3 Days…60 Miles… 1 Cure

by Abbey Sauerbrei

Walking 60 miles in 3 days seemed impossible; and if not impossible, then overwhelming. The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk was something I thought about doing but just couldn't get myself to register. Not only did walking 60 miles seem like a daunting task, but so did raising the minimum $2,300 to walk. However, my inspiration for walking and my reason for advocating for a breast cancer cure is my mom, Kay Henry.

When Mom was only 32 years old she was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was very young at the time and have a difficult time remembering my mom being healthy. Mom battled her breast cancer for 7 years, and in January of 1995 she passed away. She left behind my dad, my two older brothers and me.

There are a lot of things I remember enjoying growing up, but there wasn't a moment that went by that I didn't miss my mom. Being the only girl in a house full of boys taught me to be tough and I quickly learned to deal with all the "girly" things on my own. As the years passed and I became an adult, I got married and am now blessed with two beautiful and healthy children. As a wife and mom, I want to do what I can to make a difference.

August 20-22, 2010 was one of the most emotional and uplifting weekends of my life. Putting all of the worry behind me and raising over the $2,300 requirement, I took place in my first Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walk in the Twin Cities. Words cannot describe the emotions I went through that weekend nor could I ever have imagined what it would be like.

So many supporters lined the streets to tell us walkers "thank you" as well as hand us treats, spray us with water, and give us bags of ice and cool washcloths. Supporters clapped and held signs of encouragement and those driving by, honked. There was even a supportive Harley group keeping us motivated the entire route. Each day we walked anywhere from 17-23 miles. We used porta-potties, took showers in semi's, and at night we slept in a 2 person pink tent, only to get up the next day and do it all over again. There were moments that I felt like I couldn't take another step, but then I would think of my mom. Anything that I was feeling couldn't compare to what she went through. I know she was looking over all of us and would have been proud of what I was doing. Myself, as well as my team "Miles of Mammaries" walked every step of the 60 miles.  Crossing over the finish line at the end of the walk was such an emotional moment. (see photo in full newsletter)

The Twin Cities' 2,400 walkers and 400 crew members raised an amazing $6.2 million! I've heard people say the walk is addicting and they must be right! I’ve registered for the Twin Cities 2011 walk. If you'd like to know more about the walk, how to donate, or perhaps join my team, go to www.the3day.org and search my name.

I encourage and applaud everyone for making a difference. I walk in hopes that someday someone doesn't have to walk for me.

"I walk because I can and because I can't walk away." Hilda, 3-Day Walker and Survivor.

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