Lockets of Love

One thing can't talk about enough is the support system from the 3-Day.  When you sign up to walk you are given a wealth of information.  Information on how to train, how to fundraise, what to expect on event, and so much more.  You are given a personal fundraising website with easy to follow steps on how to create it.  You are given contact information on how to contact 3-Day coaches by email and phone.  You are never alone on the 3-Day!  One thing I have never really got involved with until this year was the 3-Day Message Board.  It alone is a wealth of information and support in itself.  I have made contact with many new walkers and veteran walkers too.  There are so many more ideas on training and fundraising and people offering to help people (and that's what I love so much about the 3-Day community!).

In looking at fundraising ideas, I came across a fellow 3-Day walker/crew member from Arizona, Marci.  She is a designer with the direct sales company Origami Owl.  This was a company that was new to me, but after looking at her website I totally fell in love with these lockets.  This company was started in 2010 by a 14 year old girl (amazing - aren't you loving it already!).  The company's mission is "To be a force for good; to love, inspire and motivate women of all ages to reach their dreams and empower them to make a difference in the lives of others."  Wow...and just look at the example lockets above...I don't know about you, but I love all 5!!

The greatest thing about these lockets is that they are customizable.  You create your own locket and you can always add to it later.  I love how they say "Every Locket Tells a Story."  What's your story?  Wouldn't you love to wear it?  I know I would.  So, after seeing these and finding out what the company was all about, I decided that this would make a great Mother's Day Gift for me (Hint, hint, to my husband and children).  The lockets are reasonably priced too.  You can make it as expensive or inexpensive as you want since you are the designer! 

I also wanted to share these lockets with you!  Marci is holding a jewelry bar for me (like a home show).  You can see me for a catalog, come to my jewelry bar, or order online.  In turn for ordering a locket, Marci will donate back to my 3-Day for the Cure Account!  As I said above these lockets would make great Mother's Day gifts, Birthday gifts, or Graduation presents!

Here's how to order...

Contact me about a catalog or the jewelry bar.

Order online ***It is important that you follow the steps below to order online so that it will count towards my party!  If you don't follow the steps, your purchase will just be added to the general account.

To Place an Online Order...

Go to the website www.locketsofluv.origamiowl.com

1.  Register as a customer
2.  Build your locket (select items and add to your cart)
3.  Checkout - After you select checkout, look for a drop down menu in the middle of the page to link your purchase to my party.
4.  Click party #111608 and press "add"
5.  Continue to check out - don't forget the shipping drop down box, your item will ship to you!

Please be patient with the website, it may run a little slow.

Thank you for considering purchasing a locket and as always thanks for your prayers and support as I continue my 3-Day Journey!  Much love and God's Blessings to you all!! :)

      

Blessings and Hope, Everyone Needs a Little...

Today I am just reflecting on how blessed I have been by being part of the 3-Day Family.  The people involved in the 3-Day are truly amazing.  Working together for one common goal - an end to breast cancer.  During my first walk, I had so many fears.  Fear that I wouldn't be able to raise the money, fear that I wouldn't be able to walk the 60 miles, fear that I would let my donors down and the those whose memory and honor I walked for down.  I prayed and turned it all over to God, saying "Lord if you want me to do this, then I know you will make a way."  Surprisingly, the money came easily that year.  Training seemed to be going well with a few blisters here and there, right up to the time of the event.  Until my knee started to bother me.  I kept faith, prayed, remembered all the reasons why I was walking, and then I knew I could do it!  It was finally the day of the event...I was nervous and excited.  Though I was walking alone (I didn't have a team that year), I really wasn't alone at all.  I knew my heavenly father was right beside and thousands of friendly faces walked with me every step, pushing me and encouraging me to keep going.  Those 3 days are really indescribable.  I remember the feeling of accomplishment after the first day, how proud I was.  Then day 2 came and I thought, "I'll never do this again, it's too hard." Yep, that doubt crept right back in.  But, seeing my Mom, Husband, and boys gave me that little extra encouragement to keep me hobbling on to the finish line.  My knee was really bothering me that day.  I know the pain showed in my face and in my limp as many walkers and crew stopped me to ask if I was okay.  I pushed through day 2 and made it to camp.  I kept telling myself that my pain is nothing compared to the pain of a cancer patient.  At camp I was able to ice my knee and prop it up.  I read letters from friends and family, kind words of encouragement and scriptures.  I prayed and then got some much needed sleep and somehow woke up ready to conquer day 3.  Immediately, at the Closing Ceremony I knew that I would be back the next year! 



Finish Line 2011

Year 2 was even more amazing!  I had an awesome team of 4, Angels of Hope.  This year, I still had some of those same fears and often thought "would I really be able to lead a team?"  Again, I turned it all over to God saying, "You blessed me so much last year by being able to walk for my Mom, I want to continue to honor her and make a difference for this cause and for your kingdom."  I have learned when you give, God blesses you even more than you can imagine.  Walking and raising some money, doesn't seem like much, but meeting His people and sharing His love and hope with the world makes it worth everything.  Year 2 was much easier training for me.  I was selected to be a training walk leader and felt like I was helping so many more people. Not just helping them prepare for 60 miles, but encouraging them and giving them hope.  Letting them know that this is something that they can accomplish and together we are making a difference.  Together we are helping to find the cure.  As for the money, we'll it didn't come as easily last year.  I was cutting it close, but God showed me again, that He's faithful and my team-mates met their goals as well.  We all made it 60 miles and I was even more proud this year than last to see the emotional tears stream down the faces of my team-mates as they crossed the finish line.




Finish Line 2012

Now, here I am year 3.  Still excited and just a little nervous.  However, I feel that this is something that God has called me to do.  Share hope with His people.  To share Momma's story, tell these incredible ladies, His children, that He loves them and that there is "still life after breast cancer."  Tell them they are not alone.  Today, the 3-Day lost one of our own.  Bridget Spence, a 3-Day coach from Boston went home to meet our Heavenly Father.  She was an amazing women who gave her all to make many aware and pushed to help fund research.  I really don't think she knew how many lives she had touched.  I did not know her personally, but I have cried through hearing her story many times.  A story of faith, hope, and love.  A story of a fighter right down till the end.  My prayers go out to her family today.  She is just another reason to continue this journey.  To continue to put faith and trust in God because in His time He will lead us to the cure.  This year, I have a few less fears.  This year is about helping even more women. Helping them see that this is something that they can accomplish.  I have so enjoyed talking and emailing other ladies interested in the event.  I love hearing their stories and seeing their determination as they walk.  I am looking forward to the training walks, the laughs, and even the tears.  Again, I am nervous about the monetary commitment, but I am placing it in the Lords hand, knowing that He supplies all our needs.  Fear won't stop me, God is on my side!

This October, Angels of Hope will walk.  We will walk to remember and honor the lives of many and share hope along the way.  As of today, there are 10 amazing women on team Angels of Hope.  As of today, we are ranked #3 in the Top Ten Atlanta Teams.  What an honor!  My prayer today is, "Dear Lord, help us make a difference.  Help us share Your Hope!  May we bless all that we come in contact with for your glory!"

I am so blessed!  Blessed to have an amazing mother, father, husband, and sons, blessed to be aware, blessed to be able to help others.  Blessed to be on an amazing team.  Most of all I am blessed to have a Heavenly Father that loves me and cares for me even though I don't deserve it.  He doesn't want us to fear or worry.  He is with us.  We must put our trust in Him.  Friends, don't let fear stop you, reach out to those around you today!  Share God's love and hope, and be a blessing to those in need because "everyone needs a little!"

 

 

"Come all ye weary and ye broken. Come to the table of the Lord.
Come sing the song of the forgiven. Come lay your burden on the word. Come and find peace.
Everyone needs a little rest, everyone needs a little joy, and a song to sing in the darkest night.
Life, even when it gets you down, hope will turn it all around, but love is the greatest of these.
Everyone needs a little!" Kari Jobe

  

Yep, I'm walking again!!

 

Dear Friends and Family,

Yes, I'm doing it again - I signed up for the 2013 Susan G. Komen 3-Day™! I had such an incredible experience doing the 3-Day for the cure for the last 2 years that I'm going back for a 3^rd 60 Mile Journey. I'm so excited about this event and I am blessed that I have the opportunity to share hope and spread awareness!

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, blister, and training walk!

I need your help of reaching my $2,300.00 fundraising goal that you - my friends and family - gave so generously last time around to help end breast cancer.

 

In 2011, I joined the 3-Day family to honor and celebrate the life of my mother, Debbie Sauls. She has just celebrated her 27th year of winning her battle with breast cancer. I walk for many others too, honoring or remembering them. 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.  I would be glad to add your loved one to my list.  Please email me their name.  I will also add a ribbon to my gear and wear their name during the 3-Day event.

This year, my team, Angels of Hope, is back as well!!  We will walk in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day™, in Atlanta on October 18-20, 2013 and I'm hoping you'll join us.  We'll be walking 60 scenic miles over three beautiful and uplifting days to help fund breast cancer research and community programs. Last year, team Angels of Hope raised over $12,000!!  With your help, there's no limit on how much we can raise!

You may be thinking, "Why should I walk or donate?" 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!

Let's get started today. To register, go to The3Day.org or call 800-996-3DAY. Or visit my team webpage. Use the code 3DAY25 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? Then support us with your prayers or make a tax deductible donation. Visit my personal fundraising webpage to make a donation to me or someone one my team.  Special thanks to those who have already contributed this year!!

 

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.  To donate click here!

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 S. Rains

P.S. Don't wait - donate today!  Everyone Deserves A Lifetime!

 

 

2012 3-Day Atlanta

 

“Once you choose hope, anything's possible.” ~Christopher Reeve

Team Angels of Hope

Well the 2012 3-Day has come and gone and it's been so long since I have posted. Life has been so busy...it's hard to try to find the time to write down all I have to say. The 3-Day for the Cure is such an amazing journey and I have enjoyed very step! I am blessed that God has given me this opportunity and a passion to spread His love, hope, and awareness to others through this cause.  Above you will see a picture of my amazing team-mates...Team Angels of Hope!  We all walked 60 Miles through Atlanta on October 19-21, and had a wonderful time.  With help and prayers from friends and family like you, our team raised over $12,000 for research and breast awareness programs.  I could have never dreamed that my solo journey two years ago would lead to this.  It is my prayer that God blesses the money raised and it goes to those who need it and to getting us closer to that cure that He will reveal in His time.  I just get so excited thinking about the 3-Day!  It excites me to be with the people!  It truly is a community of Hope and Kindness!  Being a part of it blesses me more than I could ever tell you in words.  It's an amazing feeling to serve others and to feel that you are a small part of something that is changing the world! 

 

I will try to take you through the 3 days in pictures....

 

 

I began the journey a day early at Stone Mountain park.  I was honored to have been selected to carry a honor flag in both the Opening and Closing Ceremony.  The pictures above and below were taken at set up and rehearsal. 
 



 

 



I was so excited the morning of the walk.  Emily rode with me and my family.  We meant Natalie at Opening Ceremony and later met up with Brenda and Judy.  We met so many people!!  I was so excited to meet and talk with Dr. Sherri!!  She is the National Spokeswomen for the SGK 3-Day for the Cure.  One truly inspiring woman!

 



 

 

 

 

Above is the sign in sheet!!  Yep, there's my name near the top!!  The flag that I was chosen to carry was the honor flag for the children.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening Ceremony was inspirational and amazing as always.  It was even more special to me this year since I was in it and both my mom, dad, my husband, and sons were there.  Having the team and leading them onto the route was so exciting.  Walking with friends and making new ones on the journey too made it a little more easier this year.  Last year, as I walked I longed for each cheering station because I needed to see my family for a boost to keep me going.  This year, I had the energy of my team the entire route and my family at the cheering stations.  I have to thank you, for your prayers and support too!  Knowing I had friends and family praying for my every step kept me going!  I loved getting your encouragement from Facebook too.  Thanks for the posts and likes!!

 

“The longest journey begins with a single step.” ~ Lao Tsu

 

I just love these girls!!  Me, Emily, & Natalie

  Pit Stop #1 was a little over 3 miles into Day 1 and the first cheering station was right outside of the Stone Mountain Park.  Pit Stops are where you can stop, go to the restroom, have a snack, stretch, fill up on water, and get medical attention if needed.  The Pit Stops all have fun themes and the first one was a Fire Station.  At Pit 1 we met up with Brenda....well she found us because of my wings!  ;)  She also introduced us to Judy and her tent-mate Su who became honorary angels on our team!
 

 

 

 

“The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy. The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose.”  ~ Charles Dickens

I love you, Mom!

Before we knew it 20 miles was done and we were at camp setting up and decorating our tents.
 

 

 

 

Well, there it is (above)!  Our home-away-from-home for 2 nights anyway.  The past two years, camp has been in the Georgia World Congress Center.  You may wonder about the floor....well, after 20 miles a day you just want to rest, it doesn't matter how you rest, ha ha!  If you notice inside the tent we had an air mattress.  Last year, I had a sleeping bag and pad.  I recommend the air mattress!!  We decorated our tents with our angel wings and photo's of our loved ones, both friends and family.

 

On to Day 2! 

To me, Day 2 is the hardest.  It's long, you don't get to your first cheering station till after lunch, and did I say it was a long?  Again, it was much easier this year sharing the experience with friends!

 

 

 

The morning are always cold and by the last cheering station we were handing Mom jackets and shirts.  It's always best to layer during the 3-Day!

 

 



 

“He who limps is still walking.”  ~ Joan Rivers

 

Last year at this cheering station I was in tears fearful that I would not be able to finish!  This year, I was feeling great!  Here's a picture of the team with Momma!  This is my boy's favorite cheering stations because it's next to Five Guys Burgers and Fries.  Of course they ate there while they waited on us!  Again, sharing the journey with friends blessed me so much more than you will ever know.  I was selected to be a training walk leader this year and I met so many people on training walks.  It was fun to see them along the route too.  Everyone encourages each other and pushes each other to finish!

 

 

 

And then...40 miles was over!  Last year, at this time I could hardly move, had a sore knee, and had many many blisters on my feet.  This year, I was so much better prepared and better in shape.  I finished with only one small blister this year!  The soreness was still there....hey, you would be sore too after walking that long of a distance.  But, again, it's all worth it to make people aware and in turn save lives and share hope.

 

  

At camp we have a camp post office.  I love to receive mail from all of you.  It is great to read those encouraging words at the end of a long day and be reminded why I walk.  This year was extra special as Mrs. Jones' 3rd grade class wrote me post cards.  I am so grateful to work at a wonderful school fill with amazing students and such a supportive staff!  Thank you to all who wrote me!!

 

And then it was Day 3! 

A couple of my girls felt that this was the hardest day for them.  There was less talking and more focus on picking up each foot for every step.

 

 

Day 3 takes you through downtown Atlanta.  You walk past many historical sites.  It was also Worship in Pink Sunday in Atlanta so as many churches were dismissing you saw a lot of supporters in pink.  Day 3 is very emotional.  The last leg of the journey.  Your body is physically ready to see Turner Field, but emotionally you don't want it to end.  The last mile is the best!  I can't fully describe the feeling you get when you turn the corner and take your first steps on the bridge crossing I-20.  You see the Olympic Rings and the stadium in the back ground.  Your eyes feel with tears of pride as you start to realize, yes, you just completed 60 miles.  Yes, you raised a whole lot of money.  Yes, there are so many kind and supportive people who prayed and helped you reach these goals.  You remember why you are walking.  You remember those who have lost their battles and you push on for those like Momma who won and for those who will fight in the future.  Once you get to the Olympic Rings, it's just one big party!  People are dancing in the streets, cheering you on, offering water and snacks.  Simply Amazing!

 

 

Above is our tearful entrance to Turner Field.  Friends and family are allowed in the first gate, but we must cross into the stadium and only walkers and crew are allowed in.  Entering that gate you are greeted by Dr. Sherri, the crew, and walkers who arrived before you.  There are so many hugs, tears, and a great feeling of excitement and accomplishment.  They give you a rose and your completion t-shirt.  Then you prepare for the Closing Ceremony as you cheer in other walkers that come behind you.

 

 

Such a proud moment pictured above!  I am so proud of each person on my team for completing all 60 miles.  Doing something you never thought you would be able to do is so incredible!!  At Closing Ceremony walkers enter arm in arm in rows of 10 wide.  I was a bit sad that I could not walk arm in arm with my girls, but once again I got to carry the children flag.  This time my boys got to walk in with me and stand with me on the stage.  Wesley carried a pink poster that all my students had signed their names on.  So not only were my sons, Wesley and Graham with me, but my HMES Superstars were there in spirit!

 

 

Poor Graham was scared to death being on stage in front of so many people.  He was also sad because Memaw and Granddaddy would have to go home too.  He was happy that the stage manager gave him and key chain and then he asked me for keys to go on it!

 

 

 

As part of the Closing Ceremony walkers raise their shoes in honor of the survivors!  I have so many little stories I could share, just not enough time to write it all.  If you have never been a part of this event, you should.  You can walk, crew, cheer, donate...let me know and I be glad to get you information so that you can be involved.  Thanks again to all who made it possible for me to do this!!  Thanks to God for carrying me every step of the way!  Thanks to my husband and my boys for their love, support, and giving of their time too!

 

 

 

 

Thanks to my Mom and Dad for teaching me to serve God and others, for their love and their prayers.

 

 

 

 

Now it's on to 2013!  What can I say?  My 3-Day Journey has turned into a 3-Year Journey!  Thanks again for your love and support.

 

 

And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walkin love. 2 John 1:6

 

 





Team Angels of Hope Article in Gadsden Times

 

 

Natalie recently had an article written for the Gadsden Times Newspaper.  To read the article about her walk and our team.  Please click here!  Natalie and I are cousins and lifelong friends.  I am so proud that she is joining me this year on my 3-Day Journey!  She has met her fundraising goal and has been training hard!  Can't wait to walk with her on October 19!!

Stone Mountain Back to Back!! 35 Miles

The last weekend in September, I hosted this year's Stone Mountain Back to Back.  A back to back is two long distance walks usually 18-20 miles the first day followed by 12-15 miles the second day.  This walk is designed to let you experience two day of the actual 3 day event.  Since walking around Stone Mountain is a 5 mile commitment, we walked 4 laps on day one (20 miles) and 3 laps on day two (15 miles).  If you remember, I injured my knee during the Back to Back last year.  I am happy to report that finished all 35 miles with only a little soreness.  I am so proud of myself and all those who attended the training walk.  I got to see some familiar faces, some new friends, and reconnect with an old friend.  How honored am I to have my cousin, Natalie and long time best friend walking with me this year!!  Her and her husband and 1 year old son came up for the weekend.  It was great to spend time with her and her family.


We started out early on Saturday morning at 7:00 am.  Again, Stone Mountain is a beautiful place to walk.  Each time I go, I see something new and beautiful.  It's amazing to see God's glorious creation in the landscape there.  We saw many chipmunks, squirrels, and even stood close enough to touch a deer.  3 of them to be exact.  A mom and her baby crossed the road behind us.  Walking along the path, you see many different people.  Some walking, some running, some riding every kind of bike you can imagine.  I was particularly impressed with a man running barefoot and another riding his really tall circus style unicycle.  Wow!  There's no way I could do that.  You also have to remember this path is not flat, in fact it is full of hills and inclines.  Perfect training for the Atlanta 3-Day Event.  Us walking is not only good for preparing and training, but we also get to talk to many people along the way and promote Breast Cancer Awareness.  People were already cheering us on as we passed by.  It got me really excited to be participating again.


 I am so proud of each walker that came out that weekend.  Each one did a fabulous job and completed all 35 miles.  I was proud of myself too.  To be honest, last year was very difficult for me.  This year, I feel that I am in better shape and walked with ease.  I am happy to also say that I walked away with no blisters this year.  Last year, I kept blisters off and on the entire time.  Guess, my Road Runner Sports shoes and insoles were totally worth the money!!

I want to say thank you to all the women and men that attend my training walks this year.  I hope that I was able, in some small way to help you prepare for this incredible event!  I was blessed by each of your stories!  It's an honor to walk with and for you!  I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have had to help spread awareness through walking, leading and training others this year!

   

Who completed the Stone Mountain Back to Back 35 Miles?  These two girls did!!