"I'm possible"
- Pallotta TeamWorks
In loving memory of my Aunty Mary and in honor of my Aunty Dorothy.
During the weekend of July 28-30, 2000, I joined nearly 3,000 wonderful walkers in the San Jose to San Francisco Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day. The event raised $6.2 million in pledges that will fund breast cancer research; support services for breast cancer survivors, patients and their families; educational seminars; and community-based early detection programs across the U.S. Thank you to my sponsors who helped me to raise more than $7,400 for this wonderful cause!
This was my second time walking 60-miles in the fight against breast cancer. In October of 1998, I participated in the first ever Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk from Santa Barbara to Malibu. Even though this was my second time around, the event was still truly incredible!
We started off Day 1 bright and early at De Anza College in Cupertino. Thousands of walkers, hundreds of volunteer crew members, and family and friends took part in the opening ceremony to kick-off the 60-mile journey. Spirits ran high at the ceremony and as we left the gate to start the first leg of our journey.
Although the 23.5-mile route was the longest walk of our 3-day trek, our energy and excitement carried us through the day with what seemed like little effort. The crew were there to cheer us along and to pass out snacks, water and Gatorade at the pit stops along the route. Themed rest areas, like "Gumby" to remind us to stretch, featured the creativity of the crew. We ended the first day in Belmont and set up our tents in the mobile city on the football field of a local high school. The camps were complete with hot showers, hot meals and evening programs featuring breast cancer survivors and others who shared their personal stories.
The shortest day, Day 2, proved to be a bit more challenging. After lunch, we hiked up the longest and steepest hill of the entire walk with the afternoon sun beating down on us. The cheers and applause from neighbors lining the streets outside their homes gave us the extra boost we needed to reach the summit.
That night we camped at Skyline College. A thick fog rolled in late afternoon and blanketed the entire mobile city. We woke up the next morning to damp sleeping bags and cold, soggy tents, but we were anxious to begin the final leg of the walk.
On the third day, we kept ourselves going by playing word games, meeting other walkers and learning their touching stories. Lunch was in Golden Gate Park, just blocks away from where I live - and yes, I was tempted to take a detour to the comfort of my own home, but the energy and excitement of the cheering crowds kept me motivated to carry on! Brian walked over from home and joined us for lunch. Then it was off to the final stretch through the city! We walked down Park Presidio to the sound of honking horns and cheering drivers and then entered the Presidio on our way to the Marina Green.
Crowds of supporters cheered us on, giving us high-fives as we entered the holding area. We were exhilarated to have finally made it to the finish and to be a part of the celebration. We joined in with the crowd and cheered on the rest of the walkers as they arrived. There was a spirit of camaraderie and accomplishment that heightened the community feel of the 3-Day.
In preparation for the victory walk on the Marina Green, all 3,000 walkers lined up and paraded triumphantly down the street to the Bay where our family and friends awaited. When we reached the Marina Green, we were greeted by a roar of applause and cheers as we headed in for the closing ceremony. My parents drove up for Los Angeles to take part in the festivities and Brian joined in as well. At the ceremony, we celebrated our accomplishment of not only finishing the long trek, but more importantly, of raising money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer and honoring breast cancer survivors and the memories of lost loved ones.
What made the 3-Day even more meaningful the second time around was knowing that this 60-mile journey came to a close on what would have been my Aunty Mary's birthday. It was a special way to commemorate her strength and compassion and served as a powerful reminder of why I chose to walk again.
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death for all women, and the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55. Both its cause and the means for its cure remain undiscovered. Currently, one million women in the United States have the disease, but don't know it. And they probably won't know about their potentially fatal illness for another five to eight years. Think about all the wonderful women in your life — your mother, significant other, sisters, daughters, aunts, and friends. Sadly, each one is at risk. They're the reason I walked 60 miles — to do something big, something that truly challenged me and honored the fighting spirit of millions of women who are battling against breast cancer. I encourage you to take a step with the Avon 3-Day Walkers in this incredible adventure by pledging your support.
Please visit the following links:
- More July 2000 3-Day pictures
- My wonderful experience in the first ever Avon 3-Day in October 1998
- The official Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Site
Contact Information: jennifer@radiation.net | http://jennifer.radiation.net