I Walk

This is Cat. Catherine Leona Leesman Borell. I love Cat.
I met Catherine freshman year at NCHS. Cat was such a good friend to me. We had a lot of fun just being goofy and driving around in her little blue car and eating cookies. In high school, she was like my mom. She was always there for me.
After high school, Cat moved to MN, but she continued to be there for me. Whenever I needed a shoulder to cry on, or someone to have a good chat with, or a little ray of sunshine, Cat was just a phone call away.
And it's not just me. Cat made friends everywhere she went. All her friends were good friends. Cat was so wonderfully positive. Her spirit touched many people and spread smiles, and hope, and laughter. http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/catherineborell
And she really became a mom. This is Nate. http://picasaweb.google.com/highnumber/Cat#5471161385916564642
Nate has got to be one of the coolest kids ever. I mean, to put up with all his mom's friends over the years.. to stand up in more weddings by the time he was 5 then most people do in their whole life.. to be a part of countless weekend visits with the girls... Well, he's a good sport. I feel blessed to have been able to see him grow up.
Cat was also a wife. This is Jeremy. http://picasaweb.google.com/highnumber/Cat#5471161224296692466
He is a wonderful man who Cat was so happy to be with. Jeremy helped Catherine to live her life fully right up to the end.
So, five years ago Catherine was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was very advanced and Catherine underwent many treatments over the past 5 years. Cat remained upbeat throughout. Catherine also became more involved with breast cancer issues and Komen for the Cure became a passion of hers. She did the 3-day in Chicago in 2008 and 2009. The last time I saw Catherine was at the end of the 2009 walk. http://picasaweb.google.com/highnumber/Cat#5471161348934707074
I told Cat that I was planning to do the 2010 walk with her in the Cities.
Catherine passed away on May 11.
I am so sad that I cannot walk with my friend.
I miss Catherine very much.
But, I walk. ...
Because I said I would...
To honor the memory of Cat...
For those I know who have been touched by cancer...
http://picasaweb.google.com/highnumber/ThreeDay#5494760076022905506
And with great Cat-sized hope for the future.
http://picasaweb.google.com/highnumber/ThreeDay#5494750878373881570
Please donate as you are willing and able.
Thank you so much for your support.
Love, Laura

Please support me as I take an amazing journey in the fight to end breast cancer! The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. Net proceeds from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ are invested in breast cancer research and community programs.