Getting Started and My First Donation

Yesterday, I attend a "Getting Started" meeting in ATL.  I learned a lot of information at the meeting and I'm even more excited about being a part of this event.  The meeting was so inspirational and I got to meet some other first time walkers and some who have walked before.  One lady there said that this would be her eighth walk!!  I got to hear stories about how breast cancer had touched the lives of all those in the room.  The room was filled with many emotions.  There were tears of joy and of sadness.  There was also a sense of celebration and hope for the future.  How inspiring!!  Everyone there had one thing in common.  They all hoped for a better life for women of the future and an end to breast cancer.

"When we love, we always strive to become better then we are.  When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too."  ~ Paulo Coelho

I am so excited to be a part of something that is so big and bold, something that is making a difference for future generations.  Susan G. Komen is funding research so that there will be an end to breast cancer.  They told us to get ready for hugs, tears, and great acts of human kindness from familiar faces and from strangers.  This experience brings out a world much different than the world we live in.  A world where kindness, love, and hope are above all else.  New friends will be made in 3 short days.  This will be a life changing experience for all involved!

The meeting covered topics including...why walk, how to raise money, and how to train for the event. 

Why take part in such a big and bold event?  Why not?  Again, I want to honor the life of my mother, my grandmother, and others who have had to fight.  You can find out more information on The 3-Day at

http://www.the3day.org/

An eye opener to me was that to train for this event, I would be walking over 580 miles!  Wow, can I do that?  I sure am ready to try!!  This walk is nothing compared to what many have gone through in fighting breast cancer. 

To participate in this event all walkers must raise $2300.  Yes, it's a bit intimidating but we were told that on average, most walkers raise over $3000!  We were challenged to get our first donation in the following 24 hours after our meeting.  I haven't sent out my emails about raising money yet, so I was so surprised to find out last night that I had received my very first donation.  Lori Simmons Johnson has been my best friend our entire lives.  We grew up together and have always supported each other.  I love her like a sister!!  Even though we are miles apart now, she is still always there for me any time I need her.  Last night she and her family made the first donation to support my walk!!  Lori, Wesley, and Josiah - thank you for supporting me, praying for me, and encouraging me.  Your family is such an inspiration.  Lori, I am so glad that God gave me you as a best friend.  I love you all!

"I thank my God, everytime I remember you." Philippians 3:1

So in getting ready for this event, the training will be up to me and my personal trainer, Ryan (another person that I am so thankful for).  If any of you in the Covington area would like to start walking with me, let me know.  I will be starting my walks soon and would love a walking partner!!  (580 miles, oh my!!)  As for fundraising, I need your help!!  If you can make a donation to help support my cause that would be great!!  There is no donation too big or too small.  If you can't donate, maybe you know some who can.  Maybe you have a fundraising idea or know of a business that donates to different causes.  If so, please direct them to my online site or send me a email. 

       http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/AtlantaEvent2011?px=4979264&pg=personal&fr_id=1610

This link is to my own fundraising 3-Day Website.  You can read about why I am walking, see my progress, and donate to my personal Susan G. Komen account.  You will receive a receipt following making a donation.  Online you have the option of a payment plan for your donation.  Also, if you don't want to make a donation online you can print a donation form.  Please help me by forwarding my information and donation form to your friends and family.  You can also make a quick donation by clicking the box at the top of my blog that says donate.  Maybe you want to be more involved...check out the 3-Day website and find out how you can walk or be a part of the crew.  Crew members help take care of the walkers and experience the event without the fundraising.  All types of crew members are needed from medics to people who can move and set up things.

I am so thankful for a family who is willing to support my efforts.  Thank you, Scott, for taking care of the boys and encouraging me to take this journey!!

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." ~ Mark Twain

I am ready to start this journey and help find an end to breast cancer!!  Thank you all for your support!!