Race for the Cure 2008

Imagine an intimate sprint/jog/stroll with about 20,000 of your closest friends. Well, perhaps not closest friends, but definitely soul mates as everyone there has been touched by the fiend named "Breast Cancer."

Each participant paid a fee to take part (proceeds going to breast cancer research). Along with great goodies like tee shirts, hats, bracelets, scarves, pedometers, hot/cold compress thingies, and refreshments; each participant received a number with a sheet on which was printed: "In celebration of..." Each participant noted who they were honoring or why they were participating.

Ali's said: "In celebration of my Mom."

Stephanie's said: "In celebration of Martha and my Mom."

Bill's said: "In memory of Martha." (Martha, Bill's Mom, passed away from breast cancer 13 years ago.)

Tammy's said: "In celebration of ME! Three year survivor!"

Tammy commented that as they jogged, walked and jostled along there was a mixture of laughter and tears from strangers brought together by their life and death struggles with The Fiend. Survivors, family members and friends celebrating a life extended, or missing loved ones departed, all joined together through the bonds of common experience. Those that have battled the Fiend, whether successful or not, all share in their common knowledge of suffering and struggling against a pernicious enemy. From that commonality comes a camaraderie and intimacy of understanding that allows strangers to embrace, laugh and cry together while progressing along the 5K route on the streets of the city. It is an unforgettable experience.

Race for the Cure 2008 participants included Ali, Tammy, Stephanie, Bill and Wyatt (the lazy one lounging about in the stroller). Race for the Cure 2007 participants included Ali, Steve Cope (Ali's husband), Megan and Tammy.

This marks the second year the Card girls and other family members have participated in Race for the Cure. This tradition will continue in future years. Could there be a better way to spend a couple of hours on a Saturday morning in May? Come and join in the Race for the Cure 2009!