In November 2000, I had just turned 37 years old and found out I was pregnant. Within that two week period, I was also diagnosed with breast cancer. While undergoing chemo, I was looking through a magazine one day and came across a glossy two page ad. I saw a sea of blue tents, and the words IT'S TIME TO DO SOMETHING BOLD ABOUT BREAST CANCER.
These people were walking SIXTY MILES for breast cancer. Sixty miles! I was so very weak and fatigued, that I could not even comprehend walking so far. Even before my illness, I had never participated in something of this magnitude. In my mind I thought to myself..."I wish I could be strong enough one day to do that. I wish I could walk sixty miles" The event called to me, it resonated deep within my soul. I longed to be strong again, and with silent tears I closed the magazine.
A few months passed, and soon I was hearing ads for this same event I saw in the magazine. My heart longed to participate. I also knew it was a daunting task. On October 1, 2001 I took my ninth and final treatment. My disease was in remission!
October 22 arrived, and I DIDN'T HAVE TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL! My treatments had been given every three weeks, and this was the day I would normally be sitting in the chemo chair. Instead, I picked up the phone and called my brother Michael, and my best friend Kelle. I told them I wanted to sign up for a sixty mile walk. They both agreed without hesitation, and I registered for the Washington DC 3 Day Walk for Breast Cancer that very day. October 22 was my day to celebrate.

We attached the name Carolynn's Crew to our team of three. Shortly after, a group of four ladies formed another team, to walk in Florida. Our two teams raised $20,790 for the 2002 3 Day Walks.

The following year saw the formation of two teams...six of us in Washington DC and our first team on the west coast, with four walkers. We had another successful year fund raising, with a final total of $27,350 for 2003.

2004 proved to be our most successful year to date. Four Carolynn's Crew teams were formed, walking in Washington DC, Chicago, Detroit, and Los Angeles. We had ten walkers, two of which walked in two cities! With a strong corporate contribution, our total fundraising for the year was among the top in the country--$62,785!!

Year four arrived--2005. For the first time, we went international, with a Crew walking in Germany! In addition, Carolynn's Crew teams walked in Philadelphia, San Diego and Dallas! Our results? $33,611.00!!

Year five was the year of change. Former Crew members had moved on-- some had life changes that no longer allowed full participation. Others had shifted their focus to work in their local communities, and the network continued to grow. The 2006 Crew was a smaller group, but no less dedicated to the cause. For that, I am truly grateful. As I faced my own physical struggles, Year Five ended up being a victory, in many ways. The symbolism at this milestone in my life could not be ignored. Fundraising was done primarily through letters and one-on-one contacts, and the hard work paid off.

I am PROUD to say that in our first five years alone, we raised over
$150,000
for the fight against breast cancer.
That number has continued to grow.

"Bringing It Home" was the theme for year six. We participated in the local ACS Relay For Life. As we shifted to a summer event, our fund raising window was only about three months...but we worked eagerly to raise funds, and continued to plan events for 2008. We were ranked in the top five teams for fund raising in our county.

The fight still goes on....

The team carries my name, and I am thankful for their support, love and friendship. I can attribute part of my success story to them, but they do not walk for me alone. They walk for those who did not survive. They walk for those who are currently suffering. They walk for those yet to be diagnosed.

AND THEY WALK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE.
They believe in a world without breast cancer.


For my complete story of breast cancer during pregnancy, click here
To view my Current 2008 Journal, click here
To view the 2007 Relay for Life Journal, click here
To view the 2006 Avon Walk Journal, click here
To view the 2005 3 Day Walk Journal, click here
To view the 2004 3 Day Walk Journal, click here
To view the 2003 Avon Walk Journal, click here
To view the 2002 3 Day Walk Journal, click here
Why I BELIEVE, click here
To SHOP, click here
Important Links & Resources, return home click here

Please sign my guestbook, and include your city & state (country also, if international) click here

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