Making Strides

The weather cooperated, the turn out was wonderful, the band was great (think Van Morrison), the energy level was high and I got assigned to the tent that had the donuts and coffee.  

Yesterday, Saturday, October 11, hundreds of Breast Cancer Survivors and the people who support them, walked in the "Making Strides Against Breast Calander--Twin Cities" event.  

This event is hosted by the American Cancer Society with the proceeds funding research and supporting patients and their families in a variety of ways.  

I helped out in the Survivor's Tent.  Breast Cancer Survivors were encourage to come to the tent and enjoy coffee, donuts, music and massage.  They were also encouraged to 

sign up for a drawing of great gifts donated by local businesses and generous individuals.  In addition to that, there were several delightful and useful free gifts available. 

 It's always fun to be the one who gets to give out freebees.  And it is fun to meet and greet all the wonderful people who participated it the walk.

The overwhelming feeling in the tent was one of gratitude.  Survivors were grateful to be alive.   

Family and friends were grateful to be sharing this day with them.

 Women who had 10 or more years of survivorship to celebrate, reflected on how the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer has changed.  They talked about how much more open society is to hearing about breast cancer and offering ways to help.  They marveled at how far science has come.  And every one of them said they couldn't have done it--the surgery, the chemo, the radiation, the reconstruction, the day-to-day struggles without the love and support of their family and friends.  

Here are some pictures of some of the people who enjoyed the day and helped to make it so special.  I hope that I have the names right.  And thank you for letting me use your pictures!

Volunteers Penny and Megan

Emma with her Mom, Dad and Blake (her dog). They covered a lot of ground as they cheered on walkers!

The Finish Line

Dancing to the wonderful music and celebrating a terrific day!

Linda and Amanda working in the Survivors' Tent