patty and I were doing on our exhausted legs. You can probably guess where this is going, and if you have read <a href="http://pattys3day.blogspot.com/">Patty's blog</a>, you already know where this is going. Unfortunately my legs decided to take that opportunity to stop working, and I fell flat on my tush! It was hysterical. Through my tears streaming down my face, I looked up to see Sue standing there with the Flip focused right on me. Oh no! It was captured on film, and I wasn't even drinking! I then did what every TWP would do--got up, brushed myself off, and started dancing again. I figured it would provide some entertainment for the editing crew.<br />
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As the dance party ended we decided to walk over to the Remembrance tent before going to bed. There is a Remembrance tent in every city of the 3Day. It is a white illuminated tent where walkers can write messages to loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer, or a place where you can write words of encouragement to fellow walkers. We knew that this would be difficult for Patty, but we wanted to be there for her as a team. We walked in together and it was completely still--a group of loud boisterous women had been moved to silence. It was such a feeling. It was here that Patty wrote about her mom, Tina wrote about her grandmother, and Maurine wrote about us. Reading how Maurine hopes her team, the TWP's, will never have to walk in her memory just made me lose it. Tears, laughter, now tears again. <br />
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As we walked over to our tents, it was past "lights out" time, but that didn't matter to us. We switched back to laughter again as we tried to get comfortable in our tiny tents when it was still at least 85 degrees out. We all unzipped them and decided to go to sleep with our heads sticking out. Cheryl had done it the night before, and it seemed like a good idea. As Patty and I were laying there, we had another fit of the giggles when we were debating climbing out of the tents to cool off. It seemed like it would take too much effort, so I suggested to Patty that she do a forward roll dismount off her 3 foot tall air mattress, and that was all it took. Laughter erupted from the TWP's, and once again, I'm sure we probably aggravated somebody somewhere.<br />
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After about 20 minutes we finally settled in, only to be woken by the zip, zip, zip sound of all the tents as the rain once again started to fall. Fortunately it was just a passing shower, and we were all able to get much rest before our final day.<br />
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Royally yours,<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-13738270756542473302010-08-02T23:45:00.000-04:002010-08-02T23:45:24.676-04:00The Real Housewives of the 3Day: Day 1 Scene 2Day 1 continued... <br />
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As we walked down the street and were scanned onto the route, we saw the rest of the film crew, or "Our Posse," as they became affectionately known to us. I can't explain to you how much these people just intensified this whole experience. They became our friends, and completed almost the entire journey right by our side. They supported us, made us cry, cheered us on, and most of all, made us have fun. They have truly become our friends and I miss them every day.<br />
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Once we got on to the route and a little further into Framingham, a still photographer from New Balance came along and wanted to do a team photo. He pulled us off the route and to the only area of trees along this stretch. I hope that the picture comes out well because it set us back at least 10 minutes. The 3Day is not a race, it is a journey; however, you do want to get back early enough to set up your tents and still have time to enjoy yourself.<br />
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The beginning of the walk seemed very slow. We jokingly harassed the film crew saying they were holding us back. We had to get mics on, and we had to stop and do interviews every so often. Jarrod, who was working one of the cameras walked backward almost the entire day, a feat I was definitely impressed with. I have said before how difficult it was for me to film training walks with my Flip. Then there was Dave, the sound guy. He had on a huge pack with sound equipment, and he walked carrying the big boom. We were definitely moving slowly, but it was all good. The walk had barely started and we were already a spectacle!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I'm sure that many other walkers looked at us as that obnoxious NB team. With our big pink NB's on our back and the 10 or so people with us all the time, I'm sure we were always in someone's way. We also came up with the idea of counting off before we left every pit stop. Each person was assigned a number so we knew that we were all present and accounted for. I'm sure all of the other walkers loved that! Then there were the times that we would talk with people who were up for the casting call. You just felt terrible. Here you are surrounded by this mass of equipment, unintentionally flaunting it in their faces. As I looked around, I would continually say to myself, that I was doing this for a reason, other than my own fame! LOL! <br />
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Day 1 continued on without incident. We made it to the first cheering station in Wellesley to be greeted by some of our favorite TWP supporters, Cheryl's family, Patty's dad--George, and my family. In true 3Day style, my husband amazed me with his signs. At this station, he had taken Zach's 6 foot tall Big Papi from his room and had him hold a sign which said, "SAVE SECOND BASE." Only Andy would think to use Big Papi. Unfortunately we were moving so slowly, they were pretty much the only ones there.<br />
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Just before lunch I found my family again. This time it was my extended family. There on the corner was Andy's brother Dave, his wife Cuch, their two kids--Matt, and Ali, and Cuch's mom--Ita. I was so happy to see them, especially considering that Cuch has been wheelchair bound for umpteen weeks after having foot surgery. I know how difficult it is for her to get around, and to come to see me, meant more than she knows. I only wish I could have spent more time with them. Fortunately for Andy, Ali was coming out to help with the kids for the weekend.<br />
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Lunch consisted of hanging out with the family and conducting more interviews. The only problem was that there was starting to be a light sprinkle, nothing too heavy, just refreshing. After lunch we walked through Newton and into Waltham. When we hit the center of Waltham it really started to rain. The staff at the 3Day hands out these obnoxious yellow rain ponchos whenever it starts to drizzle. They look absolutely ridiculous and stick to your sweaty body, but they do keep you dry. As we went to do one of our final interviews of the day, we were all wearing our ponchos with hoods up. Paul, the director, looked at us and said, you just can't leave those hoods up, reiterating how attractive we must have looked. Good thing there were no mirrors available.<br />
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At this point we had just a few miles left. I was in Waltham, a city I know well because I used to work there. I could tell Kaitlyn was excited too because this was her hometown, and she knew her family would be there cheering her on. It was hard, because by the time we reached Yolanda's where Kaitlyn's family was, it was drizzling pretty steadily and everyone just wanted to get back to camp. We were tired and it was an excessively long day. It was great to see her family, especially her brother Jeff who was also a student of mine. He just returned from the service, so seeing him was even more powerful. Kaitlyn was able to spend a few minutes, then it was up the hill to Gann Academy--camp! <br />
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We were taking it slowly because as I said, everyone was exhausted. Camp was up a long hill and we were just beat. I was so proud of everyone, especially Maurine and Theresa. Maurine, in treatment again, was so upbeat and positive. She was always making us laugh. Whenever we asked how she felt, her response was always, "GREAT!" which you knew could not be true. And Theresa, 5 months pregnant. Seriously? You couldn't get me off of the couch at 5 months pregnant, never mind do anything physical. Just think of what she will be able to say to her future son Leo when he is older. Amazing. <br />
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During all of our training as a team, we often spoke of coming up with a team cheer or song. It never happened. We always ended up getting side-tracked. As the rain was coming down, and we were a half mile from camp, it finally came to us--our cheer!<br />
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"Who are we? We are Tough!"<br />
"What are we? We are Warriors!"<br />
"What else are we? We are Princesses!"<br />
"TWP! TWP! TWP! TWP! TWP! TWP!"<br />
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Not too exciting, but it worked for us. We rehearsed a few times to make sure we had it just right as we walked into camp. As we came to the base of camp, there were Men with Heart, lining the entry way. This all male team is always there, every day, rain or shine, cheering on the walkers. We had done it. We walked into camp, arm in arm, saying our cheer. We were so proud of what we had done. Just as we began to relish in our achievement, CJ looked at us and told us to do the same exact thing again at the top of the hill because that was where the cameras were. Seriously? This leads to one of the big jokes of the weekend. You know how you watch TV and someone says something funny? Well little did you know that chances are the first time it was said, it was not picked up on the mic, and the person was asked to say it again. Somehow, it just doesn't seem as funny the second time, but you have to laugh just as hard because it is on camera. I can't tell you how many times we had to repeat things throughout the entire weekend. Needless to say, we were more than happy to repeat this again. We had made it through Day 1.<br />
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As we walked past the cameras we were just thrilled beyond compare, and then something happened that will stick with me forever. Just as we let go of each other, Theresa burst into tears. Theresa is always composed and refined, to see her so moved by what she had just done made me cry too. It was one of the most memorable parts of the weekend. We all just sat there hugging and sobbing.<br />
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After we wiped our tears and said good-bye to the crew until Day 3, we knew it was time to grab our gear and get our tents set up. The weather appeared to be taking a turn for the worse, and it was crucial that we get situated before that. No such luck. We no sooner got our tents set up and began to blow up our air matresses, than it started to pour! When I say that I laughed more during this walk than I ever had, this is where it starts. For those of you who don't know, when you camp at the 3Day, you sleep in 7X7 hot pink tents. They barely have enough room for two twin air matresses. Normally you would sit outside your tent with your gear, put your air mattress inside, and blow it up. Because of the rain, this was not possible. Patty and I grabbed our gear and mattresses and quickly hopped in the tent. We were sweaty and gross, but we had to close up the tent because of the driving rain. I moved my luggage to her side of the tent and began to blow up my mattress. It was definitely tight in there, and there were lots of giggles, but we did it. Next was Patty's turn. Patty wanted to be sure that she got a good night's sleep, so she purchased a double high, extra long air mattress. When I said the tents were 7X7, I didn't tell you that there is barely enough room to sit up straight in them. I knew this was not going to be good. Patty started to blow up her mattress, and as it got bigger, it started to crush her, and she became trapped underneath. When I tell you that it was hysterical, that is an understatement. I felt like a little girl at summer camp, when you laugh so hard you feel like you are going to wet your pants. Tina and Vicky kept asking what was going on because we couldn't control ourselves. Finally I helped Patty escape but not without my mattress becoming victim to hundreds of little black pellets from the astro-turf. <br />
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As the rain continued to pour down, we tried to decide what to do. We really wanted to shower, but at this point we were starving. We didn't get in to camp until after 4:30, and now it was a couple of hours later. We opted for dinner then showers. The unfortunate thing about the rain, is that it really put a damper on camp life that night. There was no way that we could decorate our tents, and we were convinced that we were going to win. Also, everyone was freezing, and we didn't really get the opportunity to relax; however, we did get over to the Bank of America tent to sit in the massage chairs. They even had laptops available so that you could update your facebook status. Wouldn't you know that when I got there the internet was down. <br />
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On our way to bed, we picked up our mail. Mail is such an important part of the 3Day. I thank all of you who sent me letters. It means so much, especially when it is pouring rain, and you are wondering why you have chosen to do this walk, yet again. The inspiring words or simple "thank you's" make all the difference. <br />
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At this point it was just about 9:00--lights out. I put in my ear plugs, put on my eye mask, and tried to prepare myself for the day ahead. <br />
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Next up, Day 2...Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-7728625669143199422010-08-02T16:01:00.001-04:002010-08-02T20:01:50.110-04:00The Real Housewives of the 3Day: Day 1 Scene 1In order for me to share the best of my 3Day with all of you, I have once again, broken it down into several parts. Here is the first installment of The Real Housewives of the 3Day:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuIn0ZxbsJsS8GIAhjt_AAbtDWpJwD2dJFT7cUMqlgIImYVB6ECnIbMTpMh2ERLqxyDDOhbrP6-NTMB_gRuAQDgz1_juehmknSZt6E4OQbbAfeTv_AQ7ISqIV7ywAtGU3iwkjQG8wUts/s1600/P7230016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwuIn0ZxbsJsS8GIAhjt_AAbtDWpJwD2dJFT7cUMqlgIImYVB6ECnIbMTpMh2ERLqxyDDOhbrP6-NTMB_gRuAQDgz1_juehmknSZt6E4OQbbAfeTv_AQ7ISqIV7ywAtGU3iwkjQG8wUts/s400/P7230016.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>For me, the 3Day actually started on Thursday not Friday when I had to travel down to Framingham to participate in rehearsal for Opening Ceremonies, in which I was to be a flag bearer. I had to be there at 3:45, so I decided to have lunch with former TWP, Sarah, who completed the walk with me in 2008. We had an enjoyable time catching up and visiting with another friend from work, Carolyn. At 3 o'clock I left to head over to Farm Pond where the ceremonies were being held. Upon arriving I was shocked at how many people were there. I knew that it was Crew Day, and there were a lot of crew, but I never expected to not be able to find a parking space. After parking a good distance away, I followed the route over to the stage, reflecting on last year when I walked this same path during the middle of a nor'easter. The weather was perfect on Thursday. It was about 80, and there was a beautiful breeze. I could only hope that the weekend would be just as perfect.<br />
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Arriving at the stage, I was greeted by other flag bearers. They then separated us into groups, with me being placed in the Survivor Circle. It was here that I met Dina, a young survivor from Andover. Dina was the captain of Second Wind, another small team that raised a lot of money. The funny thing is that I had heard of Dina because she and Patty had a mutual friend. The eight of us women chatted and shared our 3Day experiences. There were only 2 of these women who had never walked before. After practicing with our flags, we were finished and were told we could be on our way. On my way out, I gave a quick wave to Dylan and Alexa who were at Crew Day for Youth Corp.<br />
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As I got onto the Pike, I gave Kaitlyn a call to let her know that I was stuck in traffic. I was on my way to pick her up, so that she could take the party bus with us to Opening Ceremonies. Mind you, Kaitlyn lives in Waltham, about 20 minutes from Framingham, but she agreed to get up at 3:00AM, so she could be part of the team. What a good sport!<br />
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I arrived at Kaitlyn's house, she said goodbye to her family, and we were on our way. After we arrived home, we grabbed a quick salad, made sure that we had packed everything, relaxed for a few, and then went to bed a little later than we had expected--10:30. Much too late when you are getting up before dawn.<br />
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Of course, I didn't sleep well. Do you ever when you have some big event happening? 3AM, came much too quickly. We threw our clothes on, and were just putting our sneakers on when Patty pulled into the driveway. We grabbed our gear and were off to Cheryl's where the party bus was meeting us.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdwG18siSOD_r8sL8L3_yh9bjiHSmSJBi9Epj1PGJUYba2xm_6172eFneZ2FPFRgqcw0CC-zufNkyFCopdNLN4p6cOE0sMHYu9Z4LKkXU1KbVl_UfdPpWS6SHnYa746eC4pIIVE1A9O4/s1600/P7230001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdwG18siSOD_r8sL8L3_yh9bjiHSmSJBi9Epj1PGJUYba2xm_6172eFneZ2FPFRgqcw0CC-zufNkyFCopdNLN4p6cOE0sMHYu9Z4LKkXU1KbVl_UfdPpWS6SHnYa746eC4pIIVE1A9O4/s320/P7230001.JPG" /></a></div>As we turned down Cheryl's long driveway, we saw several cars, the awesome party bus, and yep, the film crew! They must have gotten there around 3! Patty parked the car, and we headed over to the bus. Immediately the cameras were on us. It was blinding, the light was so bright. As we got on to the bus, I knew this would be a weekend that I would never forget. We started talking, laughing, and eating macaroons. Paul, CJ, and Jarrod had become part of our team. It was like the cameras were not even there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfgbFSXCossy44nUt04YWlpmXGMpBVJ5aC-H4CUtYgJdca_srR-9VLtSlSjPPEi4hW8pyCoUcqqVEtMfwz1yJGODmcstXqp1jsT80q-THi6UzvgV2lMcwhx-oBwzcqpAzUxERSJSQNCk/s1600/P7230002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfgbFSXCossy44nUt04YWlpmXGMpBVJ5aC-H4CUtYgJdca_srR-9VLtSlSjPPEi4hW8pyCoUcqqVEtMfwz1yJGODmcstXqp1jsT80q-THi6UzvgV2lMcwhx-oBwzcqpAzUxERSJSQNCk/s320/P7230002.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaAD3VynzLnu3VD8ksBZ4oLsZGeFHVrILKZlpA2s2poQvojf3u33J-ZiCZx2OjT77zhkz6zEsuFNJbdYS6z6KBcUY1P50XccLjxh58DPJn48vV_AHydTBZ9xPsGtEw666Nrxx4hT8JcU/s1600/P7230010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpaAD3VynzLnu3VD8ksBZ4oLsZGeFHVrILKZlpA2s2poQvojf3u33J-ZiCZx2OjT77zhkz6zEsuFNJbdYS6z6KBcUY1P50XccLjxh58DPJn48vV_AHydTBZ9xPsGtEw666Nrxx4hT8JcU/s200/P7230010.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>We arrived in Framingham at O'Dark:30, which is 3Day time for Opening Ceremonies. The sun was just coming up, and I knew it was going to be a good day. Dylan was there to load up our gear, and Alexa was further down waiting for us, with beads in hand. Something that you may not know about the 3Day, is that all along the route, supporters give out Mardi Gras beads, stickers, and pins. You wear them, or place them on your lanyard, and by the end of the walk, you look like you belong in New Orleans.<br />
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As we walked over to Farm Pond, we stopped in at the tent which held the Opening Ceremonies flag. It was a long piece of rope with hundreds of small strips hanging off of it, almost like miniature banners. It was here that we waited as Patty wrote her mom's name down, and we wrote the names of those who are meaningful to us. From there, we took a few photos and waited for our journey to begin.<br />
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Right before I had to go behind the stage for Opening Ceremonies, my friend Gail showed up. Gail has seen me through all stages of my life in recent years. During the 3Day she became affectionately known as the "macaroon lady" because she makes the best chocolate chip macaroons, and was kind enough to make some for the team. Her parents reside in Framingham, and she decided to come over to see me, Theresa, and Gretchen off. It meant the world to me to have her there.<br />
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While I was waiting back stage, who comes up with a pink swim noodle decorated with TWP all over it, but Tracy! Seeing her there brought back all the memories of last year, the torrential rain, and all. It was bittersweet. I was thrilled that she was there, but so sad that she was not walking. We spent a few minutes chatting, and then it was time for the Ceremonies to begin.<br />
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Being a flag bearer was indescribable, as was most of the walk this year. I was given the "love" flag to carry and couldn't have been happier. As I walked across the stage, and up to the Survivor Circle, I looked to my left, and there were all of my teammates, most of them with tears streaming down their faces. Wow! The feeling of admiration I have for these nine women just washed over me. As I stood in the circle looking down at them, I just wanted to scream, "Thank you! You have made me a better person, and have made the world a better place!" I know it sounds corny and cliche, but to me it was so true. When I walked off the stage, I headed onto the street to wait for my team. Once again, there was Tracy waiting to cheer me on--a true friend.<br />
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I was thrilled when I saw my team dancing along the path leading up to where I was. We immediately hugged and were on our way--3 days, 60 miles.<br />
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When we first started this journey, we made a conscious decision to walk as a team--no woman left behind. We knew that this would often be challenging for us, but it was so important. That was what made this year so powerful to me. It is so rare to have 10 women get along so well, and support each other in every way possible. That is exactly what we did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjto-tzQv37zomcbqAuzSC0lqgGr0djNBKLfKv693cozr3e-_OrmbHgAF39RNVpdkOvfSZXEe0T4nykUsBKWna2he3RY7ZWtFEcEelBRRk1iAkkS_MSDdvxTe3EotxQ2S2j8rdmW5VbuRQ/s1600/P7230002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div>Sherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1465970906539922978.post-25850804813653693382010-07-20T22:53:00.000-04:002010-07-20T22:53:17.825-04:00Still Flying High<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Just when I was starting to come down from the high of the pool party, UPS pulls up my street with a package from who, you ask? New Balance of course! It was our team t-shirts! When I spoke with Nadesha at the party, she didn't think that we would be receiving them until Tuesday or Wednesday, so this was a pleasant surprise. When I first found out that we were getting t-shirts instead of tanks, I was definitely disappointed; however, these shirts are ADORABLE! They took the logo that I created, blew it up, and put it on the front of the shirt. On the back of course there is a bright pink "NB."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjL8MC-Av3gZluzbb_qFpY8j3DhnD4gcfwjx_Z-Mh-pM8h-jGkP6yaN5h5GpiTz5Cfz61m5S_b-XFrOiWDrAFfeNCPDzIREv22a7qy800lM1920DpDHe3Tcl8aEVuxSYfqzZ154KbF7o/s1600/P7190083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcjL8MC-Av3gZluzbb_qFpY8j3DhnD4gcfwjx_Z-Mh-pM8h-jGkP6yaN5h5GpiTz5Cfz61m5S_b-XFrOiWDrAFfeNCPDzIREv22a7qy800lM1920DpDHe3Tcl8aEVuxSYfqzZ154KbF7o/s400/P7190083.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
These are definitely going to make our iron-ons on Day 2 look a little shabby.<br />
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In terms of this week, we have one more training walk to do tonight. We are hoping to capture some more footage of us walking on the Flips. It is really hard to tape while you walk though. I'm sure they look at my taping and say, "Seriously? Doesn't she know the difference between telephoto and wide angle?" I am constantly zooming in when I should be zooming out. Who knows if they will even use any of this footage, but it is fun to do.<br />
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Also, the New Balance crew has requested that we try to get fans at two specific cheering stations on the route. The cameras will be rolling, and they would like to see lots of support for the TWP's. As I said before they will only be filming us on Day 1 and Day 3. Here is the info:<br />
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Friday, July 23rd<br />
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.<br />
St. Paul's Church <br />
502 Washington St.<br />
Wellesley MA 02482<br />
<br />
* This is about 8 miles in to the walk, so I estimate that if you arrive by 9:00 you should be able to see us coming along. <br />
<br />
Sunday, July 25th<br />
8:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.<br />
Cambridge City Hall <br />
795 Massachusetts Avenue<br />
Cambridge MA 02139<br />
<br />
As far as our arrival time on Sunday, I can't really give you an estimate because I am not exactly sure of the route. <br />
<br />
While we would obviously love for you all to attend one of these, there are also several other cheering stations along the way. Just be sure to visit the <a href="http://www.the3day.org/site/PageServer?pagename=BO_Spectator">Spectator Information</a> page at the 3-Day website to find out more information about how you can support us. If you decide to join us be sure to look for one of our family members so that you can show your support by wearing a Tough Warrior Princess pin.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGqse_bOxtD-o0exf79S65blyGxQNoopHPE2G037ND99Z1J7DIFmMbDEU8u-bPQrWKoXEg2KoO9pGgnZ1aels4hokkyfgwDcV2UhYCZD7ehxJz0dUazrx4ejc8aQBQNl7bb7g8GQKMy8/s1600/P7200001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOGqse_bOxtD-o0exf79S65blyGxQNoopHPE2G037ND99Z1J7DIFmMbDEU8u-bPQrWKoXEg2KoO9pGgnZ1aels4hokkyfgwDcV2UhYCZD7ehxJz0dUazrx4ejc8aQBQNl7bb7g8GQKMy8/s320/P7200001.JPG" /></a></div><br />
If for some reason you can't make it in to cheer us on Friday or Saturday, you could always join us for Closing Ceremonies on Sunday at UMASS Boston. If you have never attended Closing Ceremonies, it is surely something you should do at some point, just be sure to bring your tissues and arrive early. If you get there early enough we might even be able to hang out with you for a bit. <br />
<br />
While we would love to have everyone come and join us, we understand that for some of you, that might not be possible. We know that you will be there in spirit, cheering us on every mile of the way. That spirit will help us to take that next step when our bodies feel like they can't go forward another inch. It is your support that will help us get through every day, and we are thankful for that.<br />
<br />
Royally yours,<br />
SherriSherrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11715521518430636935noreply@blogger.com0