Catching You Up...

Wow!  Life has been so busy, but I am loving every minute of it!  Our God is so good and I have seen him workout so many situations lately.  My faith is in Him!  He is in full control.  My youngest son Graham's surgery went well.  He has had some pain off and on, but has managed so well.  He is a very brave boy and I am so proud of him.  Wesley and I had a wonderful time at our church Vacation Bible School and now, it's time to enjoy the rest of summer and start to focus more on the 3-Day!

I am so excited about walking in October.  I have been to several training events and held some of my own.  I am currently working on the 24 week training plan provided by SGK 3-Day staff.  As of today, I have walked 95 training miles!!  I have walked alone and with friends...at the gym, at my church, my subdivision, my treadmill in the garage, and at Stone Mountain Park.

I am also excited about my team, Angels of Hope.  I decided on this name due to my Mother's love for angels.  She collects all kinds of angel figurines.  I just felt that this name was perfect.  I actually decided on it back during last years walk.  =)  I had a lot of thinking and reflecting time during those 3 days.  My team has grown from 1 to 8 members as of today!  I think it's neat because my team is spread out...Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Indiana.  My team members include...Marie, Natalie, Emily, Krystle, Jillian, Kristie, and Brenda.  There's still time to join us!!  Let me know if you are interested.

I am stopping here to ask for prayers for Marie and her Mother.  Marie's mom is battling breast cancer again.  Emily and Krystle both work for Premier Designs Jewelry and they have a fellow jeweler than is fighting too.  Everyone knows someone that has been touched by breast cancer.  This is just two more reasons to keep on walking and fighting.  I am praying for God's peace and comfort for them.  I pray for strength to fight the cancer and for the doctors to make the best decisions for each woman.  God is in control and He is bigger than cancer!  I pray that in His time, He will lead us to the cure!

 
This post is about catching you up as to what I've been doing to prepare for the 3-Day.  My fundraising is going well.  I am at 51% of my goal, that's just a little over halfway there!  Thanks to all my early donors!!  I love an appreciate each and every one of you.  Some gave last year and some are new.  I'll be remembering you all as I walk.  You are the ones who make it all possible!  You funds are what saves lives.  I would love to get my fundraising done as soon as possible so that I can help my teammates reach their goal.  Remember, if you would like to donate to me or a teammate click the donation box at the top left of this blog or you can go to my fundraising web page here.  If you would like to go to my team's fundraising page you can click here.  On my team's page you will see a list of their names and can click a name to donate to one of them.  You can read their personal stories of why they walk too.  I am so excited about sharing this experience with my friends.

As for training, I attended the 24 Week Training Kick Off at New Balance in Alpharetta, GA.  On May 5, we walked 3 Miles.  I met a few ladies that I really enjoyed walking and talking with.  These ladies were first time walkers and had many questions.  I love being a veteran walker this year and sharing my experiences and helping to answer questions.

Newbie and I!  Just finished shopping and ready for 3 miles!

 

I love New Balance because they give back to SGK and off us walkers a discount too!

The following weekend (May 12), Scott and I ran the Race for the Cure at Atlantic Station.  It was a great morning to run and it was misting on us a little at the end.  I was so proud of myself.  Last year, I was not prepared for the run at all.  I didn't realize how many hills were in Atlanta either.  Last year, it took me a little over 47 minutes to run the 5k.  I was happy that I finished it but disappointed in my time, because I had ran faster than that in other 5ks.  This year, I finished in 37 minutes!!  I was so proud of myself.  Scott was great support and encouraged me the whole way, even when I wanted to give up.

Running for my Momma!

Ready to run!

 

Me and Scott

I briefly mentioned in another post that I was selected to be a Training Walk Leader this year!  I was so excited about this and also nervous.  I have been doing training walks mostly with my team members at church, Turner Lake, and Stone Mountain.  I know the closer that we get to October that more people will be joining us to train, especially at Stone Mountain.  I love helping people and encouraging them!  I want everyone to know that finishing the entire 60 miles is possible and that you are not alone, we walk together.  I believe that each step we take is one step closer to the cure!

Jillian and I

Me and Emily

"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."  Helen Keller



Why walk 60 miles in 3 days...

Dear Friends and Family,

Once again, I have taken on an incredible challenge.  On October 19, 2012, I'll be walking 60 miles over the course of three days and camping out at night with thousands of other women and men taking this journey with me.

I had such an incredible experience doing the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the cure 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.  Not only am I walking this year, but I decided to take on a leadership role.  I have formed a team, Angels of Hope and currently have 8 others on my team.  I am also a training walk leader.  I get the opportunity to help others train to be able to walk the 60 miles in 3 days.  Just in case you missed my account of last year's event, follow the link below to visit my personal webpage, where I tell my story or visit my blog at www.amys3dayjourney.blogspot.com.  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!  Net proceeds from the 3-Day for the Cure fund innovative global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment. Komen for the Cure® works hard to build a future without breast cancer, and I plan on raising $2,300 to help bring us closer to that goal.

Please consider making a donation. There is no donation too big or too small. If you can't give all at once, you can spread it out over four months, using the payment plan option, if you donate online at The3Day.org.  Please also ask your employer if they will double your donation with a matching gift.  Remember that your donation is tax deductible.  Whether you donate $5 or $100 your gift is appreciated and a step closer to finding the cure!  If you are not able at this time to donate your prayers and support are enough!  You can also help by sharing my journey through email or letter!

I decided to be a part of this bold event, last year, to honor the life of my Mother, Debbie Sauls, who celebrated her 25th year of being breast cancer free in 2011! I also walk in honor of my Grandmother, Betty Sauls, and the women past & present of the Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Support Group founded by my Mother. You can see the growing list of 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.  Though we are closer to a cure, one has not been found.  Walking this event is my little part in helping to find the cure. 

My Mother has worked for the last 25 years promoting awareness and helping other survivors and their families.  Her main message is to spread the word on breast cancer awareness and to tell others "that there is still life after breast cancer."  In 1989, she along with a fellow survivor organized the Woman to Woman Breast Cancer Support Organization.  This began as a resource center to educate women on breast cancer and grew into a support group that continues today.

Help me honor the life of my Mother and others who have fought and are fighting breast cancer!  Working together we can make a difference for future generations!

Somewhere in the world, a woman dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds. That's why I'm walking in the 3-Day for the Cure.  Because everyone deserves a lifetime.

Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage (www.the3day.org/goto/rains) and make a donation. If you don't want to donate online, fill out the attached donation form or download and print a donation form from my webpage and mail it to the address on the form.  Or you can call 800-996-3DAY to donate over the phone.

I would like to reach my fundraising goal ASAP, so don't delay!

Thank you for taking the time to read this email and thank you for your support. Special thanks to those who have already donated last year and this year!  Don’t forget to share this email or letter with your friends and family!  Thank you for sharing my story!

Sincerely,

Amy Sauls Rains

You may follow my 3-Day journey at...www.amys3dayjourney.blogspot.com

You may donate to my cause at…www.the3day.org/goto/rains

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

2011 - Day 3, Closing Ceremony

Life Happens...

Hi friends!  I know it's been a long time since I blogged about the 3-Day.  My only excuse is...life happens.  So much has gone on this spring.  Most of you know I am an elementary music teacher.  I have had a musical, 5th grade honor chorus, talent show, and...well the list goes on and on.

My principal at my school got a promotion and that left us with a vacancy...I had the honor to sit on the panel to find us a new principal.  What an experience...but also an honor!  We have had recitals, competitions, and honors ceremonies.

Wesley has had an amazing year in 6th grade.  Middle school was a new experience, but he accomplished so much.  I am so proud of his good grades and honors this year.  He was in 6th Grade Honor Band, was rated superior at his piano competitions, not only passed the CRCT...but exceeded in all 5 areas, he had perfect attendance, and had the highest score in ELA for the 6th grade on the CRCT (by the way, that's the subject he struggles in).  I am more than a proud Mother, I am truly blessed by my son and could ask for any more.

Graham completed his first year of school.  My baby graduated from PreK and is moving on to Kindergarten.  He sang beautifully at their end of year program and recited the poem Jack and Jill.  He was also a Star Student of the month for his class.  Again, this Mom couldn't be more proud of her boys. 

Graham, is also preparing for surgery on his leg.  Though I give this burden to God each day in my prayers, I'm still human and a worrying Mom.  Graham has a very rare bone disease.  1 out of 100,000 kids have it.  He will have surgery on June 1, please pray for us.  I know God is with us and that he has big plans for Graham.  Pray that the doctors know what to do for him and for us to stay strong to help him recover.  He is one amazing little boy and has a great attitude going into this, but he really don't understand what all is happening to him.  This week, we are trying to cram in a summer vacation for him.

One more boy to brag on...my husband, Scott.  He won AHS Teacher of the Year.  I am so proud of him.  He works hard at his job and has made a difference in the lives of the students that he teaches!
I am truly blessed with one amazing family!!

I have run in 3 5k's this spring.  I ran the Color Run with Scott and the Dirty Girl 5k with obstacles with my teacher friends.  Both were amazing and I can't wait to run them again!!

Dirty Girl 5k - 2012

Color Run 5k - 2012

Now, just because I've been busy doesn't mean I didn't have time to prepare for the 3 Day!  Scott and I also ran Race for the Cure in Atlanta.

Race for the Cure Atlanta - 2012

I'll tell you more about it in another post.  I have been to several get started meetings, began training walks, grown my team, and have met my 1000+ milestone in fundraising.  Yes, I'm still going strong preparing for my second 3-Day.  I am looking forward to sharing with you more in my up-coming posts.

Though life has busy moments...we must focus on those we love.  Share quality time with our family and do all we can to make memories.  Life is so short.  I am so thankful for my time with friends and family and though life happens...try to remain positive in all situations and focus on God, because He is the one that can get us through the good and the bad times.

 

Bridget Spence: A Story of Survival

What a touching story...so motivational.  Bridget is just another reason to walk, donate, and spread awareness to the cause.  What's your legacy?  I am so glad that the 3-Day is part of mine.  Last year's walk was an amazing experience for me and my family.  I am so looking forward to walking in 2012 with my team, Angels of Hope.  If one life is saved because I raised money and walked then every blister and every mile that I struggled is worth it.  I'm honored to be a part of the SGK family.  SGK is getting closer and closer to the cure and saving lives along the way.  I am truly blessed to say that I helped!!  

26 Years and Counting!

On February 11, Mom celebrated another year of being cancer free!  God is so good!  I am so thankful that my Mom found strength in her faith and through Christ she beat breast cancer.  With a servants heart she has given back and touched many lives! 

You are never more like God than when you give, when you take time for people, or when you do something good for somebody who can never repay you.  ~J Osteen

26 years and counting!!  I love you Mom!

Though I have not done much blogging, I'm still doing things to prepare for the 2012 3-Day.  Last week I attend training to become an official training walk leader.  I hope to hear if I was selected in the next couple of weeks.  

My team Angels of Hope is beginning to grow, bigger than I imagined.  I am honored to be walking this year with two of my best friends from high school, Marie Loyd Baker and Natalie Geer Barton.  I look forward to continuing my journey with them.  We are going to have a blast!! This week some friends and I will be attending a "Get Started" meeting at REI in Atlanta. I am so excited!!  If they decide to join my team, I will have a team of 6!!  I am so blessed!  I have such wonderful friends and family.  I am thankful for you all and appreciate all the support and prayers.

Continue to pray for the Komen Foundation, that we all can move on and get the focus back on finding a cure and ending breast cancer forever!

If you are interested in walking with me, send me an email!!  I would love to have you walk with my team!!  There is also an opportunity to be on the crew or support us with your prayers and a donation.  There's no donation too big or small.  My team will also be holding some fundraisers soon.  I hope you will consider supporting us that way too.  May God continue to bless us all!

Are you doing what you really believe you should be doing at this stage in your life, or have you allowed fear and a lack of confidence to prevent you from stepping out into new things? If you don't like your answer, then let me give you some good news: it is never too late to begin again! Make a decisio...n right now that you will learn to live boldly, aggressively, and confidently. Don't let fear rule you any longer. Accepting the challenge to walk 60 miles in 3 days takes courage. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is action in the presence of fear. Bold people do what they know they should do—not what they feel like doing. The 3-Day family is made up of some of the boldest people I know! Stay encouraged.  ~ Dr. Sheri Phillips

  

I still believe that "Everyone Deserves A Lifetime!"

 

 

If you have been paying attention to the news lately, I'm sure you have heard all that's going on with the Komen Foundation.  Many of you have been following me the last year as I have become part of the 3-Day family, walked 60 miles, and raised over $2300 for the foundation.  Walking last year and raising awareness became a passion of mine.  I could never fully put into words the feelings that I felt as I began my journey last year.  Truly amazing!  After my first walk, I immediately knew that I would be back for a second walk.  I have been so excited and I am ready!  But, the news this week has caused a great sadness in my heart.  The world of kindness and love that I experienced, that my family experience, and that thousands of other have experience has been hit hard.  The division among supports and others who have just tossed in their opinions brings tears to my eyes.  Many words have been said, but I'm not sure the full story has been told.  My prayers are with Nancy Brinker and the Komen Foundation and their Affiliate Offices.  I pray that they will keep the faith, hope, and promises that they have made, not just to Susan, but to the world. 

 

I know that what I'm about to discuss is a touchy subject. This is my stance on the situation for now.  My opinion is based off of my communication with the foundation and the experiences that I have had with them this past year.  I ask that if you would like to comment to me, please do that in a private email (amysrains@hotmail.com) and not on my blog or my facebook page.  I want my blog and facebook to be a positive place where only hope and encouragement can be found.   I hope that I don't offend any of you with my opinions. I do believe that we all have a right to our own opinions and beliefs. I respect each of you and again, I am not trying to offend anyone or press my beliefs on anyone.

When you give money to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, where does it go?  Well, to my understanding, donations made to the 3-Day are broken down 75/25.  75% of funds go to global research (scientist searching for the cure) while 25% of funds raised stay with the local affiliate.  I believe that there are around 120 affiliates.  Those affiliates use that money for community breast health (awareness literature, mammograms, early detection, education, etc.).  They do what they can to provide breast health at low cost or no cost.  They help those who can't afford it or have no insurance.  Click here to find out more on where the money goes.  If you are interested in where the Atlanta Komen Affiliates money/grants go, you may read it here from their website.

 

So, what's happening in the news....well, one of the Komen Affiliates awarded a grant to Planned Parenthood.  (It was not the Atlanta Affiliate.)    It has been known and in the news before.  When most people think of Planned Parenthood, they think about women's rights and abortion.  It is my understanding that the grant that was written to Komen from PP was not asking for funds to support abortion. They asked for funds to support their breast health program, early detection and education, and to fund mammograms for those in their community who couldn't afford them.  After all, that is what Komen is all about...not about politics and not about whether abortion is right or wrong.  Earlier this week, the Komen Foundation decided to pull funding due to the institution being under investigation.  After a lot of bad press and sides being chosen, they turned around at the end of the week with an amendment.  To read the statement by the foundation, click here.  The latest statement is that they will continue to fund the current grant that was issued to PP and that they may apply again. 

As of now, I am still standing by and supporting the Komen Foundation. I believe that it truly is a wonderful foundation based on love and hope. They have helped countless numbers of people and most of the advancements that have been made towards the cure have been funded by them.  I have faith that they will make the right decisions now and in the future. I continue to plan on walking with my team in October.

 

 

 

I didn't join the 3-Day family because of any political views. I walk to honor the life of my mother, my grandmother, friends who have fought and won, and friends who have lost their battles. I raised money for research and pray that God will be with those doing the research and that one day He will lead one to the cure, in His timing. I pray that God will be with those who make the decisions on where the money goes and that the right people/businesses are funded. Since my mother and grandmother (dad's mother) both have BC, I am considered high risk. I had my first mammogram at the age of 20. I walk so that you and I don't have to face it.  My mom is a living example that early detection saves lives!  The Komen Foundation through donations, support, and awareness has saved many lives!

 

 

 

I choose to continue to walk, I choose to continue to believe, and I choose to live my life to God's glory and honor.  No, I cannot live up to the expectations of the world and I will not always make the right decisions.  I will not judge others.  It is not my place.  All I can do is pray and follow where God leads me.  I know that He will again bless my walk this year.  I know that He fully understands my cause and my reasons for walking.  I still believe that one person CAN make a difference!  After all, Jesus did!  I pray that the life that I am living is an encouragement to others and glorifies His name.  I pray that my life will make a difference in this world!    

I respect each one of your opinions on this matter. I will understand if you don't want to support my walk or the Komen Foundation this year.  I will continue to follow this story, pray, and watch the decisions that the Komen Foundation makes.  Thanks for hearing me out.  I want to leave you with a statement made by Dr. Sheri Phillips the Komen Foundation's National Spokeswoman. 

 

"People have questioned why I haven't commented and I can honestly say it is because my heart is saddened at the apparent division of a family that once demonstrated so much love in their shared commitment of a world without breast cancer. “Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experiences of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired... and success achieved.” -Helen Keller.   If you recall, I once spoke to you about having a vision and not losing sight of your vision. Don’t lose sight now. For over a year now, I’ve spoken to the 3-Day family about love, honor, purpose and courage and I stand firm in every word I have spoken. I am unmovable, unchanged and completely onboard with the work of the 3-Day. I made a promise to fight…in 14 cities I shouted at the end of Closing Ceremony that “We will never give up!”…and I meant it.   I can't address everyone's opinions and speculations. But as an African American female breast cancer survivor who grew up on the south side of Chicago and who has worked and lived in communities that benefitted from SGK grants, I will stand by the commitment SGK has made to women at large, including the uninsured and underinsured, and to its commitment to its mission. I personally believe in its promise to always fight for and serve those who need them the most. Susan G. Komen fought for lives and welfare of women when no other organization would.

“It's motive alone which gives character to the actions of men.” -Jean De La Bruyere

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.  God Bless each and every one of you. You ARE my family. Let's continue this fight to end breast cancer TOGETHER."