This year I'm marking a huge item off of my bucket list. November 1-3, 2013, I will be walking in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk, which consists of walking 60 miles to support the movement to end Breast Cancer. For many years I've wanted to participate in this amazing event and I've finally talked a couple of amazing women into joining me.
Like many of you reading this, my life has been touched by cancer, specifically Breast Cancer, more than I care to remember. Several of my loved ones have battled this disease and I've learned that it does not discriminate against age, race, religion, or even gender. As an adult, I've been very compassionate about Breast Cancer awareness and I pray that some day we will find a cure. Within the last few years, two of my aunts were diagnosed with Breast Cancer and I cannot begin to express what kind of emotional blow this was to me. It hit very close to home, considering how young they both were and it frightened me. It frightened me for their futures, for their husbands, children, and it frightened me for the other women in my family.
Shortly after my aunts were diagnosed and undergoing treatment, I submitted paperwork to complete a BRAC analysis. My doctor suggested that we do this after learning about the number of people who've had Breast Cancer on the maternal side of my family. She explained that my insurance company might deny the request to complete the test, however, the amount of coverage provided would depend on my potential risk to develop Breast Cancer based on my family history. The cost of the analysis could be as much as several thousand dollars, but they determined my risk to be so high that the insurance company paid 100% of the cost and suggested I take care of it immediately, so I did. My test results indicated that I am not a carrier of the gene, however, I was advised against other potential risks that could lead to Breast Cancer.
I maintain my passion for causes such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation because I've been touched by so many people that have fought this terrible disease and have touched my life in some way. Whether a member of my family, an aquaintance, a celebrity, or a co-worker, each and every one of these women have impacted my life and taught me a lesson or two. So, when November rolls around, I will walk these miles because I can and I will walk these miles in honor of the lessons they've taught me. I will walk these miles in honors of the lives that have been lost and for those who have survived. Everyday I thank God for the good health that I've been blessed with and for the physical abilities to pursue such endeavors as the 3 Day Walk.
If you'd like to help this cause, consider joining my team and walk with me in Dallas in November. If you're unable to participate as a walker, you can also make a donation to support me and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Click here and remember, no donation is too small - every dollar counts!
http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2012/General?px=6866407&pg=personal&fr_id=1831&s_subsrc=bfgetwordout&s_src=boundlessfundraising
