In 2024, I will again be walking to fight against breast cancer in the 2024 Susan G Komen 3-Day Walk events....but with a huge hole in my heart.
Since 1998 and with your help, I have participated in 41 events. In 2022, Maureen and I walked in all four of the cities in which 3-Day events were held...largely a celebration of Maureen having gotten past her breast cancer journey that started with a 2020 diagnosis.
The picture is from the last 3Day event we walked in 2022....at that time, the sentiment on the sign referred to the recent loss of my mother in July 2022. Little did I know that that 2022 3Day walk would be the last event that Maureen and I shared.
In 2023, Maureen and I had plans to walk in 3 different cities. Those plans changed when in June 2023, it was confirmed that metastatic breast cancer was the reason for her severe gastro symptoms. Walking that final hospice journey with Maureen through August 1 was harder than any of the previous 2500 miles of walking in 3Day events.
In our first 3-Day walk together in 1998, Maureen and I resonated with a woman's T-shirt that said
"I would walk another 1000 miles to have one more day with you".
That is exactly my sentiment....
With much help and support, I walked events in 2023 in Denver and San Diego...with Maureen in my heavy heart.
So in 2024, I have signed up for the same 3 events that we intended to walk together in 2023. Because this disease MUST END!!!
Each 3-Day event involves covering 60 miles on foot over 3 days with thousands of women and men who are committed to creating a world without breast cancer. During each of the walks, I am energized by the world of kindness that prevails and by the real heroes I get to walk and camp with every day. So, as long as I am able, I will be walking to state quite firmly that breast cancer CANNOT and WILL NOT win this battle! In doing so, I honor the courage of all those battling the disease; I celebrate the shortened lives of those who have lost the battle to breast cancer; And I share the hope that we can reduce and eventually eliminate the number of women who have to fight the battle.
I invite you to join me in a bold statement against this disease. You can do that in many ways, including:
* Reminding all of the women who are important to you about the vital importance of early detection (self exam and mammography are key). Early detection is the only current hope.
* Keeping the walkers, the survivors and the victims in your prayers and/or positive thoughts.
* Joining me/us on one of the walks. The Wild Women Walking for a Cure team is an amazing group of women and men, girls and boys who are a delight to train and walk with. We welcome newbies and returnees every year.
* Making a contribution to the cause.
Proceeds will be going to breast cancer research, treatment and awareness programs through Susan G. Komen for the Cure, one of the world's leading cancer organizations.
I need to raise $2300 for each walk.If you are able to make a donation press the Donate button below
... or if you would prefer to write a check, just send me a donation (checks made payable to "Susan G. Komen 3-Day ") and I will take care of it from there. Thanks so much for joining me in this important fight! Every mile and every dollar makes a difference!
Peggy Paul
3019 Johnston Ave
Redondo Beach CA 90278
If you are unable to donate online, please print out a donation form.