Saturday, October 8th was one of those terrific Indian summer fall days...no rain in sight and I was looking forward to the next day's

Looked out the window this morning and couldn't believe my eyes....RAIN*  And I'm not talking just the typical drizzling mist.  NOT again!!  Last year was plain miserable--where there was so much water running down towards the grates it looked more like a river getting ready to become a cascading waterfall.  There were hearty souls last year, but I'm sure it cut down on the numbers.  I was a little concerned about the weather and planned a more rain-friendly outfit than I wore last year.  Wet tulle sticking to the legs is not fun..or attractive! 

It's always a good idea to check the website for last minute details...which I didn't so I had no clue the start time had been pushed back an hour---I ached for that extra hour of sleep I could've had!

Last Sunday I walked in City of Hope's Walk for Hope; today it was the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.  There were similarities and some differences...

Survivors were recognized---today's survivor is survivor AND thriver.  She was diagnosed with stage 4 IBC.  She'd been in for her annual exam a week early and the day she felt the lump it'd already grown to the size of a golf ball.  Needless to say, she was in for the fight of her life.  Her doctor told her she was going to lose her hair and nails, but if possible not her life.  She said during treatment she looked more like Gollum from Lord of the Rings...everyone but children averted their eyes when she was out.  My heart ached for the loneliness and isolation she must have felt.  How triumphant for her to be a 7 year breast cancer thriver!

Participants were warmed up---today we had a hip-swivelling time of it with a up-tempo Zumba.  There were clearly a lot of Zumba fans...looks like I"m going to have to get myself into a class soon!   Then it was time to line up...for Making Strides, survivors were at the head of the line.  I'm glad to share both walks had thousands of participants...it's wonderful to know there are so many compassionate and caring people!

The two routes were beautiful---whereas Walk for Hope is essentially flat, Making Strides had 4 hills with a couple that were significantly steep and quite long.  This was no stroll.

Some walkers dressed up, some more than others.  I loved this team!  I don't know if you can make out the pink eyelashes the survivor is wearing.  I asked her about them--from Walgreen's, easy to put on...I'm thinking I need those eyelashes!!

Participants were of the four-legged variety for both walks and there were many multi-generational teams.  I think it's so wonderful for kidlets and youth to know they can make a difference especially if breast cancer's affected someone in their family.  

We were cheered on during both walks.  Cheerleaders from Mercer Island High School kept the motivation high for the Walk for Hope.  Newport High School cheerleaders plus some SeaGals were on hand for Making Strides encouragement-especially the last mile...there seemed to be some 'Rah Rah for the Ta-Tas' group bringing us all in.

I don't know how many Making Strides walkers also walked Walk for Hope.  But I do know one thing, we all want an end to breast cancer! (Note the water damage on my tag...that darn rain!)  Visit the Gallery for more pictures.  Hey remember that hair extension I had put in at the Kick-Off Breakfast?  Yep, I've still got it!

Health, Wellness & CURES!!
Karen

 * Raindrops Are Falling on My Head