Jordan's Cause

Wow! It is good to be home! I slept in my own bed, with my two dogs, and surprisingly slept until 9am. The 2007 San Diego Breast Cancer 3-Day was the culmination of my 12- city Breast Cancer 3-Day season. I can’t even begin to articulate the emotions that I was feeling when I arrived in San Diego and began to walk my twelfth Breast Cancer 3-DAY in a row.

The most important and valuable occurrence that took place last weekend was that my whole family came to support me and witness my completion of my two-year-long journey. Most importantly, my eighty-seven year old Grandma, Moo traveled all the way from Moline, IL to San Diego to celebrate my finish. She was dancing, cheering, and WALKING all over camp. My dad and drother came in from Charlotte, NC and accompanied my mom in the support vehicle and where were expert cheerleaders. My brother Nik, walked the last day with me, which was 14.3 miles, without one ounce of training. Nik carried the Victory flag the whole day and just as I was about to cross the finish line he handed it to me. That will be a memory that I will treasure forever because Nik and I went through the effects of breast cancer as young children. My Aunt Jeri, who accompanied my grandmother, shared the experience of closing ceremonies with me, and of course there were tears. Anyone who reads this journal knows Buddy, my boyfriend; Buddy is a veteran Atlanta Walker and a Tampa Support Team Captain, so naturally he wanted to walk the whole day on Saturday, which was 21.1 miles. Buddy even wore a tutu as a display of his inner Breast Cancer 3-Day cheering style, and abilities. Buddy’s family came to celebrate the 720 victory and brought their wildly popular surfer van. The van was fashionably decorated with pink posters and ribbons. My family’s life long friend Dean Mclain came to San Diego and experienced the 3-Day camp show Saturday night, which encompassed lots and lots of dancing. Saturday night the multi-event city walkers where honored by receiving recognition and an award. I was honored to be standing amongst these individuals because we have shared this journey together. Up on stage I started to tear up, and like a true friend Barbra Jo comforted me while the over 5,000 walkers and crew applauded our success.

As I walked along the boardwalk looking out over the ocean, I stared to recall special memories that happened during each of the eleven walks that I had completed so far. I captured that memory on the boardwalk in my mind so I could look upon it in the future. Throughout the weekend of walking my last 3-Day for the year I started to realize that with one foot in front of the other, I had made a difference for Breast Cancer. I looked around me at the thousands of walkers in San Diego and smiled because they are making a phenomenal difference. Together the 2007 San Diego Breast Cancer 3-Day had 4600 walkers, 550 crew, raised $12.2 million dollars in the fight against breast cancer.

The culmination of my 720 mile goal is complete and I have a lot of people to thank. First I would like to thank Loren Simpson, my trainer; he personally walked eleven out of the twelve walks. Loren’s family has been extremely supportive and understanding throughout the year, and I can’t thank them enough for that. I would like to thank my family, who has supported me through this journey since the day that I walked down the stairs two years ago and said “ I am going to walk 720 miles for breast cancer.” I want to thank my mother especially, who has accompanied me to all but one walk and has taken excellent care of me throughout the journey. An enormous thank you goes out to my boyfriend, Buddy, who dropped everything he was doing and flew to Tampa, FL to fill in for my mother as Support Team Captain. Without Buddy’s help the team may not have been successful due to extreme heat and humidity.

I want to recognize Thorlos who has made my initiatives not only possible but a great success as well. It is not common in today’s world that a company would invest time in a sixteen year old's goals. That is what makes Thorlos so different and an extremely exceptional company. Thank you to Thorlos for all that you have done in making my dream became a reality!!

I will continue to fundraise to reach my goal of one million dollars, and I will not quit until every cent is given in the fight against breast cancer. I am planning to run my first marathon in February for breast cancer, and yes, I have to start training again. I have many events and functions that I am planning and working on that will benefit my goal as well as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure mission.

Thank you to every one who has read this blog and followed this incredible journey. The biggest thank you in the world goes to my donors. Without your support none of this would be a reality. THANK YOU

This journey has only begun……..

Wow… I have completed my eleventh Breast Cancer 3-Day this year and CAN’T WAIT UNITIL SAN DIEGO! Sorry, I just had to shout out my excitement while typing that sentence. The 2007 Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day began with a rough start. Friday morning at 6AM, Loren, my mom, and I were walking out of our hotel to the car. First, the car wouldn’t unlock, then when we used the manual key in the door method, the door unlocked. After we got in the car wouldn’t start, one hint, the battery is DEAD. So as the three of us are panicking in the hotel parking lot, three gentlemen approached us to see if we need help. Fortunately, we had jumper cables in our trunk that enabled us to hook the cables to their truck, which ignited our car to start. With a bizarre start to the day we moved on to opening ceremonies of the Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day.

I believe that you have read about Barbra Jo Kirshbaum as few times in my blog entries. I had the opportunity to walk with Barbra Jo the whole sixty miles this weekend. I usually walk at a fast past on the 3-Day events to ensure that I get off my feet earlier than later. I have come to realize that I want to savor and experience all that the last couple events have to offer. The Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day offered the chance share stories, give advice, and materialize a life long friendship with Bob and Barbra Jo Kirshbaum. I look up to Barbra Jo as so many others do because of her outstanding accomplishments. The Arizona Breast Cancer 3-Day was Barbra Jo’s eighty-forth long distance walk for breast cancer. She is focused and on track to meet her goals of walking one hundred long distance walks for breast cancer and raising one million dollars for breast cancer. I am honored to know her as well as try to emulate her fundraising goal of one million dollars.

As the heat of the desert sun shined down on my face, I watched many walkers drop from heat exhaustion and dehydration. I helped one young lady, named Shannon, as she was suffering from exhaustion. My friend Jan, who is a nurse, called an ambulance and she was transported to the local hospital. I am glad that my parents gave me the skills to handle stressful situations while remaining cool, calm and collected.

The end of my eleventh walk was a thrilling experience. I walked to the finish line with Bob and Barbra Jo Kirshbaum, and my mother to the tune of the Beach Boys “California Girls.” I am so so so excited to walk in San Diego this weekend. My family and friends will be going there to celebrate the finishing of my 720 miles. Thank you to the staff of the 3-Day, medical crew, crew, and all the walkers who participated.

The 2007 Dallas Breast Cancer 3-Day has come to a close as my tenth consecutive Breast Cancer 3-Day. It was refreshing to welcome another member to our team, legendary marathon runner, Donna Sterns. Donna was one of the world’s first women marathon runners who helped inspire the Olympic Committee to hold the first marathon for women. Donna holds may world-running records, but instead of running, Donna decided to walk with Loren and I in the 2007 Dallas Breast Cancer 3-Day. Donna has inspired me to run in my first marathon (The Run for Donna: Breast Cancer Marathon) in the beginning of February on the coast of Jacksonville, Florida. I am really excited to challenge my body though the experience of a marathon as well as train with Loren, who has run eighty-six marathons.

I was elated to welcome Barbra Jo Kirshbaum back to the 3-Day in Dallas. Barbra Jo walked the Chicago, Cleveland, Twin Cities, and the Seattle 3-Day in the first half of the Breast Cancer 3-Day season, and is now back to walk the last three events on the schedule. What is so unique about Barbra Jo’s story is that while she participates in seven 3-Day events, she also walks eight Avon 2-Day events. Totaling fifteen long distance walks for Breast Cancer this year! Again, I am always exciting to chat and catch up with Barbra Jo, because I really miss her when she isn’t on event.

During my stay in Dallas, I was invited to tour Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s headquarters. I spent three hours touring and meeting all the organizations employees that make Susan G. Komen for the Cure thrive. One of the highlights of the tour was the I had the chance to meet the Chief Executive Officer of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Hala Moddelmog. I have admired and looked up to Hala as a very powerful woman who has made a significant difference while onboard with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I also had the chance to walk with Hala and her husband as they participated in the Dallas Breast Cancer 3-Day. It was an honor to walk with Hala because she has inspired my mission and campaign.

Walking the last mile into the finish of the Dallas 3-Day I looked over at my mother and we shared huge smiles across our faces. I am so proud of how far my mother has come as a victim of breast cancer. A big thanks goes to Donna Sterns, for coming and walking as well a supporting my campaign, and Susan Oppel, who helped my mother battle breast cancer, twice. My continued thanks goes to Loren Simpson and his family, my family, the crew and medical crew of the 3-Day, and every one who makes this event possible. I love you!

Here is the rest on the schedule for the 3-Day

1) Boston – August 3rd – 5th
2) Chicago –August 10th – 12th
3) Cleveland –August 17th-19th
4) Twin Cities – August 24th-26th
5) Seattle – September 7th -9th
6) Michigan – September 28th-30th
7) Philadelphia – October 5th-7th
Atlanta – October 12th-14th
9) Tampa Bay – October 19th-21st
10) Dallas – October 26th- 28th
11) Phoenix – November 2nd-4th
12) San Diego – November 9th-11th

Picture 1: A brownie troop that came out to support the 3-Day walkers at Friday’s first Cheer Station.

Picture 2: My mother, Donna, and I walking into the end of Day 2 of the Dallas Breast Cancer 3-Day.

Picture 3: Barbra Jo Kirshbaum, Bob Kirshbaum, Loren Simpson, My mother, and I at the end of the Dallas Breast Cancer 3-Day

Picture 4: A Great Dane that I met and lunch on the last day.

Please excuse the tardiness of the blog entry. My life has been immersed with applying to college and finishing my senior year of high school. I have been writing college essays and high school research papers, so my writing abilities have been a bit tapped out for the last two weeks. Throw in a cold and bit of exhaustion, and I had myself a full pallet.

Since I have not updated this journal since the Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day I will begin recap the intriguing events that occurred that weekend. Unfortunately, my mother couldn’t make the Tampa 3-Day so instead my boyfriend Buddy attended as the team’s support crew. Tampa Bay welcomed the Breast Cancer 3-Day with 90-degree days accompanied with 100 percent humidity. I jokingly say I was like a “human water bpttle of perspiration.” I was continually wiping the sweat off of my face with my 3-Day “Bub,” which has many uses like a headband, neck warmer, and in my case a sweatband. With a sudden torrential down pour Friday afternoon, we finished the walk with soaked clothes, shoes, and lets just say my mop of hair looked horrible!

Throughout the hours of walking that weekend I met a husband that was walking without his wife. Mike wore a picture of his wife and two children safety pinned to the back of his shirt. I said to my friend Loren, “can you even imagine how he feels right now.” Loren and I walked quietly behind him as both of our hearts went out to him in sympathy. Mike was walking with a young lady who had just completed her chemo and radiation treatments, she was 28 years old. Throughout this mission and campaign I hear unfortunate stories about the victims of breast cancer everyday. Those stories drive me to keep putting one foot in front of the other and never stop.

The elation of continuing on to tenth consecutive walk in a row has made me realize how far this campaign has come in so little time. Most importantly, I would like to thank my mother who is my biggest advocate. I also want to thank Buddy for stepping in for my mother and providing an exceptional performance with our support crew.

Wow… what a fabulous weekend at the 2007 Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day. I came across one of the most amazing teams, the Dixie's. I had the privilege of walking with two of their teams members, HAPPY and ROCKY; they were amazing women to say the least. They are a living example of health, longevity, and pure empowerment. They both had unique stories that touched my heart and made me realize that although I am walking for Breast Cancer, I also am walking to make a difference for every cause, to ensure that the world we live in will be healthy and strong. Every one deserves a lifetime and my friends and I are making a difference with one foot in front of the other. I am honored and proud to be included in this powerful movement that is saving lives today and tomorrow!

I know you all are wondering about our walking conditions. I am happy to report that we had the most beautiful weather that the 3-Day series has experienced. It was a chilly 43 degrees in the AM, but rounded out to a nice 70 degrees for the remainder of the day. My boyfriend Buddy walked the Atlanta 3-Day with me and made it look like a stroll. After my eight walks I walk a little slower than I did when I started this journey in Boston. I wanted to recognize Buddy and his WONDERFUL family for bringing in over $7,000 in donations to support my campaign. My enormous thanks goes out to the Dillenberg's, Burrow's, and the Lewis’s.

As the last day arrived I was determined to walk into closing ceremonies as the first walker. These being my tenth 3-Day altogether, I was curious to know the feeling of a first place victory. It was a challenge that did not come easy at all; in fact it was one of the hardest physical challenges I have ever endured. I realized quickly that I had some fierce competitors. My friend Ramona came in first to camp Friday and Saturday and was determined to continue her winning streak. I was trying to keep up with her ten minute walking mile, but fell back as she had much greater endurance. With some unfortunate route confusion, Ramona got lost. She walked twenty miles instead of the 15.5 the day called for. I met up with her and pit stop four and she instilled her determination and will to win in me as I was in tough completion for first place. She kept saying, “ this is your win Jordan, you take. Show me what you got girl.” The last 2.5 miles I walked a 9 minute and fifty second mile to claim the victory of the Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day. Although I came in first, the true winner is Ramona. I have never witnessed such an athlete; she is a super women and a wonderful example in my eyes. Congratulations Ramona on your well deserved victory.. YOU ROCK GIRL!!!!!

With only four more walks to complete I am feeling fabulous and ready for my ninth walk in Tampa this coming week. Together the Breast Cancer 3-Day is making strides to kick out Breast Cancer. Congrats to every one who participated. Thank you to our wonderful staff, crew, medical, volunteers, and walkers. WE are all Fabulous!! Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back ladies and gentlemen.

A big shout out to Claire Simpson who has an incredible personality and heart.

I heard this quote in Philly over the weekend.

“ For yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is but a vision, but today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope.”

I believe that a “ vision of hope” is what will find a cure for breast cancer. For as long as I can remember I prayed for hope for my mother to overcome her battle with cancer. As the Breast Cancer 3-Day marches down the streets of twelve major cities – we inspire the “ vision of hope.”

Without Susan G. Komen for the Cure, The Breast Cancer 3-Day, and the National Philanthropic Trust the “ vision of hope” would not be possible. Thank you for your tremendous efforts to dissolve breast cancer.

Kicking out Breast CANCER

1)    Boston – August 3rd – 5th
2)    Chicago –August 10th – 12th
3)    Cleveland –August 17th-19th
4)    Twin Cities – August 24th-26th
5)    Seattle – September 7th -9th
6)    Michigan – September 28th-30th
7)    Philadelphia – October 5th-7th
8)    Atlanta – October 12th-14th
9)    Tampa Bay – October 19th-21st
10)  Dallas – October 26th- 28th
11)  Phoenix – November 2nd-4th
12)  San Diego – November 9th-11th

The 2007 Breast Cancer 3-Day Season is half way finished. The theme of my after action report is all about people helping people. This weekend my friend Loren provided aid to women who were suffering from blisters, shin splits, and a variety of rashes from lack of circulation. As a retired Military Command Sgt. Major, Loren has an expansive knowledge of medical care and treatment. Loren was truly a gift to these women who were in pain and suffering unexplainable foot injuries. If it were not for Loren’s expertise and willingness to “ do anything it takes,” these women would not have had an enjoyable experience on the 3-Day.

I heard one of the most amazing stories during the last day of the Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day. I feel terrible that I never got her name but we were immersed in conversation from the moment that we met. The woman, an OBGYN, was walking for all the women that she treats day in and day out. However, she had a unique, life-changing story that was not related to breast cancer, but just as important. She was a single woman wanting to adopt two babies from Guatemala and had saved ten thousand dollars for the adoption fee. On a Monday morning she had gotten a call from her layer and he told her that two twin boys had just been born. He called to ask if she wanted them, but there was a catch; she would need to come up with forty thousand dollars in three days or one of the two boys would be taken off life support. She had not financially planned for this amount of money and had no idea where she was going to come up with it in three days. She walked into work and went to her mailbox, as she normally did and found a miracle waiting inside. A forty thousand dollar holiday bonus was waiting there for her, she said “ I was destine to save and provide a life for those two boys.” Today they are eleven years old and live a happy and joyous life. Although the boy that was on life support suffers from medical complications she says, “ he is a shining light.” Her story touched my heart and brought me to tears. Her story may not have been about breast cancer but it was about saving another person's life and making a phenomenal difference in someone's life. I wish the three of them all the best in the world!

Anyways, it was again a picture perfect weekend in regard to weather. I am very excited from this coming weekend in Philadelphia. I have an interview with “ It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle” live from 9- 10pm on Thursday Oct. 4th. Please tune in on the CN8 Comcast Network. If you don’t have Comcast you can tune in online at www.cn8.com. Thank you for all your support!

Yah! We are almost half way on the 720-mile journey. This weekends Breast Cancer 3-Day is being held on the outskirts of Detroit, Michigan. I am excited to being seven walks in seven weeks from September 26, 2007 to November 12, 2007. Detroit.

When I arrived here I felt a little bit of a chill. The high today was 70 degrees, which has set the tone of the weather for the weekend. Below is the official weather forecast from the Weather Channel for the weekend. Cooler weather always makes for comfortable and enjoyable walking weather. I very excited to be taking part in the Michigan Breast Cancer 3-Day this weekend.

Friday - Plentiful sunshine. High 72F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph.

Saturday- Sunshine. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid 50s.

Sunday- More clouds than sun. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the upper 50s.

Wow, what a weekend! Seattle put the walkers to the test with gigantic ongoing mile long hills! Luckily, we had beautiful weather all three days; the temperature never exceeded 75 degrees. Day one, we walked along Lake Washington, and took in the breathtaking views that Seattle had to offer. The first day was the hardest and for that matter the longest, as we walked 24.5 miles from Bellevue to Renton, WA. Seattle personally, has been the hardest walk out the four others that I have completed this year. The second day followed with a 19.5-mile journey along the streets of Renton. Our third and final day of the walk took us through downtown Seattle, ending around the famous Space Needle. We walked through the port of Seattle, and traveled through the tailgating that took place prior to the Seattle Seahawks game. It was rumored that a fellow 2007 Seattle Breast Caner 3-Day walker got married over the weekend. Every one was talking about it on day two, but I never found out exactly what happened. Congrats either way!

I am always excited to see my fellow 12 city walkers, Jan, George, and Berry. It gives me a ton of determination, because I know that this task of 720 miles can be done. I have met another incredible women who is, was, and will always make a huge difference in the breast cancer community. Since 1998 Barbara Jo Kirshbaum, has walked in 70 long distance walks (3700 miles) and raised over $677,000 for the cause. Barbara Jo and I share the same goal, to raise one million dollars for breast cancer. But what is so unique about her story is that another piece of her goal is to walk one hundred long distance walks. Barbara Jo will be walking eight Avon walks for breast cancer (39 miles) and seven of the Breast Cancer 3-Days (60 miles) this year. Go to her website at http://bjkcounselor.com/. She is truly an inspiring women, and some one that I look up to as a hero, philanthropist, and friend. Congratulations Barbara Jo on your incredible progress in past, present, and I know for sure in the future.

I have walked 300 miles so far; that is almost the equivalent of walking from Charlotte, NC to Atlanta, GA. The equivalent of 720 miles is from Charlotte, NC to Chicago, IL. I feel so gracious that my parents and my team have given me the opportunity to accomplish my goals this year. It is a huge commitment for my family to put their lives on hold for three months and support my walking, fundraising, and well sometimes my grumpiness. I can’t thank them enough for what they have done for me. I also want to thank Loren Simpson and his family for they’re above and beyond commitment and support.

Our 2007 walking schedule calls for two weeks off. I will be focusing on school, and college essays and applications. Starting September 26th we will have a walk every weekend until, November 12th. Our two-week break is imperative to get rested up and get back to daily life. Although we will not be training, it is still important to keep walking about 5 miles a day to just keep my muscle memory intact.

1)    Boston – August 3rd – 5th
2)    Chicago –August 10th – 12th
3)    Cleveland –August 17th-19th
4)    Twin Cities – August 24th-26th
5)    Seattle – September 7th -9th
6)    Michigan – September 28th-30th
7)    Philadelphia – October 5th-7th
8)    Atlanta – October 12th-14th
9)    Tampa Bay – October 19th-21st
10)  Dallas – October 26th- 28th
11)  Phoenix – November 2nd-4th
12)  San Diego – November 9th-11th

Good afternoon, we arrived safely to Seattle and are preparing for our fifth Breast Cancer 3-Day. Seattle is beautiful; I love the scenic views that encompass this large city. The “outdoors” feeling that you experience in Seattle is a great example of a healthy and proactive lifestyle. I believe that to become a healthier nation, we need to have or create strong example like, Seattle. I am so excited to be in here and experience yet another, amazing city.


The weather is BEAUTIFUL! This weekend’s forecast is below.

Friday- Intervals of clouds and sunshine. High 69F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph.

Saturday- Mainly sunny. Highs in the low 70s and lows in the mid 50s.

Sunday- Abundant sunshine. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the upper 50s.


Here is the remaining schedule of the Breast Cancer 3-Day 2007

240 miles completed, 480 miles to go.
1)    Boston – August 3rd – 5th
2)    Chicago –August 10th – 12th
3)    Cleveland –August 17th-19th
4)    Twin Cities – August 24th-26th
5)    Seattle – September 7th -9th
6)    Michigan – September 28th-30th
7)    Philadelphia – October 5th-7th
8)    Atlanta – October 12th-14th
9)    Tampa Bay – October 19th-21st
10)  Dallas – October 26th- 28th
11)  Phoenix – November 2nd-4th
12)  San Diego – November 9th-11th

We will knock out another 60 miles here in beautiful SEATTLE!! YAH! :) ;):)
 

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 29, 2007 06:10 PM EDT

By Michelle Diament

Twin Cities was full of doggie supporters. I even got inspirational smooches from my dog, Scout. Here are the 2007 Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day dogs for a cure!

Our First supporter was, Riley. Riley is a Boxer and came out to cheer on his mom who was walking the 3-Day. How sweet!

Our Next doggie supporter is, Scout. Scout is a 2 1/2 year old Chi-WA-WA.. LOL

Unfortunately, I didn't catch the name of our next pup. But she was decked out in her princess outfit; crown and all!

Ok, our finial dog was named Bear. Bear is a St. Bernice Mountain dog. I really really liked bear. Woops don't tell Scout.. Ha-ha

Walking the 2007 Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day was full of making new friendships, story telling, tears, laughter, and most importantly, awareness. Being a Minnesota girl, I was proud of my native state's hospitality. We walked through scenic trails with running waterfalls and paraded through the famous Summit Drive in St. Paul. Around mile 9.2, on the third day, we walked past F. Scott Fitzgerald’s brownstone, where he wrote the famous book The Great Gatsby. Our elevation increased as we reached the Minnesota State Capitol building and also, governor Tim Pawlenty’s mansion.

Even though our days started at 4:30am and ended and 9:00pm; the 2500 Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day walkers were determined as ever to raise awareness for breast cancer. Walking through the streets of Minneapolis and St. Paul we waved the Breast Cancer 3-Day lifetime flags through out our journey and inspired others to join the fight. Determined we were, as the 2007 Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day raised over six million dollars for innovative research, screening, awareness, prevention, and early detection. I pondered as we left closing ceremonies, “How amazing is it that in such a short amount of time we where able to raise over six million dollars that is going directly to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to aid the in finding a cure.” It takes events like the Breast Cancer 3-Day and its participants that bring in the financial support that is going to inevitably find a cure for this retched disease. The power of 2500 men and women made a huge difference this past weekend, by continuing to battle breast cancer and its effectiveness. Congratulations, Twin Cites on your efforts, and completion of a sixty mile journey that made the difference for so many.

My Father, Jon R. Carlson had the opportunity to speak to camp Saturday night. He strongly felt that as a two time “co- survivor” he needed to share what he learned over a fourteen-year battle with breast cancer. Here is a glimpse my father’s co-survivor credo speech.

A Co- Survivor Knows

1. It’s about saving lives – not vanity. Beauty is in the soul, not in the skin. Significant others need to understand this as co-survivors.

2. This is a lifetime fight- the large amounts of information that you gain, is your biggest weapon in fighting breast cancer. Knowledge is key.

3. Fear is not cancer- it is the unknown!

4. You are the co- leader if the fight. Assume ownership and all aspects of the battle- call your doctor at 6:30am on a Sunday and demand your requests if you have to. You are your survivor’s biggest advocate.

5. All doctors are not creating equal. Seek the best doctors and team. Get references. Hold them accountable.

6. Love is going to every doctors appointment accompany the survivor with a legal pad full of questions for your doctors. Get your questions answered and don’t leave until you do and are comfortable.

7. Assume the unexpected. Breast cancer is the disease the keeps on giving physically and mentally.

8. Mammograms are great, but self-exams save lives. Reiterate to the survivor that they know their body better than anyone. Know your body – listen to it!

9. Every sore muscle, ache, pain, bruise is frightening to a survivor –a gentle touch, or a thoughtful glance to say “ I understand” and “I am here,” is important.

10. One and eight women that you and your survivor know will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Reassemble your tem and start the fight again – be relentless.

11. Live and love everyday- nothing else really matters………….!

I love you Dad and thank you for making a difference.

Ok here are the statistics of the 2007 Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day-

Day one- 19.7 miles
Day two- 20.7
Day three- 17.5

240 miles completed, 480 miles to go.
1) Boston – August 3rd – 5th
2) Chicago –August 10th – 12th
3) Cleveland –August 17th-19th
4) Twin Cities – August 24th-26th
5) Seattle – September 7th -9th
6) Michigan – September 28th-30th
7) Philadelphia – October 5th-7th
Atlanta – October 12th-14th
9) Tampa Bay – October 19th-21st
10) Dallas – October 26th- 28th
11) Phoenix – November 2nd-4th
12) San Diego – November 9th-11th

Friday - Mostly cloudy skies early will become partly cloudy later in the day. High 74F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. 20% chance of percipitation.

Saturday - Times of sun and clouds. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the upper 50s. 0% chance of percipitation.

Sunday - Partly cloudy. Highs in the upper 70s and lows in the upper 60s. 10% chance of percipitation.

Thank you Weather Channel - http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/weekend/MSP:9

No more RAIN - Like Cleveland- ha- ha :) :)

 I am extremely excited for the 2007 Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day to start!

The Twin Cities Breast Cancer 3-Day has a special place in my heart, as I was born in Edina, Minnesota.  I also lived in Stillwater, Minnesota for the first three years of my life. During my first walk in Boston, my mother and I got the news that the I-35W Bridge had collapsed. We watched the television in awe, as we realized we have crossed that bridge thousands of times. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who was affected by the collapse and may your sprits remain high in a time of tragedy.

Three 3-Day’s down, nine to go. Here is the remaining Breast Cancer 3-Day’s that I will participate in.

1)    Boston – August 3rd – 5th
2)    Chicago –August 10th – 12th
3)    Cleveland –August 17th-19th
4)    Twin Cities – August 24th-26th
5)    Seattle – September 7th -9th
6)    Michigan – September 28th-30th
7)    Philadelphia – October 5th-7th
8)    Atlanta – October 12th-14th
9)    Tampa Bay – October 19th-21st
10)  Dallas – October 26th- 28th
11)  Phoenix – November 2nd-4th
12)  San Diego – November 9th-11th