This October, I'll be participating, along with 3,000 others, in the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk. A 60 mile journey from Santa Barbara to Malibu.
I will be walking a sun kissed, saltwater-scented journey along the Pacific Coast Highway, with palm trees and rock cliffs to one side and the great blue ocean to the other. I'll camp on Ventura State Beach, and wind through Ventura Farm land. Before I head down the coast into Malibu for a Closing Ceremony right on the beach, which the majesty of the ocean on my side-a metaphor for our potential to change the tide of history for women with undetected breast cancer.
I'm participating on behalf of my mom, who we lost in 1997. This year marks fifth year of my loss. Although, I not only lost a mother, but gained an Angel. As most of you know my mom battled with breast cancer for four years. She was first diagnosed in July of 1993. During that time, she had a mastectomy and went under her first battle with chemotherapy. Mom was in remission from February 1994 to February 1995. The second recurrence was in February of 1995. Again, she went through chemotherapy for six months. Unfortunately, mom got really sick in January of 1997, she was back on chemo. When mom passed away on 09/07/97 at 121pm, she went peacefully. She didn't suffer she was in no pain. I know that it was hard for mom to leave us but she had to rest. When she left us, she sheaded a tear.
There are many words to describe my mom. She was hardworking, giving, considerate, generous, strong, talented, caring, thoughtful, sociable, genuine, honest, protective and determined. She cared for the well being of others. My mom touched people along the way. If not through her personality, through her food. She was the best cook ever. I guess that's where Allan and I get it from.
More than likely, you've also known someone who has been affected by breast cancer. The statistics are startling: |
