If you're a regular reader you'll recall my tardiness for the Alki Beach Run benefiting NW Hope & Healing.  Today, I didn't get a late start and, in fact, the road construction/closure on I-405 that I thought might be an issue was completely fine....I got over to Magnuson Park with time to spare.  What deviated from my plans concerned documenting the Walk for Hope....I had no working camera!  Unfortunately, I grabbed up my camera without realizing the battery was still in the charger!  But, you say, Karen couldn't you just use your new smart phone?  Sure...but I left my phone in the car and I didn't find out about the camera not actually taking photos until it was too late to go back.

This year's Walk for Hope had a slightly different route and was organized a bit differently.  The most important people, the survivors, were still recognized and honored before the walk.  There was a decorated bra contest too.  I thought about bringing my bra from last year, but didn't think that would be fair to win twice :-)  Last year sponsors/vendors were set up inside a huge hanger, this year it was more of an open-air market with many tents...nice that the Seattle weather cooperated!  This year Embrace Activism supported City of Hope with my walk, not as a sponsor. Reflecting on those I walk for, I put on my hat and headed to the start line. 

The Start/Finish was down by the beach.  Over the years, the number of walkers has grown quite large.  To accommodate the numbers better (I was #2237), rather than starting us off en masse walkers were grouped into waves.  I actually thought the changes made a big difference.  As with past Walk for Hopes there were many multi-generational teams with adorable babies and active grandparents. The Mercer Island High School cheerleaders were there cheering walkers on. (Dance classmate Traci does a great job with them)  Dogs abounded--some in costume...some happier about that than others.  There were individual walkers, couples, groups--small and large--making up teams.  All 'in' to support City of Hope campaign for women's cancers, women's cures.

Next Sunday is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer for the American Cancer Society...I'm going to check and recheck my camera's working.  You can read last year's Walk for Hope and observe the transformation of a plain ol' brassiere to a work of art in Bra Makeover!

Health, Wellness & CURES!!
Karen