This morning I started my year doing something with one of my favorite men in my life, with a group of people that have been in my life for almost as long as he has been alive! As with everything that I do with these people, I had so much fun. What was it? A New Year's day tradition... Meet up and watch a movie in our pajamas. Who was it with? The Angels for the Cure. Who the heck is that?!?!?! I'm glad you asked!
Way back in 2007, I was finally getting into the groove of being a single mom and going through a "self-discovery" stage, so to speak. I heard about this thing called "The Breast Cancer 3 Day" on the radio. My mother and aunt had survived their battles with cancer. I also had learned that another aunt had survived a humiliating round of breast cancer many decades back. I had completed local 5K's, but this was so much more... Sixty miles, three days... More importantly, raising $2,300. Yes, each participant must raise this amount. The journey ahead was a long one, but the fight that my loved ones faced was paled in comparison.
I was lucky enough to meet the team captain of Angels for the Cure! I'm not exactly sure HOW it happened, but a higher power had something to do with it. Debby is a great captain and has a huge passion for this cause. Her motivation and drive is enough to keep us all motivated throughout the year. I walked in 2008 with Angels for the Cure. In 2009, I was a Crew member, but still as a member of the AFTC team. In 2010, I had surgery on my foot a few weeks prior to the event and was a Walker Stalker... I just went out and cheered on my teammates. With 2011 came more issues with my feet, so I was unable to walk. Then, I changed careers. I still supported my AFTC team and cheered them on. However, I was not able to participate in the 3 Day. The friendships that this event creates are unbreakable. There is something about this event that creates bonds that cannot be described.
Fast forward to 2014. A year ago, I was told that I carry one of the breast cancer genes (there are two types). Okay. I get myself regularly checked, so I just go twice a year now instead of once. No big deal. Then, my middle school best friend has ankle surgery and gets diagnosed with breast cancer. WHAT???? She is having a hard time... Financially, physically, medically. To top it off, her sister was also diagnosed with this horrible disease! I did what I knew to do... Started talking... Raise awareness. One of the gyms I work at hosted a PINK OUT! event at all of their locations. Hopefully that will be an annual event. I was asked to lead the 3 Day walkers in a Zumba warm-up. Wow! I was so honored! After back and forth, I decided to chop off over eleven inches of hair and donate it. What else did I do? I vented to my Angels. I know that they are always there and they would be willing to understand my frustration. They helped out like I knew they would.
I loved being with these ladies this morning. It was great for us all to see one another's kids and just be silly with each other. I am joining them again this year as a Walker... Training walks, fanny packs, blisters, pink tents. And raising money! Such a lofty goal, $2,300, but please help me reach my goal by donating (www.the3day.org/goto/sylbernal). Do you have a Kroger reward card? You can link up your card to help our team when you shop! Just ask me how.
2015 is going to be a GREAT year!
http://www.the3day.org/goto/sylbernal
