"The journey of a thousand miles
begins with just one step."- Lao Tse
Her cousins will be walking in the November 2006 San Diego Breast Cancer 3-Day in her honor. You can sponsor them on their webpage.
Thanks for your support!
In honor of my Mom, Irene Lee.
2002 marked my third time participating in the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. From July 12th-14th, my husband, Brian and I walked from San Jose to San Francisco in honor of my mom, a breast cancer survivor. And, with the help of our generous sponsors, we raised more than $11,000 for this important cause!
We kicked off the opening ceremonies at the Santa Clara Convention Center, where about 4,400 walkers gathered with anticipation. The walk is always full of its challenges, however, this year we had the additional difficulty of dealing with more than a thousand more walkers than usual. We had to prepare ourselves to be extra patient and extra kind!
We embarked on the first leg of the walk in groups to help manage the flow of traffic. It was incredible to see just how many people were dedicating these 3 days to make an impact. We walked through the heart of Silicon Valley on to Menlo Park where we then boarded a train that dropped us off in San Carlos. Neighbors lined the streets to wish us good luck. I got my second wind at a stop where they had an adorable little beagle to pet!
A few cheerers on the route became instant celebrities as they loyally followed us on our 3-day journey. These energetic and dedicated folks included the pajama lady decked out in pink breast cancer p.j.s and grooving to "I Will Survive," the "hands-up in the air" guy who helped us raise the roof and the man with a cute dalmatian who blasted the up-beat tune "Pretty Woman" from his truck.
The creativity and enthusiasm of the crew was also in full force, yet again. Our lunch areas and pit stops had themes such as Alice in "Walkerland" complete with teapots and mad hatters, Under the Sea with fun facts about ocean critters decorating the doors of the port-o-potties, and Mardi Gras with beads, funny costumes and more beads!
The first night we set up camp at the Bay Meadows Race Course. Fortunately our tent was away from the stables, so we breathed easy! At the crack of dawn, all of us sleepy walkers were awakened by overhead speakers blaring "The tracks are now open!" Comic relief at it's best. As we hauled our gear back up to the trucks we caught a glimpse of the jockeys riding laps with their horses along the track while the sun began to rise.
From the 2000 walk, I knew that Day 2 would be the most challenging, but I didn't know what we were in for! As I had remembered from my previous walk, the morning started off with bright sunshine as we trekked through Belmont and San Mateo. By the time we reached the lunch stop, we had to wait in a line again to be let out of the holding area. The crew informed us that our campsite at Skyline College was fogged in. Poor visibility and cold temperatures were obstructing the set up of the campsite. Once we were let out of the park, I began to get wary about the walk up steep Hillcrest - the scene of my injury the last time around. However, after seeing all the friendly and encouraging neighbors who lined the street to offer up ice cubes, water, Popsicles, smiles and cheers, I knew I was going to be all right!
After reaching the summit, we hiked on the San Andreas Trail overlooking the scenic Crystal Springs Reservoir. We enjoyed taking in the sparkling blue waters set against the lush green trees. As we neared Skyline College, thick fog began to roll in.
Setting up our tents in the freezing cold and blustering wind proved to be quite a challenge to keep the tent from flying away! But after we were done with ours and helping our next door neighbor with hers, the shelter from our tent and the warmth of our sleeping bags were a wonderful sanctuary from the harsh elements outside. At dinner, we met some nice people who were also walking in honor of their mom. We sat with them and watched as some of the walkers showed off their talents as they sang along with the karaoke machine!
On the morning of day 3, we woke up to the gray fog, but we were excited to start the final leg of our journey. We walked along the coast through Pacifica toward Fort Funston where we saw many dogs frolicking around the sand dunes. On the Great Highway, Brian and I resorted to playing 20 questions to help pass the time. Who ever thought guessing that lunch was a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich could eat up all 20 questions?! By this point in the route, we were on familiar territory since we had trained along Ocean Beach and through Golden Gate Park. We ate lunch in Golden Gate Park and my parents walked over to show their support and brought along our pooch Emmett who they were dog sitting.
After lunch, we headed up to the Presidio. By this time, Brian's knee was beginning to bother him, however, he was determined to make it to the finish. So we wrapped up his leg and took it slow and steady on Chestnut Street to the holding area where the other walkers greeted us with cheers and high-fives. We joined the crowd sitting on the grass and cheered on as the other walkers poured in beaming with smiles of exhilaration. After walking 60-miles, drinking 22,000 gallons of water, eating 23,8000 meals and using 980 port-o-potties all 4,400 walkers and 400 crew members were celebrating our huge, collective accomplishment! Together we netted more than $7 million for the fight against breast cancer!
Our 3-Day journey came to a close on the Marina Green where we were surrounded by our fellow walkers and all of our families and friends who gathered to show their support. The touching ceremony never ceases to bring tears to my eyes as we honored the lives of survivors and the spirits of those who lost the battle against this dreaded disease.
My family is fortunate that my mom caught her cancer early and that she is now in good health, so it was very special to have her, my dad and my Aunty Shirley with us at the closing ceremony.
Well, they say things come in threes. My mom was the third sister to develop breast cancer. I am hoping that she is the last! Even though my third 3-day journey is now over, the fight against this disease still goes on and I hope you will continue to join me in doing all that we can to bring an end to cancer! Thank you for your support!
Jennifer and Brian
For more pictures of the 2002 walk, please click here.
Contact Information: jennifer@radiation.net | http://jennifer.radiation.net