CureSearch Walk 2010

The CureSearch walk was a great success. As of walk-day more than $42,000 was raised and my total will be about $500. Just as I expected, it was emotional to think about the reason we were all there. During the opening ceremony after the Emcee, Paul Brown from News8, and dignitaries such as Lloyd Doggett were introduced, the families who had lost a child to cancer were asked to come up to the stage. One representative from each family was given a white balloon. Some Mommy's attached little notes and kissed the balloon before they were all simultaneously released. (I'm getting goosebumps just recalling it all.) Then all of the children in attendance that are currently in treatment for cancer were asked to come up to the stage. They each received medals to wear and introduced themselves. I was dumbfounded at how many were there. Cancer sucks and these kids (and their families) deserve at 100% cure rate.

I am not a Doctor or a scientist. But I am a decent event planner and am so glad that God gave me the opportunity to learn about children's cancer and to help make a difference. I was glad to finally meet the regional director of CureSearch who I had been working w/via e-mail and telephone in preparation for the walk. I wasn't at last year's first annual CureSearch Austin walk, but evidently this year there were many, many more participants and we raised double! I have so many ideas for next year. I want to have a much bigger walk team and raise more money! Though emotional, it really was a great morning. A group from UT "SMILE" was there with arts and crafts projects for kids, and there was a face-painter and clown. A local DJ kept things moving and Amy's Ice Cream had some sweet treats for us to cool down with after the walk. A local bakery, "A Trip to Bountiful" provided yummy muffins and pastries. The owner lost their child to cancer. Starbucks coffee donated coffee and water. Entertainment, food and drink and a GREAT cause- all you could need!

The walk was 2.5miles. I can't remember the last time I willingly walked that far. But we did it. The whole thing. Emma was amazing and Cody was along for the ride in his stroller. Daddy did a great job pushing such a heavy load! When Emma and I would get tired we would run. Along the way there was a sprinkler system going and I let her run through it. When we were done Emma laid flat on the pavement- she was tired! My parents, brother, sister-in-law and nephew were all there to support us! Our friend Vance and his buddy Jason joined our team and it was so nice to have them there with us!

After a brief closing ceremony where they awarded the top fundraisers, my family and I headed over to our favorite restaurant in Bee Cave, Zingers, for some yummy lunch! I am so glad that we did this. I am thankful to all who were supportive, donated, or just listened to me about CureSearch. It sucked to be told no. For emails and messages to go unanswered. Because to me, now that I know what I do about children's cancer and the extreme misuse of federal funding for cancer research (pediatric cancer gets less than 1%) I can't imagine not jumping in and getting involved or donating what you can. But, it's not for everyone. Not everyone will listen either. And that's ok. I love my family for getting behind me, or rather, standing w/me. Thanks hun!

September is childhood cancer awareness month so just because the walk is over, doesn't mean the fight is over. I have an amazing friend Amanda Harbin who is working on her non-profit group, called Battle4aCure. Amanda posts daily updates about local kiddos fighting cancer. For me it is a daily reminder of my many blessings, it keeps me grounded, humble and it's an amazing way to let prayer work. Amanda organizes many community events, fundraisers and is an amazing advocate for these kiddos and childhood cancer. Be friends with Battle4aCure on Facebook- Amanda is a sweetheart and would love to have you! For more info, check out her webiste: Battle4aCure.com