Check out this year's WEBC video. Wow, where do I start? After reconnecting with old friends, I decided to join The Cougars Conquering Cancers team for the Weekend to End Women's Cancers June 5 & 6, 2010. Being my first walk, I really had no idea what I was getting in to other than I was out of shape and needed to walk 60kms in 2 days! Our team raised over $31,000!!!
I am a 1 year Hodgkin's Lymphoma survivor. My friend Melissa introduced me to the event for closing ceremonies in 2009. What an emotional roller coaster that was.
A couple weeks ago, I got a call from Louise at the Weekend to End asking me if I would like to participate in the opening and closing ceremonies as 1 of 4 survivors to hold the flags. Of course I said YES! I felt that was a great honor that she picked me out of many many other women. Friday at rehearsal, I was a mess already. It was so emotional just practicing. I met 3 other amazing women/survivors. I carryied a flag with the word COMMITMENT for opening ceremonies and HOPE for closing. Two very perfect words for me.
Day 1:
After opening ceremonies were over... I was ready! Running shoes (check), dry wicking, double layers socks (check)... and my water bottle. Off we go! Morning the weather was beautiful! MAde for a great walk. The crowd was pumped up. I was a basket case of nerves and excitement. Women and men yelling *woo hoo* Smiles of joy, and tears of pain due to loss. So emotional right from the start.
Holly, Andrea and I stayed a slow and steady pace. I couldn't have asked for a better day. At about 20 something kms... my hips starting to tighten up. But, I kept on trucking with the ladies. The crowd, the excitement, hoot and hollaring from the side lines, strangers standing on their front step cheering us on. One lady stopped her car at an intersection and threw a donation at us. People thanking us for walking. Truly amazing! The crew was so much fun. Crossing that finish line on Saturday was such a huge accomplishment for me and many many others I'm sure. I went home, had an epsoms salts bath and went to bed to be ready for another emotional day!
Day 2: Sunday... I woke up without a pain. How that happened, I don't know. But yikes, not such a nice morning. The weather man says it is going to rain all day. only +10 and rain, it's going to be a chilly day. But, I'm "hope"ful that it is going to get warmer.
With our ponchos, we take off in the rain at 7am, and we ended in the rain at 2pm (ish). My shoes had a cup of water in them. I was cold, but... that did NOT stop me from dancing in the streets. Laughing, playing around and walking the rest of my walk with my Team Cougars!! Cold, wet, really sore from being so cold... but, we had fun!
Last week I had been debating on if I was going to walk in 2011. It took me 30 seconds at opening ceremonies to decide that I WAS walking in 2011. My entry fee is paid and I'm itching to start fundraising all over again.
Pain, tears and very long days. But, what an amazing experience. So empowering! Every step and every pain was so worth it!
I challenge you to sign up and walk next year! I promise you, you won't be sorry you did!
Go for it! Remeber, live for today! And make it a great day!
Go Cougars!
Brenda Troke
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