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." 

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...