On October 18, 2011, my school hosted a PINK OUT day. Each student and faculty member could pay a dollar to wear pink to support and honor Gladys Knepper's (teacher) fight against breast cancer. This event was hosted by out Relay for Life Team, but they decided to donate the money to my walk because they wanted it to go directly to help a organization that focused on breast cancer (Susan G. Komen for the Cure).
My school is truly amazing. It is honestly one big family full of support and love. I was totally overwhelmed with the support, not just from the staff of HM, but the support of the children too. Everyone was wearing pink and cheering me on. The kids told me all day that they were proud of me and they wished me luck. I knew that I was going to finish the 60 miles because there were 500 smiling faces telling me all day that they knew I could finish!
That morning, two of my sweet students, jumped out of their truck excited to show me that they had dressed up and were wearing signs on their back. They too had known several friends and family members who have fought breast cancer. Tears came to my eyes as I read their signs...not only were they remembering their friends and family, but they included my mom. These girls have never met my mom, but they wanted to honor her too.
The ladies pictured above with the pink hair...Donna Thompson and Kristi Bellamy are two ladies that I couldn't live without! They have supported me and helped me to fit in at HM from day 1. They got together and created a giant banner and had the kids sign it. Thanks ladies for being there for me each day, to make me smile and laugh, and to support and encourage me. I couldn't ask for better friends than Thompson, Bellamy, and the staff at HM!!
I love this banner!! I love the little details that each staff member and student wrote/drew. Notice me at the start all happy with straight hair. At the finish, I'm tired, messy hair, and have blisters on my feet.
The support and love that I felt from my family, my school family, my church family, and friend got me through the 60 miles! I love being a part of the HMES family. Thank you, Carol and the Relay for Life Team! Thank you, Thompson and Bellamy and everyone else that had a part in making the banner!
I am praying for my friend/co-worker, Ms. Knepper as she continues her battle. She is a very sweet and strong lady and I know she will win her battle. I am honor that she let me wear her name as I walked the 60 miles. She is so positive and I know she felt the love and support that I did from HM.
Again, I am honored that I was allowed this opportunity to spread awareness and to walk for us all. It is my prayer that one day a cure will be found for all cancer, so that my children and my students won't have to battle the disease!
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