Emerging Courageous Online Magazine

Emerging Courageous Online Magazine - Stories

Komen Walk for Cancer 2003 by Virginia Rodriguez

I knew in my mind that millions do this. My feet hadn't participated in this before. As I trudged behind my older sister and her sister-in-law on the side of the road, I saw ahead of us policemen directing traffic. Orange cones guided motorists in the early morning hours, to find an alternate route.

Pink and white arched balloons gracefully waved in the air with a sign reading FINISH LINE above it. I looked out upon a “sea” of people moving to the west. Some had different colored T-shirts on and some had paper signs attached to both their fronts and backs.

Today, was my first experience at the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Race for the Cure. It is the largest breast cancer foundation in the world. It was the first time my sister, who has worked in their Education Department, joined the walking for the first time. She has helped at different booths in the past for support but this year, she had asked me to walk with her in the 1 mile stretch in honor of our Aunt who is a 6 year survivor.

I admit that I’m trying to change the fact that I’m a ‘couch potato’. I made that decision at the beginning of 2003. I’ve started a “granny-type” indoor aerobics by tape and recently my physical therapist started me on some stretches after knee problems. So I tried to prepare my overweight legs for the shock for this day.

My sister told me that the runners are very serious about what they do. “Whatever you do, don’t get in their way,” she warned. I overhead someone yesterday mumble about, “is this where they start the 5K run? How can someone run with a bag on their arm?” I stole a quick sideways glance at the bag on my sister’s arm. WE weren’t in the run. WE were just on the sidelines, for Heaven’s Sakes, I thought silently to myself!

They even had a pre-run jazzercise class to warm-up of mostly Generation X’s pulsating bodies. I did see those close to 60 mingled with them. At that point, I became depressed. Even those with the pink caps signifying they were breast cancer survivors moved frantically to the loud music.

I might as well have been on the moon! This certainly was foreign to me. This hasn’t been a part of my world and a definite eye-opener for me. YES! I was being educated! Even at my age!

The anticipated time was fast approaching. I heard a beautiful soprano voice singing the Star Spangled Banner. Some men respectfully took off their hats. A husband of a nearby survivor comically told me he had seen a woman wearing a flag for shorts. He told us that he envisioned “saluting” her backside!!

It certainly was an inspiration to me to see those Survivors! Many of their husbands attended. The air was electrified with emotions and camaraderie of support from 10,000 people!

Pow! As the runners jammed together at the starting line, we heard the signal and quickly they took off! Many followed and walked. My mind couldn’t even envision going 5 miles.

My sister decided to start walking behind them. I followed obediently next to her. Originally we were planning on going on the 1 mile walk. It wasn’t due to start for another hour. The sun was rising in the sky as my sweat was going downward on my back. We couldn’t find the water before the race anywhere. I don’t know if they were hoarding it somewhere or if someone had hijacked it on route. They provided Dixie cups full of Power-Aid and water along the way. I wanted to laugh at the size but I didn’t dare do that. I thought, “You’ve GOT to be kidding,” at that miniscule amount. I suppose there’s a reason. Cramping? Is it the same principal as drinking/eating when you go swimming? I don’t know. I just kept walking.

We made a turnoff across from the finish line at about 1 mile which was exciting for me as I couldn’t feel my toes due to cramping. I followed, slightly limping, to vendors who were supporters of the race and were giving away samples of their products to everyone. We picked up a plastic bag and frantically chunked stuff in them like an adult Halloween party. Bananas, cereal, soy milk, bagels, coupons were some examples.

The best part was a tent that had chair massages! I love those! Later, we almost missed the dedications to the heroic women who have survived this dreaded disease. The sound was bad and we couldn’t hear the speakers very well, but after these courageous women were honored they held interlocking hands and waved them above their heads to the music. Many tears flowed. As balloons in the sky, many hearts were lifted. Resolves were made. New friendships were formed. It was truly an amazing experience and event.

These women have defied death and won. They are stronger for it. They are the true examples for all women to identify with. They weren’t home wallowing in self-pity as I probably would have done. Their spirit, minds and bodies are stronger for the horrible ordeals that they’ve encountered. The Women of Pink stand with pride and determination to rise above adversity and pain and be victorious. The Susan Komen walk orchestrated this magnificently for the world to see.

*****

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws