Heading back to San Diego for walk #27 this November 2025.

The journey doesn’t change - but the motivation and reasons do annually. More diagnoses, more losses. My list of names for whom I walk - in memory, support, or honor - now totals over 60 names. That hurts my soul. 

While I may not be able to walk all 60 miles (I clocked 49 in 2024 after two knee surgeries,) I'll give it my all again in 2025 (with another knee surgery under my belt!) As I type these participant center updates, I'm thinking about the person who has made this a more "personal" mission. My cousin Jessica - newly diagnosed and undergoing her double-mastectomy and reconstruction on November 10th, just as I head off to San Diego.  I will walk with her in my thoughts all weekend. I hate that I know a network of survivors and resources who rallied within minutes with recommendations, support, and information. On the flip side, I am grateful that I know a network of survivors and resources who rallied within minutes to care for my cousin.

I pinned over 4,000 ribbons, posted 150 camp mail notes, hosted my largest Bingo for the Cure event with 16 players this Pinktober, and wrapped piles of pennies, nickels and dimes that filled an Oriental Trading bucket and Diet Coke bottle - Coins for the Cure. (Never again unless my Chase branch does away with the coin wrapping!) 

Our team is smaller this year, but just as mighty. We've passed the $20k fundraising milestone  I'm closing in on $8k in pledges. WOW! 

Thank you for your commitment to this cause and the cure.  From the bottom of my sole(s), 50 Shades of Pink Ribbons / PA Peeps walker, Sandy 

(We'll be active on FB the minute we hit San Diego ... I have stayed quiet this year on social media. Very happy with that decision!)