I did it!

This weekend was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I joined over 2,400 others in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in San Francisco. I raised over $2,300 which contributed to over $5.6 Million that was raised to support a cure for Breast Cancer. For more details, please see the official article at avonwalk.org.

Saturday morning began early - I got to Golden Gate Park at about 4:30 am where we gathered for the opening ceremony. It was very emotional, moreso than I had expected. That's where I met Patty, Sue, and Michelle - Patty offered me a tissue during the opening ceremony and we decided we'd be a team from there on. The first couple of miles were very slow as we were all still in a pretty tight group and struggling to maneuver stoplights and cross walks. At our first bathroom stop we unfortunately lost track of Michelle...and then there were three.

We all set out with different goals for the walk - but the most important was the one we had in common which was to have fun...and WE DID! We took our time and chatted about so many things while most of the other 2,200 walkers passed us! There were fruit/water stops every couple miles with bathroom stops in between along the entire route. Starting from Golden Gate Park we walked over the Golden Gate Bridge, through Mill Valley and then had lunch. Then we turned around and came back over the bridge to Crissy Field where there was a tent city set up for those who chose to stay the night. I opted for my own bed and a nice hot bath, but the setup was very nice. There were foot and back massagers set up in one tent and several of the sponsors gave out gifts such as soothing socks with Aloe in them. The first day was 26.2 miles and by the end I was absolutely exhausted.

But I came back first thing in the morning for more - the weather was beautiful and we were surprisingly not completely dead on our feet from the day before. This day was much more fun for me - we were walking through almost every neighborhood in the city so there was plenty to see. The San Jose Police Department escorted us on their bikes and had stereos set up with tunes to keep our spirits up. We had to keep dancing to keep them from riding ahead so it was hard not to have a good time.

The day ended in Golden Gate Park - at Speedway Meadow where we had begun. It was so emotional - as other walkers finished they formed two lines to greet everyone as we completed the walk by clapping, cheering, and high-fiving. We gathered at the top of the hill and all put on our pink shirts so that we could make a major impression for the families who greeted us as we came over the horizon. At the closing ceremony the grants were distributed and we heard several inspirational stories. I went home completely exhausted, overwhelmed with emotion, and excited about my two new friends, Patty and Sue. The three of us have decided that no matter where life has taken us next year, we'll get together again...if not for the Avon Walk then possibly for another fundraising walk. We may even decide to travel abroad - maybe Tokyo!

Here is a map I made of our route - it's approximate since I can't remember exactly which streets we took, but it gives an idea of how far we went!

Click here if you can't view the map above or to view a larger map.

Me, Sue, and Patty before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge on Saturday Morning

Half way there!

KPMG Walkers: Heidi Rittershausen, Me, Emily Barker, and Marcia Weist

We got to walk past one of the results of our efforts - the Avon Breast Cancer Center at SF General Hospital - the nurses came out to thank us and it was one of the most exciting parts of the day!

We love the San Jose Police Department!

I walked to honor family friend Cleo Parker and my friend Jeff's late mother, Susan Corey.