So Much

The 3-Day is a mere two days away and I'm sitting on a Chicago-bound train. I'll be there in abort 11 hours and couldn't be more excited!

I can hardly believe I've actually done everything necessary to embark on this amazing journey. Through the generosity of friends, family and stranger, I've raised more than $2300. I've walked more than 250 miles across Kansas City. Friends have helps me hawk lemonade, sell the castoffs of strangers, hawk shirts and throw a major benefit concert all to raise awareness and funds to fight breast cancer.

Blood, sweat, tears, pride, skin - a bit of each has been shed throughout the past 6 months. But in two days I will gain it all back and more. Thanks to everything and everyone who has made this possible! Because of you, I am able to proudly wear the name of a woman who is battling this terrible illness. I can help others be strong knowing we are fighting to find them a cure.

When I signed up for the 3-Day, I did it to support my boyfriend and his mom as she battled breast cancer. But back then - six months seems so long ago! - I had no idea that I would find so many people willing to support me.

I've never been a quitter, but I've also never taken on something I wasn't certain I could achieve. The 3-Day is different. I had no idea how I was going to raise the money and complete the training. I was never a good fund raiser and was even worse at athletic activities. I was 30 pounds heavier and working with arthritic knees and hips. But even if I'd wanted to, the moment that first donation came in, I wouldn't have let myself quit.

I started this for Kevin and his mom, Carol, but I have added so many others to my reasons - my mother, my aunts, my neices, my unborn daughters, and myself. I've spent a lot of time with myself while training and have gelt my soul grow. I've watched friends I haven't seen in years donate money to my cause and have felt deep warmth in my soul to know I am surrounded by amazing, generous friends.

Some people have called me crazy - and maybe I am. But that's ok. It takes drastic measures to change the world. Walking 60 miles in three days and begging everyone you know (and many you don't) to help you IS crazy. But I raised that money and now I'm on a train to show everyone, myself included, that I can walk those 60 miles.

Even if I have to crawl, I'm walking it all, too. For many who particiate, it is about the people they meet more than the physical feat. For me, it's about both. This in the grandest physical challenge of my life and I've worked my tail off to be able to do it.

So much rides on this weekend for me.

I want to look into the eyes of my nieces and say, "I promise you a world without breast cancer."

I want to look at my boyfriend and say, "I will fight anything that hurts you."

I want look at each of my supporters and say, "You have helped find the cure."

I want to look at myself and say, "You did it."

thanks to my supporters, I have no doubt I'll be able to say all of that. Thank you so very, very much.