I'm Walking Again!! Join My Team!!

Yes, I'm doing it again - I signed up for the 2012 Susan G. Komen 3-Day™! I had such an incredible experience doing the 3-Day last year that I'm going back for more. I'm so excited about this event, even though this year I really know what I've gotten myself into.

This event isn't easy, but I promise you, I wouldn't be doing it if I didn't believe 100% that it was worth every muscle ache, weary night and training walk!

I need your help. I am planning on surpassing the $2,300.00 that you - my friends and family - gave so generously last time around to help end breast cancer.

Last year, I joined the 3-Day family to honor and celebrate the life of my mother, Debbie Sauls. Next month she will be celebrating her 26th year of winning her battle with breast cancer. I walked for many other too, honoring or remembering them. You can see the growing list for names of people I walk for on my fundraising page or my blog. Each one is special to me or a friend of mine who asked me to walk on their behalf.

This year I'm putting together a team, Angels of Hope, to walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day™, in Atlanta on October 19-21, 2012 and I'm hoping you'll join.

We'll be walking 60 scenic miles over three uplifting days to help fund breast cancer research and community programs. So far Marie Baker has joined me and we hope to raise at least $4,600. With your help, there's no limit on how much we can raise.

You may be thinking, "Why should I?" More importantly, why shouldn't you? Without a cure, one in eight women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. This is our opportunity to do something about it. Together, we can. I promise to do all I can to help you train, fundraise and prepare for this amazing journey. And we'll have a lot of fun along the way!

Let's get started today. To register, go to The3Day.org or call 800-996-3DAY. Or follow the link below to visit my team webpage. Use the code SAVE20 to get a discount on online registration. If you would like, I'll attend a "Get Started Meeting" with you. There are several going on around Atlanta right now.

Can't walk 60 miles? Consider joining the crew! Ask me how.

Follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage to make a donation to me or someone one my team.

My Personal Page

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2012/General?px=4979264&pg=personal&fr_id=1761

Angels of Hope Page

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2012/General?pg=team&fr_id=1761&team_id=198761


If you have any questions or want to hear more about what I'm doing, give me a call or send me an email, I love talking about the event. Thanks for all of your support and prayers. I'm incredibly lucky to have people like you in my life!

Thank you all for your love and support!

Love,
Amy

P.S. Don't wait - donate today!

Closing Ceremony - ATL 2011

Walking into the Closing Ceremony arm in arm with over two thousand strangers that now seemed more like friends was incredible.  There was not a dry eye at the ceremony.  I will tell this last story in pictures because there are no real words to describe the experience. 

We were placed in rows of 10 across. This is a photo of those behind me.  As you can see it wraps around and back into the stadium.  This line does not include the crew or the survivors who walked.  They walk in separately from the group.



During the ceremony we raised our walking shoes as the survivors walked in to honor them.

This is Dr. Phillips the spokesperson for the 3-Day Events.  She is amazing and her words are so inspiring!

There were over 2,000 walkers, over 400 on crew, and Atlanta raised $6 Million for the cure in 2011!

Those who carried the flags with a family member or survivor.

My welcome home present from Mom, Scott, and the boys!

Cancer is a terrible disease, no matter what type it is!  My prayer is that one day there will be a cure.  I have learned so much on my journey and I'm am so thankful for the experience.  I have been blessed by every step.  What I have shared with you through out this blog is only part of the story and the only way to know is to just experience it.  I am not closing or ending it here.  Though it may seem like an ending, it's really only the beginning for me.  You see, Nancy Brinker made a promise, to her dying sister (Susan Komen), that she would not stop until a cure was found.  So this movement to end breast cancer will continue.  There are those who will walk each year until a cure is found.  I have already committed to walking in 2012.  Will you join me?  I will have a team this year named Angels of Hope.  If you are interested in joining my team by walking or crewing please let me know.  It is a life changing experience.  Join me as I serve and help put an end to breast cancer, so that you, me, your mother, your wife, your family member or friend doesn't have to face what so many have faced.

Thank you to Scott, Wesley, and Graham for allowing me to do this, supporting me and encouraging me.  I love you!  Thank you again supporters for your love, donations, encouragement, and prayers over the last year!  This journey would not be possible without YOU!  Thank you, God for loving me so much that you gave your son and for providing me opportunities to serve and show others Your love!

Mom and Dad, you both have given so much, not just to me but to others too.  Though I was too small to remember what all you faced, I know that you both got through it because of your faith in Jesus.  Momma, God wasn't done with you, He knew I needed you.  I hope that my walk honors you!  Thank you for being my parents and being such a great examples.  I love you both!!

The journey continues in 2012, Happy New Year!

The Final Day - DAY 3!!!

The final day was here.  It was bitter sweet.  I was so glad to have had the honor to participate.  I had trained for a year and was sad that it was all about to be over.  However, my tired feet/knee was ready to be home.  I took good care of my feet and knee that night.  I believe that I was so tired, I had to have slept well.  When I woke up, I looked out side my tent and to the left were the transfer trucks that carried our bags and gear.  I never heard them enter the building, yep, I was so tired...I slept through those truck right outside my tent.  I got up and got ready, packed my bags, loaded the truck, and I even took down my own tent!  That was a real accomplishment for this non-camper!!  My knee was feeling good too.  I ate my hot breakfast and got in line and began to stretch.  I was so excited about finishing and walking in to the closing ceremony.  I really felt refreshed and ready to take on the last 20 miles.

Day 3 was cold, but beautiful as we walked through several of Atlanta's parks.  Day 3 seemed to move so fast and I enjoyed every minute of it.  I was not too cold, nor wet, my knee was doing well and I couldn't feel my blisters at all.  Well, I don't really know if that's true...it may just be that I was so excited about Day 3 and filled with love and joy that I didn't feel the other things any more.  I got to see my family early that day.  There was a cheering station at 5 miles in to the route (unlike yesterday, when I didn't get to see them until mile 13).  I love cheering stations.  Day 3's stations were so alive!!  Today, people weren't handing out candy, instead, there were homemade cup cakes, brownies, and cookies.  The supporters went all out for Day 3! 

 At mile 10 we had a picnic lunch in the park and I got to see my family again. 

After leaving lunch, we continued our walk in the park.  Turning the corner there was a beautiful woman sitting in a chair sobbing.  Through her tears of joy, she blew kisses, gave hugs and told each walker "thank you for walking for me!"  She said, she couldn't wait to walk with us next year.  Again, another reason to walk...I will never forget her.

Thank you, supporters (those that I know and those that I do not) for making Day 3 so special!!  Another supporter that I enjoyed seeing was a man and he was dressed in a different costumes each day.  His signs and encouragement were very motivating.

"I don't know you, but you are my hero!"

I also got to stop by and visit at the Pink Firetruck.  These are men and women  who are firefighters and police that support the cause and travel all over to raise money and awareness.  I got to sign the firetruck with Momma's name and mine.

I signed right above the L in HEALS.

Before I knew it, I was at the final Pit Stop.  I walked out with a team that I had met earlier.  One of the guys on this team was also having knee issues.  He had offered me a knee brace.  He recognized me and stopped to ask how my knee was doing.  I walked the 3 miles with his team.  It was an amazing site to walk up to the bridge crossing over I-20 and to actual have Turner Field in view.  The day had warmed up and there was a nice breeze blowing as we crossed the bridge.  My eyes were filled with tears walking the home stretch to Turner Field.  I had made it!!  We were all celebrating as we crossed that bridge and the cross walk to the parking lot.  The crossing guard at this intersection had the best job!!  He got to celebrate with each walker as he led them acoss the final intersection and into the parking lot of Turner Field.  There were supporters there welcoming their loved ones and all the walkers.  There were walkers there that were not able to complete the full 60 miles cheering us on towards the field.  Supporters were no longer handing out food, now they had balloons and flowers.  I walked into the stadium and headed straight for the 60 miles complete sign with a great feeling of accomplishment.

The holding area was actually inside the stadium.  Only walkers and crew members were allowed inside.  It was an amazing feeling walking in.  At the gate was Dr. Phillips the spokes woman for the 3-Day and behind her were crew members and other walkers, screaming and cheering because we made it.  Each walker was presented with a completion t-shirt and a pink rose.  I walked in and sat in an empty stadium, thanking the Lord that I made it and for allowing me to have the experience.  Thanking Him for letting me make a difference and have a little part in helping to find a cure.  I changed my shirt and my shoes and then cheered on other fellow walkers until my family arrived.  This whole experience was truly amazing.  I wish that every one could feel what I felt that day. 

If you ever have a chance to experience the 3-Day in some way, whether it's walking, crewing, medical staff, attending one of the ceremonies, or a cheering station...you should!  I was told it would be life changing and it's true.  I am thankful for every step and blister.  I am thankful for crew and supporters like you.  My eyes were truly opened to a world of kindness, where caring and love rule.  The experience inspired me to continue the journey.  To do everything I can every day of my life to serve God and others, to show that same kindness, love, and encouragement that was shown to me.

The walk was complete!  I walked for us all!  On to the Closing Ceremony...

 

DAY 2

I can sum up Day 2 in one word...DIFFICULT!  After not sleeping very well and my knee being more sore than I wanted to admit, I got up and got ready to start the day.  I had a nice warm breakfast, got in line and stretched.  While waiting in line we were handed our Day 2 schedule cards.  Today we would not have lunch until mile 10 and would not reach a cheering station till mile 13!!  Day 2 was defiantly the longest day of the journey.

Once my credentials had been scanned I was out the door and on the route.  As we exited the building, many of the crew members were standing their cheering us on and thanking us for walking.  (It really is such an awesome feeling!!  I will try to say "Thank you" more.  It really does make a difference.)  We really should have been thanking them for preparing our meals and taking care of us!  You may or may not know about "crewing."  The crew is so important and vital to a successful 3-Day.  They are the people behind the scene making sure that we are fed, have medical attention, and clean up at the various locations.  They drive vans, ride bikes, stop traffic and walk you across the street.  They dress in costume and dance.  You may think it's silly, but it is motivation and encouragement to tired walkers.  There kindness, encouragement, and yes, singing and dancing is just enough to make you smile and keep you walking.  These people are truly amazing and they volunteer there time!  They raise money just like the walkers, but they don't have a minimum that they have to raise.  Some travel from state to state and do these various jobs at more than one 3-Day location.  Some walk in one city and crew in another.  Some are survivors from that area that might not can walk, but they can fix a plate for a tired walker or fill the water bottles and hand out snacks at the Pit Stops.  Again, truly amazing people giving of their time to help serve others and find a cure!  Maybe this interest you.  If you are interested in crewing, I'll be glad to get you more information.  Crewing is just as important as walking, without the demands of walking 60 miles or having to raise $2300.

Day 2 was cold, just as Day1.  During my first 3 1/2 miles, I met some other girls who were walking solo and had a nice chat with them.  For me, it is hard to walk with a group.  I feel like I have to keep their pace.  So, I think starting out with this group was not a good move for me.  I was really tired by Pit Stop 1.  I stopped and visited the potty, got a snack, and took a rest.

My favorite snack on the 3-Day!!

Again, there's no way you'll go hungry at the 3-Day.  Food is every where you look.  Above is my favorite snack.  I'm not sure how to describe it, it's kind of like an ice cream sandwich, without the ice cream.  It's two graham crackers with pb & j inside and it's cold.  Love it!!  So yummy!!  The other is a bagel.  It is great with the little cups of peanut butter too!

I headed out of the pit towards the next one at 6 1/2 miles.  Pit 2 of the day was hosted by New Balance and the Pirates.  At the entrance of the pit were the New Balance cheerleaders cheering us into the station.  My knee was sore, so I took some time at this station to rest.  I put my pack down because I noticed a couple with the Grandmother flag.  The flags from the opening ceremony are carried along the entire 60 miles.  People are chosen before the event to carry them in the ceremonies, but others take turns carrying them along the route.  I started talking to the couple with the Grandmother flag and we shared stories about our Grandmothers.  I ask if they would take my picture.

In honor of Mommaw!  I love you!!

As I was getting ready to leave, in walks the Mother flag.  I again, started talking to the carrier and asked if they would take my picture.  After all, my Mom is my inspiration.

I love you, Mom!!

I learned a lesson at Pit 2.  Amongst my excitement of getting to hold the flags and getting my picture taken.  I learned that I need to be careful with my back pack...you see, when I was flinging it around and setting it down to have my picture taken, I wasn't careful with it.  This time, I set it down on the straw from my pack.  When I returned to it after having my picture taken, it was sitting in a puddle of water soaking wet.  I refilled my water that had leaked out and tried my best to dry my pack.  I continued on to mile 10 1/2 for lunch with an aching knee and a cold wet back.  I tried to carry the pack in my hands for a while, but I also learned that it is easier to carry a gallon of water on your back than in your hands for several miles.

On my way to lunch, I must have been limping.  An officer stopped me and asked if my knee was hurting.  I told him it was sore.  He checked it out and told me there was no shame in riding the bus and that it was better to ride the bus early than not be able to walk into the closing ceremony.  What I haven't mentioned yet, is that the terrain for Day 2 was difficult.  Lots of broken side walks, holes in the side walks, broken bottles and trash along the roadside.  There were many injuries that day due to the terrian.  Some were sent to the hospital.  Arrive at lunch was a huge relief.  We ate in a large church parking lot.  The theme for lunch was Mardi Gras.  We were welcomed with by supporters with beads.  Again, the best encouragement to keep you going...

 

It was so good to sit and rest, eat, change socks, and talk to Momma and Scott on the phone.  During this time I would briefly check my Facebook and text messages.  Thank you to all who wrote words of encouragement on my wall or sent me text messages during the 3-Days.  I'm sorry if I didn't respond to everyone, but each and every one were appreciated and important to me.  You will never know how much those kind words meant or how they kept me going.  After lunch, I limped on towards my 20 miles for the day.  I was stopped by 2 more crew members checking on my knee and encouraging me to take the bus.  I kept hobbling on.  I continued telling myself that my pain was nothing compared to the pain that cancer patients face and I focused on why I was walking.  I was so thankful to see Scott, Mom, and the boys at the next two cheering stations.  I needed to see them so much!!

The Lindbergh City Cheering Station was the best out of all the cheering stations.  It was the most needed too.  I think the entire town showed up to see us walk through.  It was like a parade!!  The streets were lined with people cheering.  There were drummers and people tossing candy.  So many high fives and hugs. 

The last two miles of the day, I ended up with some other people.  I just listened to them talking and they were having the same complaints as me.  Tired, sore, blisters...we stretched at an intersection 1/2 a mile from camp.  All of a sudden we heard a horn.  (You get honked at a lot during the 3-Day (cars cheering you on), I think I am conditioned to wave every time I hear a horn now!)  When we turned to look to see who was honking, it was a chartered bus, not just any bus, it was a bus filled with fellow walkers.  Walkers who were not able to make it back to camp on foot.  In that moment, I stopped and thanked God for walking with me.  Without Him, I would not have made it through Day 2.  I could have been on that bus.  I was so thankful for being able to complete Day 2.

So happy to see this sign!!

Tears of joy flowed as I limped into camp.  Even though I was in a little pain, I felt like I really accomplished something that day.  I headed straight for the 40 miles complete sign, showered, stretched, ate, checked my mail, and called to talk to my family.  I took special care of my knee and blistered feet that night, because nothing was going to stop me from finishing the final day!