My 3-day journey first began in 2001, the year after my mother's diagnosis with breast cancer.  Since then I've walked a total of 360 miles in twelve 3-days and I've crewed twice.  I took a couple of years off but found I missed my 3-day family so last year I participated in the Philadelphia 3-day.  Looking back on it I can see that returning to the 3-day was part of God's plan.  It reminded me how many people are out there fighting to find a cure.  It reminded me of all the strides that they are making in the treatment of breast cancer.  It reminded my of all the amazing men and women out there who have fought this battle and won.  It prepared me for what was to come.    

Shortly after returning from the Philly 3-day, I heard the news I'd hoped I'd never hear, my mother's breast cancer had returned.  I can't begin to express that intial response.  Mostly sadness and anger that my mother was going to have to go down this road again.  I wasn't fearful though because I knew she was in God's hands and He was looking out for her.  I also had recently returned from the 3-day and "my glass" had been filled up with a determination and spirit to beat this horrible disease.  Thankfully it was caught very very early and she is doing well after surgery.  Shortly after I found out my mother's cancer had returned, I learned that my Aunt Debbie had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  She is currently in the middle of her treatment but she is strong and is doing well.  I think in those 2 years that I took off part of me had grown distant from this battle.  The battle was never completely out of my mind but wasn't front and center.  My mother was cancer free for 17 years before it decided to return.  This past year was the harsh realization that we can't ever give up. 

I walk

For those who are fighting the fight

For those who have fought the fight

and for the fights still to come.

Please support me as I take on an incredible challenge to make an impact in the fight to end breast cancer. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® isn’t just a 60-mile walk over the course of three days—it’s a journey to the end of breast cancer. In 2016, Komen announced a Bold Goal—to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths by 50% in the U.S. by 2026. That’s why I’m walking, and raising money—to make that goal a reality.