In 2009 I walked my first 3-Day event and sent out my first fundraising letter.  Following is the last line from that letter...

'And finally for my beautiful mother Dottie, whose own mother is a survivor.  Given the family history, I am so thankful that I haven't had to watch my mom fight this disease and hopefully I never will.'

Fast forward to the present...I am preparing for my 4th sixty-mile adventure and reflecting on the past year.  On November 10, 2011 my mom had the honor of ringing the graduation bell at Moores Cancer Center.  After being diagnosed with stage IIA breast cancer last spring she was finally done with her treatments, declared cancer free and after a 7-month stay in San Diego was given the clear to go home.  A week later I participated in my 3rd 3-Day walk.  It was different.  It was more inspirational, more emotional and more meaningful than ever.  My mom is now a survivor and is a testament to the funds raised to help fight the battle and find a cure.

Every advancement in breast cancer research, treatment, education and prevention in the last 25 years has been touched by a Komen for the Cure grant.  They are working hard to build a future without breast cancer.  The least I can do to help is walk.  So I will, along with my wonderful teammates.  We have become family, bonded by a common goal, to help find a cure for this insidious disease.  In 2011 thanks to the generosity of people like you, our team raised over $37,000 and the combined total of the San Diego walkers was over $9.2 million.  Seventy-five percent of those Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure funds go to national research focused on decreasing breast cancer incidence and mortality in the next decade. The remaining twenty-five percent of the funds support the Komen Affiliate network and community-based breast health programs.

This year I will once again walk in memory of those who were taken from us too early.  Those who have fought and won this battle will inspire me.  Every step of the way I will be thinking of my beautiful nieces, my cousins daughters, my friends daughters and for all of the young girls that touch my life each and everyday.  I am walking in hopes that when they are grown, this disease will be a thing of the past.  I walk to find a cure, I walk because I can.  How could I not?  The question is, will you help me?  Once again, I am faced with the challenge of raising money in a tough economy.  Every donation helps.  Every dollar is one more dollar toward finding a cure and giving hope to one more person diagnosed with breast cancer.

Your support is appreciated!

Stephanie - Team Viva Las Boobies

*Many large companies provide their employees with matching gifts.  See me if you have questions.