Komen Austin Race for the Cure

For several weeks, I've debated on writing this blog entry about my participation in the upcoming Komen Austin race.

Why?

Well, there are several reasons to cause me hesitation...

1.  From the beginning, I wanted this blog to be semi-anonymous...nicknames for friends and family, no pictures of said friends and family, and more focus on the places and events in each entry.  I do it because I respect the privacy of my friends and family and know if I were in their place, I might not want my friend writing about and posting pictures of me.

2.  I started writing this blog mainly to catalog all the many adventures and travels I am blessed with and when I'm old and grey, I'll have a record of the places I went, the food I ate, and the many memories I made.  Subsequently, I thought it would be a good way to offer my opinion and advice to others about the various locations I've visited.  Believe me, I HAVE an opinion.  Ha!

With that said, I haven't delved into anything too personal, too political, too serious.  So writing an entry on a topic as serious as cancer made me a little nervous. However, I feel compelled to write this entry. I promise it won't be too heavy but it probably will be a little serious at times.

You still with me?

Great!  I'll start...

A little over a year ago Bitch C experienced tremendous pain on her right side one night which sent her to the ER.  A few million tests later, a doctors appointment or three, she received the news none of us want to hear "You have breast cancer."  At 32, Stage IV Breast cancer was NOT in her 5-year plan. It wasn't in her 10-year plan. It wasn't in her 20-year plan. Frankly it wasn't in my plan to have one of my best friends have cancer.  Now, I can only imagine the range of emotions C felt with this news, but she is an amazing, strong woman who took the diagnosis head on.  Her mantra of "Kickin' Cancer's Ass" became our mantra and for the past year, she has battled this terrible disease and showed it who's boss.  It hasn't all been roses, she's been sick, tired, sometimes sad, but overall she has truly kicked cancer's ass.

Needless to say, C's diagnosis shook our close group of friends.  So many questions filled my head and a range of emotions filled me.  What was going to happen?  Was she going to be ok? What can I do to help her?  Why did this have to happen to her?  What can I do to help?

When someone gets sick, we want to help.  We want to do what we can to make things better.  C was bombarded with offers to bring meals, give her rides, do various odds and ends.  She was overwhelmed with support and so thankful for all her loving friends and family.  The funny thing was that while she's battling cancer, she hasn't been so sick as to need meals and extra support.  Praise God!  (And believe me, I pray, a lot, every day, for her.  Others too, but she's at the top of the list.)

So when the Komen Austin Race for the Cure date was announced in early July, I saw it as a way to help.  What better way to show her support than by doing the race, raising money not only for the cure, but for funding for the services C participates in with local cancer organizations! So we created a name, made a logo and formed a team for the race with me as team captain!  (If you know me very well, you're not surprised by this at all. Ha Ha!)

When we started fundraising I set the team goal at $10,000 and I wanted us to be Top Rookie Fundraising Team for 2011.  I know some of the team thought I was crazy.  However, I KNEW we could do it. We DID! Fundraising, especially for a cause you believe in, is easy.  Some people are intimidated by asking for money.  Here's how I see it...if you don't ask, the answer is no.  If you do ask, no is just one answer and usually, you'll get more yes's than no's.  

As of today, our team is over 60 members strong and already raised $13,000!!!!!!!!

Can you believe it?  I CAN!!!

Those numbers both in people and money show our support for C and our determination to help those fight in the battle against breast cancer.

I am SO proud of our team.  Each. And. Every. One.

Unfortunately, we all know someone who has cancer, fought cancer, or lost the battle with cancer. I know many women who have been in at least one of those categories.  My grandmother lost her battle to breast cancer when I was six.  A sweet, loving, kind woman who still brings tears to my eyes when I think about her.  Then there are the family friends who have fought and won and a few who are currently fighting and winning.  These women are amazing.  They are strong even in their weakest moments.  Even without hair, they are beautiful.  One woman in particular has the most awesome presence.  She has a different perspective on life and I appreciate her views.  I suppose fighting a life threatening disease will do that to you.  All of these women are special.  I cry for those I have lost.  I celebrate those who are in remission. I pray for all of them. But most of all, C's diagnosis has brought home how truly precious life is and that's it meant to be lived fully.  I work every day to appreciate all the many blessings in life...from the flowers blooming after the recent rains to the dogs playing in the backyard to truly cherishing conversations with my closest friends on the back porch at the ranch. 

In 2 Sundays, we will all gather in downtown Austin in our team shirts and silly flair for the 2011 Komen Austin Race for the Cure.  Some will walk, some will run, but we will all do it to support C, to celebrate those loved ones who have won the battle, and to honor those who cancer has defeated.  

If you want to make a donation to this awesome cause, http://www.komenaustin.org/ is the place to do it. 

Until then, happy travels and many laughs...