In about one month, our Breast Cancer 3-Day team, "Mamas With a Mission", will be participating in the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk in Philadelphia.  Each member has been blogging about our personal experiences, training, and preparation as the big event approaches. I am Mama 2 and I am happy to tell about my training preparation for next month's big event.

Ever since high school I have always walked for enjoyment and exercise.  I love being outdoors and enjoying the beauty of nature. I love to power walk.  However, ever since having children, walking for exercise doesn't occur as much as I would like.  I would like to say that I walk on a daily basis, but that doesn't always happen.  If chasing my little one around counts then I am good! J 

Ever since April, our team has met every other month for a training walk.  In February, we walked 5 miles at Park City due to the weather.  In April, we walked 10 miles around the Millersville area.  Then in June, we went to Melissa's parent's hometown up near Cabela's to walk our 15 mile training walk. They lived in such beautiful and peaceful area.  Thank goodness we didn't see any bears or alive snakes!  And this coming weekend we are going to Ocean City, NJ to complete our 20 mile training walk. I must admit that there were times during the 15 mile walk that was rough for me so this 20 mile walk should be interesting!  It will be a learning experience and a way for me to self-check the things I need to do or have for the actual walk in October.

Other than our team training walks, I have been walking at least three times a week for a little over three miles early in the morning.  When I do walk, I walk fast and I know at the 3-Day I can walk at my own pace which will make a huge difference.  We also have to pace ourselves and stop for stretching breaks and food/drink breaks.  We have from sun up to sun down to complete our 20 miles each day.

When I think about walking 60 miles in 3 days, it does scare me a bit.  Can I do it?  I know I can-it may be a bit tiring, weary on the soul, but that is the least I can do for the people who are experiencing or have experienced the journey with having cancer. 

I am truly looking forward to this life changing experience.  I am walking with four amazing women and wonderful "Mamas".  The next time you hear from me-I will have done it!!!

To find our more about Breast Cancer or how you can contribute to Mamas With a Mission, go to www.3day.org.

Over the next few months, our Breast Cancer 3-Day team, "Mamas With a Mission", will be blogging about our personal experiences, training, and preparation as the big event approaches.  Our team will walk a total of 60 miles, 20 miles each day, this coming October.  I am Mama 2 and I am happy to write to you explaining what fundraising efforts we have done thus far to reach our team goal of $10,000.

Fundraising is not an easy task...it is involves time, energy, planning, preparation, self-motivation, and continual support from family and friends.  I am so thankful for the people who have supported and continue to support me during this fundraising journey.  I am so blessed!  Considering our team only has four members, we all have to work hard at each fundraising event we have to make it a success.  I must say that I have enjoyed every fundraiser we have done so far. 

Since our team does consist of four mothers, we tried to have fundraisers that were family-oriented.  We organized fundraisers with local businesses in which they donated part of their proceeds towards the 3-Day.  We had a night at Friendly's, an evening at Maggie Moos, and shopping at Homestead Furnishings.  We also organized fundraisers all our own.  We had a Used Book Sale in January, which was huge success, and a Community Yard Sale in May which went very well too.  I am very proud of our team's fundraising efforts and we must contribute it to our family, friends, and the community.

Our biggest fundraiser is coming up just around the corner.  We have been working very hard to plan an event to celebrate the summer and prepare ourselves for the start of the school year.  We are having a dance entitled "So Long to Summer" Fling on August 22 at Millersville VFW.  The evening will consist of dancing, snacks/desserts/drinks, a washer's tournament, a Chinese auction, and having a fun time with each other.  I must say, the planning of this event has been very time consuming with making donation calls, driving to collect donations, and planning every aspect of the evening; however, I know that every minute will be worth it when August 22 comes. 

I know I will feel such a proud sense of self-accomplishment when I walk in October.  Not only for all of the hard work, time, and energy I put in to get to that point, but in knowing that the money I have raised WILL make a difference to someone somewhere dealing with Breast Cancer.  All the work that I have done to raise the money towards awareness, research, and one day a CURE is nothing compared to what a person goes through when they are told they have breast cancer and the road that is ahead of them. 

To find our more about Breast Cancer or how you can contribute to Mamas With a Mission, go to www.3day.org.

Over the next few months, our Breast Cancer 3-Day team, "Mamas With a Mission", will be blogging about our personal experiences, training,  and preparation as the big event approaches.  Our team will walk a total of 60 miles, 20 miles each day, this coming October.  I am Mama 2 and I am happy to write to you explaining why I decided to join this incredible adventure with four amazing women.

Why did I decide to participate in The Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk?  Gosh..there are many reasons.  As I sit here and really think about it--I would say the main reason I am walking is for the many people who are currently fighting the battle and also for the many who have lost the battle.  I feel like this is the least I can do in getting one step closer to finding a cure and remembering those who have experienced something that I can't fortunately relate to.  Raising money and walking 60 miles in 3 days is nothing compared to going through chemo, radiation, and fighting for your life.  I know what I am doing WILL make a difference to someone in someway. 

Another reason I am walking is because my deceased grandmother had breast cancer.  She had a mastectomy, but did win her battle with breast cancer.  Unfortunately, liver cancer is what took her life.  She was such an amazing woman--such a fighter.  As I walk, she will be with me!

I fear getting breast cancer one day.  Luckily so far, my mother and aunts have been alright, but I do fear the news that I may have it one day.  I think about my life.  I want to be here for my children.  I don't want my daughter to have these same fears one day.  Hopefully by then, a cure will be found and this won't even need to be a concern for her.  I am walking for all of those mothers who aren't here with their children because of breast cancer.  My heart aches at the thought.  I will be walking for every mother who wished they could walk the walk.

I am so glad I decided to do this walk.  I am constantly reminded that every day is a blessing!  I feel very fortunate to be able to experience this journey with four amazing mothers.  We each are unique and bring special attributes to our team.  But most importantly--we are moms! Moms who love our children so very much.  Moms who will make a difference....

To find out more about The Breast Cancer 3-Day go to www.the3day.org