The Hanel 5: November 2008

The Breast Cancer 3-day was the most rewarding, amazing, awesome experience I have ever had. Truly words can't even explain how the walk makes you feel.
Thursday Night-
So Thursday night my BIL brought me to Shonna's house. Her parents picked us up and we were on our way. My bag was packed. Full of everything our 3-Day handbook recommended we bring. I had to borrow a lot of things. Thankfully my friend Alison was willing to let me use everything even her kitchen sink. We arrived at our hotel, the Hilton, and met with our Team. Our team is called "This One's for the Girls" our members are, Me, my friend Shonna, Shonna's mom Patty, Patty's two sisters; Debbie and Kathy, Debbie's daughter Kim and Kim's friend Andrea and then Patty's friend Stella. Once we were all ready we headed to Dinner at the Olive Garden. Everyone was dropped off at the hotel because there is a shuttle that brings us to the opening ceremonies and a shuttle that will bring us to dinner. Well when we were ready for dinner we asked about the shuttle only to find out it was busy. So we walked. As if 60 miles the next 3 days isn't enough we walk about 1 to dinner. It wasn't all that bad. Dinner was so yummy and it was so nice to be hubby and kid free! We walked back to the hotel and got our stuff ready for the morning. Then Christmas came. Shonna's mom and our Team Captain Patty, bought us all a ton of little things. So she gave us everything. Andrea, Kim Shonna and I were sharing a room so after "Christmas" us young ladies were ready for bed. It was the older ladies that wanted to stay up all night! We called for a wake up call and set all our alarms. It was about 10:30pm and 4:15am was going to come real quick!
Friday Day 1
Yes sure enough! It was my alarm that went off first and I jumped out of bed. Andrea and I were wide awake. We decided to shower in the morning so Andrea jumped in then me and Shonna was last. We got all ready and packed our bags back up and headed to the lobby of the hotel. Once everyone was there we headed to the Shuttle line. A Huge Bus picked us up and brought us to the park were Opening Ceremonies were being held. We loaded our bags on another bus so that they could be transported to our camp. Then we started the walk to the Holding Area. As we turned the curve and saw the hill you could see a sea of Pink and People, Balloons and signs. It was amazing. Just seeing it made me teary eyed. It was about 6:30am and we already had people there cheering us on. The News Choppers were out and the I was in company with over 2,000 people that were about to embark on this journey with me. Everyone from Teens to Great Grandmas. 18-70. Survivors, mothers, daughters, husbands and friends. The creativity was endless. Boobie Bra hats, fun names like Jeautiful Bugs (Beautiful Jugs), Babes BUSTin Out, Bust Buddies, Don't steal 2nd Base, Nurses for Knockers and so many more. We were joined by 350 men who walked as well. As we got ready in the holding area the ceremony stared. There were selected people holding these giant flags that said who they were walking for. A man holding one for his wife, a daughter holding one for her mother, a wife holding one for her husband (Men can get Breast Cancer too!) a woman holding one for herself. As the talking started they stared lining up with the flags. They talked about why we walk, who we walk for the loved ones we have lost and the ones we are saving. I started crying. The woman who was walking for her husband some how really got to me. As he walked by her to form the anti cancer circle she patted him on the back and it was just so sweet. Then as they started talking about the ones we have lost I look over and see a man in his 40's balling. He had lost his wife and it's bad enough to hear the words but to put a face with the hurt and see a man cry killed me I lost it. The tears were falling. This man was there for a woman he loved, probably the mother of his children, the woman he said I do to, and had planned on spending the rest of his life with her, only to have her taken him from him way to early. He was there walking in hopes that another husband wouldn't have to experience the hurt he was. The start was an emotional ride, excitement, pride, love, sadness, anguish, then joy. The walking was starting and you knew it was going to be a journey and an interesting 3-Days. So we walked! We stared out in a town called Gilbert. We walked though a very neighborhoods most of the day. People were outside there houses with signs of encouragement. There were signs for certain teams posted all over the streets. Then we had the Crew. They were amazing. The Crew was all volunteer. Guys riding motorcycles following us to help with traffic, blaring their music and they rode buy. Some of the guys had pink helmets, pink camo pants, pink laces in there boots, Some had boobies on their bikes and boob glasses. There was one helmet I saw that said in memory of Kathy. I think it was his wife. He was helping us cross the streets and cheering us on because his wife passed away and this was his way of giving back. There were Vans all decorated and had big speakers on top. They would clap and yell as they drove by. They were there for assistance if someone was hurt or couldn't walk, they would take us to the next stop for help. There were bike riders they also encouraged us and helped with traffic as well. Shonna and I stayed together the whole time. We walked and talked and observed. It was so fun. After 2.5 miles we came to our 1st Pit Stop. Every Pit stop has bathrooms, food, and drinks and there is a medical tent. At the first pit stop we also were greeted with a group of Firemen in pink shits! I was in HEAVEN!!! I LOVE FIREMEN!!!! They are HOT!!!! We grabbed some snacks and hit the road. at pit stop 4 there were more fireman. We took a potty break and took some pictures. Along the way there were lots of people out with signs and words of encouragement. People would honk there horns as they drove by. There was one older couple that drove around all 3 days and yelled and honked and cheered us on. They were so cute. They wore pink wigs, painted their car and had pick boas. After walking 8.8 miles we came to an official cheering station. There were little kids holding signs saying we love you mommy, people dressed up, people with candy and water for us. It was so inspiring. Theses people camped out all day just for us. Just to encourage us and Thank us. You felt like a movie star! After 9.9 miles we had lunch. It was pretty good. We were able to relax and rest for a bit then we were on our way again. We arrived at camp after walking 20 miles at about 3:45. Shonna and I were the fist ones from our team to arrive. We were kind enough to set up every one's tents and get situated for the next 3-days. At about 5:30ish we decoded to head over to the shower line. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into! lol... It was in all it's own little adventure. So we sit in line and wait! and wait and wait some more. It took us about an hour to get in the shower. They had brought in theses giant trailers that had 14 showers in them. You could pretty much do a circle in place in the shower. Then modesty is out the window. You have about the same amount of room to dry off and get dressed but with the other 7 women in your section. No walls or barriers. It was fun! After our shower Shonna and I put our stuff away and ate dinner. We had Spaghetti. It was ok. The salad was really good! During dinner they had speakers, karaoke, advice and encouragement. After diner I headed over to the medical tent. My left hip was in so much pain. I couldn't walk right. The medical tents have physical therapists, chiropractors and medics. I saw the PT. She stretched me out, rubbed and gave me some stretched for the morning. Lights out at camp are 9pm. I was ready for bed at 7:30! I was asleep before the lights went off. We camped at an elementary school. WE were in the fields. There were busy roads around us and I wore earplugs to sleep. Shonna would try and talk to me and I would either yell back at her or couldn't hear at all . It was pretty funny. It wasn't too cold. I survived Day 1, 20 miles and all the emotions. But with my pain I wasn't sure I would be able to walk in the morning.
Saturday Day 2
Camp starts the day at 5am. Lights on. We woke up at 6:45. Every stop and camp has opening and closing hours. We had to be out of camp by 8am. WE got up got dressed and headed to breakfast. Breakfast was AWESOME!!! Eggs, potatoes, beacon, oatmeal, cereal, fruit, yogurt. I was nice and full. We left camp at 7:45. My pain was gone and I was good to go. The walking starts. We walked in Chandler, Awatukee and Tempe today. Everyone said the 2nd day was the hardest but for me it was the BEST!! The crowds that came to cheer us on were amazing. It was so motivating. They had everything and anything we could ever want! Water, Gatorade, candy, otter pops, gum, Advil, oranges, spray bottles, bead necklaces, cause bracelets, signs, stickers (never knew I would be so excited about stickers) claps, Thanks Yous, Encouragement. Just knowing all the effort and time they took for us. It was so rewarding. Right from the start we were up hill. Saturday was full of hills to conquer. As far as Crew it was all the same. I ran into 2 people I knew were walking. One of Taylor's friends mom's, Lisa. Her sister is a survivor. They had walked it last year and I would talk to her about what to expect. I also saw a mom from Rylee's cheer leading squad. She had 5 blisters. I was lucky to not get any but Shonna had 2 VERY bad ones on her heals. Today was a major challenge for her. After 9.9 miles we ate lunch. It was pretty good. It was a chicken wrap with pineapple, lettuce, rice and some kind of teriyaki sauce. After lunch Shonna wasn't looking so good. I didn't realize how much pain she was in. She walked on her toes for a long ways. But then something happened. And she was a mad woman with a 2nd wind. He feet kicked into high gear. Together she over came the pain and walked on! I was starting to hurt. I hyper extended the muscle behind my knee. It was from passing people and going up and off the curb. I too over came and walked on. about the last mile I saw a lady with a flag. I chased her down and asked if I could carry it. It said Challenges. We sure were overcoming them and it was prefect! I carried it to camp. Shonna and I were again the 1st ones from our group back to camp. We arrived at 3:40 after walking just over 20 miles. I was so sore that once I sat down I couldn't get back up. I needed to rest. As as were relaxing in our tent I saw a man who was sleeping in a tent across from us. He was all lone. I asked him why he was walking. He was doing it for his mom. She had passes away 5years ago and Sunday would be her Birthday. After awhile we hit the shower lines and got another adventure. This time there was a lady massaging us. It was so nice! After our shower we had dinner. It was Chicken Picata. It was ok. Shonna and I decided to see the chiropractor and that felt so good. WE got back to our tents and snuggled in. We took some silly pictures and laughed until we feel asleep just after lights out. 2 Days down and only 20 miles left!
Sunday Day 3
Since today was our last day we had to take down our tents and pack everything up before we left camp. Shonna's blisters were still pretty bad so she had to have them wrapped. We were up at 5:30am. I packed our sleeping bags and put all my stuff away. Once Shonna got back from medical and was packed we took our tent down. After we were all set we headed to another GREAT breakfast. Again we had Eggs, potatoes, sausage, cream of wheat, cereal, fruit, yogurt and a blintz. Boy was it yummy. At breakfast there were 3 ladies across from us. We started talking to them. They flew in from Indiana. 2 were sisters and both survivors and there mom was a 2 time survivor. The lady they were with, her mom had passed away. Her sister was supposed to walk too but she found out she was pregnant and the doctor wouldn't let her. The sister who was diagnosed first had said that it was harder for her when her sister was diagnosed then when she was. She said she knew what she was going to go through and knew there was nothing she could do to help her. The sister who was last diagnosed just finished chemo in August and had just had her last radiation the week before Wed. They decided to do the walk in August and all of them raised over $2200 in just a few months. They said when they would open the envelopes and see some of the checks they got it was un real! We all made a potty break before we headed out of camp. There was a lady in line. She was a 15 year survivor and today was her birthday. We had to be to of camp by 7:45 and we were gone by 7:30. Today is the last day. So far it has been awesome and I pushed myself. Only 20 miles left. At the 1st pit stop I saw the Best Friends flag. Since I was walking this journey with my Best Friend I wanted that flag so bad. I asked the ladies and they were happy to hand it off. I didn't have it very long before someone asked me for it. But at least I got to carry it! We walked thought the ASU campus and Downtown Tempe, Over Tempe lakes and up by the Phoenix zoo. In Downtown Tempe a lady handed Shonna the Embraces flag. She had it for along time and all through Papago Park, talk about a challenge. My leg still hurt and I was limping and pretty slow up and down the hills of the park. The scenery was beautiful and I knew this was the last day. The wind was blowing and it kept pushing the flag. When we reached the top of the park Shonna had me hand it off. We were done with Flags!!! As we entered Scottsdale and came to the cheering station we saw Shonna's dad. It was so cool to see someone we knew and know they were there for us! We got to lunch and meet up with our Shower buddies. We were at lunch for a VERY long time. As we were leaving we ran into Shonna's family and took some pictures with them. Then the walk to the finish line began. Again all the support and encouragement was so motivating. I can't explain it other then feeling like a movie star. It was so inspiring and gave you that little extra push to keep on going. Right when you feel like your spent there is are some people to cheer you on, to remind you of what your doing and why your doing it. Again Shonna and I were way ahead of our group. We approached the final holding area and waited. We had decided at the beginning of the day that who ever go there first they would wait till everyone was there and enter together. As Shonna and I approached the finish your stomach gets butterflies. You see the walkers that finished and the crew that were done. They are all there yelling and clapping and congratulating you. It was such a huge accomplishment. My eyes welled up tears and I had to fight them off. Shonna and I found a nice shady grass area and sat until the rest of our team came. As other walkers came in we were now the one's giving praise. It felt GREAT! Once our team arrived we all hugged. The we held hands and walked into the holding area where we were greeted with more cheers. We checked in and received a T-Shirt and a pink rose. Then we had to wait. Closing ceremonies weren't until 4:30 and it was 2:30. Again we found a shady area and sat and relaxed. We relished in our victory and reminisced on the past 3 days.
As 4:30 grew closer we all cheered and thanked the crew. Then we all got together and started our walk to the final field. As we entered the stadium and saw all our supporters in the stands it was such a great sight. Again knowing that what we were doing really meant something to so many people. To know that we re making a difference in someones life. It was a great joy!We all gathered in the walker area and again were reminded why we walk. We saluted the crew, our selves and the survivors. We took off one shoe and raised it high to show the survivors they aren't alone and that one day we will all be survivors as we put this awful cancer behind us and rid our loved ones a pain no one wants. Kim and Andrea met the guy who was holding the For My Wife flag Saturday he had rolled his ankle. He did it again Sunday. This time they said he had to go to the hospital and they think it is broken. He refused. He continued walking 5 miles in a broken ankle because he had to hold that flag for his wife. When he came on stage and then was joined by his wife and daughter. I lost it. Knowing his story and what he had to endure to be where he was at that moment it was amazing.
60 miles later I did it. I prayed for the strength to get me through. I prayed for the courage to walk while others can not. I prayed for safety and I succeeded.
3 Days
+1 Cause
4 A Cure
I will be doing it again next year! I would love to have my loved ones join me. It is something I will never forget. The people you meet, The accomplishment you feel, the inner strength you find. It's all worth the pain and tears. Those 3 days are 3 of the best days of my life. And to know I am helping make a change in the world. In the End I truly walk because I can't walk away

Thursday