1 Day Left!

"No matter how my story ends, I know that I left the world a better place than I found it.  One person might be saved because I walked, because I lived, because I raised that money, and that is the greatest achievement that any of us can hope for from our lifetimes."  Bridget Spence

My 3rd 3-Day Journey starts tomorrow after school as I attend the Opening/Closing Ceremony Rehearsal.  Then up early Friday morning to begin the walk.  I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to walk the last 3 years.  I never dreamed that walking in 2011 would lead me here, 180 miles later and over $7000 raised.  From walking alone to walking with a team of 10 (7 walkers and 3 crew).  I couldn't be more proud of my team, Angels of Hope.  I love you ladies and I can't wait to celebrate, remember, and spread awareness with you this weekend.  I am so ready to laugh and cry with you.  My prayer is that we have made a difference, that lives will be saved, and people have been made aware.

I couldn't do this without some very special people!  Yes, I couldn't walk without those who have donated, prayed, encouraged, and supported me for 3 years.  Thank you for helping me honor my mother and I too am honored to walk for you and your loved ones!  Also, my family, Scott Rains, Wesley, and Graham.  Thank you for letting me participate and sharing this experience with me.  Thank you to my inspiration and my biggest fans, Mom and Dad (Jeffrey Sauls and Debbie Sauls), I love you more than words can say!  Thank you to Ryan Roth and Travis Williams, 60 miles would not be physically possible without your training and encouragement!

Please remember the walkers and crew in your prayers this weekend.  I am beyond blessed to have amazing friends and family like you!! 

Why I am walking in 2013...

As the 3-Day draws near, I reflect back on why I started this journey 3 years ago and why I am continuing on today.  In 2011, I wanted to do something bold to help spread awareness and to help find a cure for breast cancer.  I chose to walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day to honor the life of my mother and to help her celebrate being 25 years free from cancer.  Breast Cancer has touched too many lives!  My prayer is that one day God will provide us a cure so that no one else has to fight for their lives.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!  Please help to make others aware!  Early detection can save a life!  A life like my Mom's.  I am so blessed to have the opportunity to participate in the 3-Day.  I couldn't do this without my family, friends, and donors.  Thank you for your donation, your support, and your prayers!

As I walk 60 Miles this weekend (rain or shine) I will remember each and every survivor, each and every one who has lost their battle, and each and every donor.  May God Bless You All. I love you and I walk for you!

Amy
 

• I walk to celebrate the life of...Debbie Sauls, Betty Sauls, The Ladies of the Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Support Group of Gadsden, Al, Jean Patterson, Rose Jenkins, Edna McCullars, Nancy Patterson, Mary Surrett, Doris Milam, Billie Hardy, Patsy McNeil Smith Joyce Shelton, Gladys Knepper, Ruth Lynch, Danielle Smith, Dorothy Wilson, Peggy Collins, Elizabeth Strictland, Robbie Smith, Brenda Haynes, Rebecca Bates, William Thornton, Debbie Nelson, Cecilla Clement, Marion Foster, Terrell Haslam, Tonya Haslam, Shari Sussman, Joyce Spar, Rhonda McKnight, Jill Brown, Ruth Krems, Melissa Carruth, Margie Warman, Cheryl Slate 
• I walk in memory of...Gail Blythe, Brenda Weeks, Theresa Patterson, Polly McCrary, Sharon Brown, Pearl Roden, Edna Gray, Gwin Duncan, Xenia Hatzi, Martha Sherrill, Jayne Patty, Mina Bryan, Betsy Davenport
• I walk in 2013 because of donations made by...The Staff and Students of Heard-Mixon Elementary, Dorothy Wilson, Dr. Carol Dale, Sheena Brooks, Emily Schneider with Premier Designs Jewelry and those who purchased from my fundraiser, Dr. Irene Goetze, Wesley and Graham Rains, Don and Elaine Clement, Marci Dusseault with Origami Owl and those who purchased from my fundraiser, Tina Hendrix, Judith Mackenzie, Jeff and Debbie Sauls, Spencer and Angela Pickens, Wesley and Lori Johnson, Ken and Janice Rains, Dennis and Wanda Simmons, Jarrod and Lisa Simmons, Jason and Summer Sauls, Betty Sauls, Bobby and Ginger Pitts, Stan and Nancy Patterson, Jessica Chaviers, Jerria Carter, Amie Sealy, Jeremy and Hollie Miller, Don and Pam Thomas, Jerry L Klug and Alabama Physical Rehabilitation Service, Tim and Teresa Sauls, Virginia Tumlin, Jeff and Annette Mayben, Members of Grace Baptist Church, Rebecca Bates, Angie Craver with 31 Gifts and those who purchased from my fundraiser, George Miles, Tana Estes, Gail Egnatuk

Thank you all!!

Clips from the 2012 Closing Ceremony

Here's  a short clip from the 2012 SGK 3-Day Closing Ceremony.  I was so honored to have my kids join me on stage.  Not just Wesley and Graham, but Wesley carried the names of my 450 HMES students.  Graham was so scarred to be on the stage in front of so many, but he did it and got a special prize from the stage manager, a 3-Day key chain.  He then told me he needed a car with keys to go with his new key chain.  :)

Clips from the 2012 SGK 3-Day Opening Ceremony

The 2013 Susan G. Komen 3-Day is just 9 days away!!  I am so excited to be participating for a 3rd year!!  The video above is some clips from last year's Opening Ceremony (2012).  Sorry so much of it is the back of my head.  I have heard the words to the Opening Ceremony so many times, but it still brings tears to my eyes listening to it.  Hope you enjoy!!  Step by step we are moving closer to a cure!!

My Exciting 3-Day Announcement!!!!

Last year, I was asked to carry a flag at the Opening and Closing Ceremony for the 2012 Atlanta 3-Day for the Cure.  I was so excited!!  It was such an honor to be chosen from so many walkers to carry a flag and be an actual part of such a special ceremony.  I was chosen to carry one of the Honor Flags.  An Honor Flag is a flag in honor of an individual.  The flag I was chosen to carry was the flag that said, for "My Children."  This was a perfect flag for me.  I walk for a future without breast cancer.  I walk so my children do not have to face this terrible disease.  It was so special to carry the flag, not just for Wesley and Graham, but for my school children...my students past, present, and future.  My students know that I walk and have participated in a Pink Out Day for me the past two years at school.  They have made me cards, mailed post cards, and even made a giant banner that they all signed.  They ask me questions, worry about where I'm sleeping and if I'm eating while I walk, and they always ask if they can come with me.  At the closing ceremony, my personal children Wesley and Graham were invited to come on the stage with me to represent loved ones who supported and cheered for the walkers every step of the way.  Since my students wanted to come too, and I couldn't bring all 450 of them, I made a pink poster and they all signed it.  Wesley carried it up on the stage so that they too could stand with us.  Such a special moment.  One I'll never forget!  I never imaged that anything could top that moment, until last week.  That my friends leads me to my exciting 3-Day Announcement!!!

The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain your legacy.  Kalu Ndukwe Kalu

Last week, I was asked to participate once again in this year's (2013) Opening and Closing Ceremony.  Again, I was asked to carry an Honor Flag.  I couldn't believe I was selected two years in a row...amazing!  I really didn't think the experience could get any better than last years experience, but each year gets better and better.  I am so excited I can't stand it!!!  This year, I will proudly carry the flag that says, for "My Mother."  As I got the news, I immediately called my Mom and we both cried.  I got to hold the flag and get a picture back during the 2011 and 2012 events.

2011

2012

I never thought I would be chosen out of so many.  So many have lost their mothers, so many mothers are fighting.  I am so blessed.  Thank you Lord for seeing fit for my Mom to be called a Survivor.  Thank you for allowing her to be here to participate and help so many women who have needed her.  She has touched so many lives during her journey before, during, and after breast cancer.  She is so strong, she put this frightening time in God's hands, and He delivered her.  He is so faithful to His children and always keeps His promises.  She didn't stop after the battle was won.  She gave.  She gave back to the community, sharing her story and giving hope to other fighters and survivors.  I am so honored to carry this flag for you, Mom!  I will not only carry it for her, but the other Mothers who weren't as lucky as she.  I will carry it for the Mother's who are fighting right now and the ones who will fight in the future.  I will carry this flag for all daughters who have watched their Mom's fight the battle, win or lose.  I will carry this flag for all of the names listed on my ribbons on my back pack, because they are/were all mother's too. 

The story doesn't stop here.  This year, they have changed the Opening Ceremony a little, not only will I carry the flag, but I have been one of the 6 participants chosen to say a short speech about who I am carrying the flag for...I'm not going to share my speech now.  I hope you'll come back in a few months to read it or watch video of the ceremony.  You are even welcome to come experience the Opening Ceremony for yourself.  I can't wait for October!  I can't wait to walk 60 Miles with my Angels of Hope, new friends, and old friends.  I can't wait to experience the faith, hope, and love of  the 3-Day Community.  I can't wait to cross that stage and celebrate the life of my Mother.

Thank you again to all who have made this experience possible!  Thank you for your donation, prayers, support, and encouragement.  I am so close to reaching my goal.  I still need about $600 in order to walk this year's event.  Please help me get there by making a donation.  No donation is too big or small and it's all tax deductible.  This cause is so important to me.  If you can help click here to get to my fundraising page.  I have been so blessed by this experience of helping others.  I want to do all I can to make a difference in this world.  Like sweet Bridget Spence said, "I know that I will leave the world a better place than I found it.  One person might be saved because I walked, because I lived, because I raised that money, and that is the greatest achievement that any of us can hope for from our lifetimes."  I am a part of something big.  I am a child of God and it's my prayer that He uses me to share His love and hope.  I want to leave a legacy that points to Him.  I am proud that walking in the 3-Day, raising money and awareness for the cause, and most importantly sharing God's love and hope by giving and helping others are all part of my legacy.

 

 

I pray that my journey has touched your heart in some way and will continue to do so.  I have learned and have grown as person with every step.  My life has been touched by so many stories and new friendships made.  I pray that it has helped you be more aware.  As Breast Cancer Awareness Month approaches, remember to see your doctor, get checked, and get a mammogram.

 

Live your life from your heart.  Share from your heart and your story will touch and heal people's souls.  Melody Beattie

Packing for the 3-Day...Part 2

Alright now it's time to pack!  What do I bring and how do I pack it?  Well, you should first look at the packing list located in your participant center.  On the list is everything the 3-Day suggests for you to bring.  Remember that you are only allowed one gear bag that cannot weigh more than 35lbs.  This is to protect the crew members who have volunteered to load and unload every one's bags on and off the big trucks.  Everything that you plan on taking must be in this bag!!  If you are like me, I was thinking that's gonna be impossible!!  But, it's not!!  I have been able to take everything I need the last two years in my one bag.

There it is!! My one bag.  Beside it is my Camelbak that I wear as I walk.  I also wore the wings last year to support my team, Angels of Hope.  I purchased this particular bag at Target.  It is a large duffel bag with wheels.  I chose blue because well, everything is pink.  I chose blue so it would stand out and I could find it easily amongst the thousands of other bags.  Also, I tied pink ribbons on it.  You must label your bag with your participant ID # and tent address.  It is suggested by the 3-Day to pack everything inside your bag in Ziploc bags.  It helps keep you organized and keeps the items inside dry in case of rain.  (Remember this event is rain or shine.)  I do pack my thing in the Ziploc bags and label them, day 2, day 3, etc.  That way it's easy to pick up bag and take the items to the shower trucks. 

Here's what's in the Bag!!

Tennis Shoes

I wear one pair and pack another pair.  I alternate them to help prevent blisters.  Also, if it does rain, you don't want to walk in wet shoes.  If there is a chance of rain...pack a couple of sheets of newspaper.  I have heard that it will help dry out wet shoes.

Day 2 & 3 Attire

I pack each day in a Ziploc bag.  I include sports bra, underwear, socks (2 pair per day), shorts, capri pants, tank, and t-shirt.  Yes, you can fit it all in one large Ziploc bag.

PJ's

I pack a t-shirt and PJ pants and PJ shorts.  You don't know what the temp will be like where you are camping.

Extra Items

I usually pack a sweat shirt, fleece jacket, hat, sunglasses, and visor.  If there is a chance of rain, I will pack a rain jacket.  If there is not a chance of rain, I will pack a $1 poncho just in case...you never know!!!

Sleeping Equipment

I have done the sleeping bag and the air mattress.  I recommend the air mattress.  (Yes, it's in that bag!)  If you go with the air mattress I suggest getting with your tent mate and one of you pack the mattress and the other packing the sheet and blanket.  Don't forget your battery operated pump and a small pillow!  My air mattress is a Queen size.  The pink tents are 6.5' x 6.5'.  It takes up almost all of the tent.  The 3-Day suggests taking some other things for the tent, but each time I walked we stayed inside the World Congress Center, so we didn't need additional tarps to cover and keep things dry.

Toiletries

You will need sunscreen, toothpaste and brush, shampoo and soap, razor, deodorant, moisturizer, and other feminine products.  Don't forget foot care products too.  You may need nail clippers, small first aid kit, prescribed medications, anti-blister aids, and bandages.  Insect repellent is good too.  I also pack just a little make up, not much.

Miscellaneous Items

Some suggest ear plugs, I have some, but have never wore them.  Alarm clock, I just use my phone. A camera is a must!!!  There are so many things you will want to take picture of and many photo opportunities. 

That's it!! That's what's in my blue bag!  :-)