"COME, WALK".....
The majority of my adult life has been focused on servicing children’s needs; as a parent, Sunday school teacher, preschool owner and teacher, youth soccer team manager and club board member, and currently as a cuddler in the NICU at University of Washington Medical Center.
I know firsthand the miracle that is the birth of a baby. After I experienced too many heartbreaks, the all-consuming love and joy I felt for my newly-born child created an epiphany. My priorities narrowed to doing whatever I could to provide the best environment for my child to not only reach her (and then his) potential, but go beyond. That goal spilled over to wanting to contribute my time and efforts for the benefit of all children. Children do best with the love and care of their parents. Sadly, too many mothers are taken from their children far too early due to breast cancer. The loss of a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, daughter, niece, friend -leaves a void forever after.
I felt compelled to register for the 2007 Seattle Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk after learning of the deaths of two women; women devoted to their families. These women were mothers of a couple soccer coaches of my son’s. I wanted to DO SOMETHING…MAKE A DIFFERENCE. The 3 Day seemed to be just what I was looking for.
My training, preparation and participation in the 3 Day Walk was life-changing. The 3 Day raises funds for breast cancer research and programs. I had an incredible group of supporters. I truly felt we were a team and, as such, I wanted to share with them all aspects of this experience. To give them a feel for what I was going through, I wrote updates. It was on one of my last, long training walks that I was struck with an idea. As I said, I originally began the 3 Day in memory of two specific women. I soon learned of many more. We often hear of celebrities that face breast cancer. Celebrities have a unique opportunity to educate, but I feel everyone’s life story is valuable. I wanted to give a voice to those stories knowing they could be an incredible resource for others. I decided to write a book on my experience and use it as a vehicle for fundraising.
Come, Walk is the book. There are basically three sections: my updates with added commentary; personal stories from those affected by breast cancer; and a short, breast health summary. Additionally, I’ve included a training journal with the hopes of inspiring others to get involved. I especially liked this project as I felt it tied up my 3 Day experience nicely AND it pays it forward.
My goal is to raise money to be distributed to:
- Susan G Komen for the Cure (the 3 Day)
- Making Memories, an organization that serves patients diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer
- Smith & Edwards Cure for Breast Cancer Scholarship. This scholarship is in the mothers’ names that I walked for in the 3 Day.
Book orders can be requested at: ComeWalkbook@comcast.net Any questions regarding the book or my 3 Day experience can be sent to this email address as well. The price for the book is $24.95 plus any shipping/handling fees. I have a Come, Walk account (#35949 858) with Bank of America for book sales and/or donations. Net proceeds will then be transferred to the above groups.
Sincerely,
Karen Whittier
