Unfortunately, there are more reasons to say yes, but this year I had even another reason. 

“If it were easy everyone would do it,” I tell my son every week when he complains about soccer practice.  He loves the games but doesn’t love the practice.  He doesn't understand that you can't just wake up and be a star player, it takes time and commitment.  Lucky me my oldest is 13 and likes to hold me accountable for all the things he has to do and asks what I am committed to doing to be active?  

I honestly, I started walking about 10 years ago to get in shape and stumbled upon Susan G Komen.  I saw a way to stay active and also support people like my mom, aunt, and grandmother who all battled breast cancer.  A way to show all the ones who are fighting they are not alone.  A 60-mile walk is nothing compared to what these warriors have gone through in treatment. 

Now that my sons are 13 and 11, I find they are holding me to a new standard of not only staying active but proving to them that it is ok to be uncomfortable to achieve an amazing goal.  This walk is by no means comfortable, but it is rewarding to finish the miles and realize the money you raised will go to help pay for mammograms, research, and treatment.  

I say all this to let not only my boys know but all of you who have supported me that I am still going, still committing, and I am going to finish again this year and walk those miles for an 8th time. 

Every year cancer hits another friend or family member.  I see the courage and strength it takes for them to fight.  Every year I find another reason to walk, to show them and my boys, that this is what we practiced for, to help find a world where we don’t have to worry about breast cancer.  

I say that as I am days from my walk with Susan G Komen.  It isn’t easy to walk 60 miles, but breast cancer is harder.  I can’t do it without your support, and I appreciate every one of you.  I sure hope you can help me every step I take.