Friday, November 27, 2009

An Inspiration!

Please check out the following story from an RCI field participant in the "Biggest/Healthiest Loser" - Some of you may know her:

Thank you for supporting my participation in the Breast Cancer 3-Day. I did it! I gave my heart, soul, sweat and tears for three days. I suffered a shin splint but I kept on walking. Why? ...I walked because my son will never know my Tante Voute. I walked for my Tante Janine. I walked because my friend Jacky always makes me smile. I walked for all who bravely fight this disease. I walked because I could and everyone deserves a lifetime.

It was an incredible 60-mile journey and I have so many wonderful memories. If any of you are familiar with San Diego County here is how it started:

Opening Ceremonies were at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. ....and yes it was COLD!!! ...but we were off and walking to downtown Del Mar, followed by the picturesque La Jolla Shores boardwalk, an Elvis sighting before lunch, SDFD Station #13, balloon bouquets in Bird Rock and homemade treats from Bird Rock Elementary School and a local Brownie troop. After a long day of walking we were greeted at Crown Point Shores where "tent angels" helped us pitch our tents. I heard there was a band playing but I was too tired so I took a hot shower....yes we had mobile showers and towel service available. After that I ate dinner and went to bed. Wow...Friday night and in bed by 8:30 p.m.!!!!

I was up at 5:15 am "ish" on Saturday morning ready to hit the trail again. We walked through Point Loma and saw a Pair Tree (a tree decorated with pairs of breast), passed some beautiful homes and sailboats along Sunset Cliffs. All along the route we were escorted by the San Jose and San Diego Police Departments who rode their bicycles beside us. Plus the many people who cheered us on like:

Smile Guy and his daughter Little Grin, the Dancing Ballerinas sang:

"1, 2, 3 Shake your boobies
3, 2, 1 Keep walking till you're done
1, 2, 3 Shake your boobies
3, 2, 1 We're dancing till you're done."

South Beach Restaurant handed out sodas and Kleenex, "Hugs 4 Jugs" passed out water, the Hookers for Hooters walked the streets, the Titi Tavern passed out special treats, dogs dressed up to support the cure at Dog Beach, cheerleaders welcomed us to the lunch stop and Team Tami showered us with pink Gerber daisies on the way out. Bonita Fire Department showed their support and we got a glimpse of reality stardom at a pit stop with Gillian Larson from "Survivor" and other reality shows. Pit stop 4 featured a free hug fairy, and the San Diego Police helicopter cheered us from the air.

Our final day of walking featured the Madcaps mother/daughter group along the SD Channel Bike Path, Surf Cities National Charity League in Heritage Park, a pink Mission Hills Nursery, Roosevelt Middle School cheerleaders, cheering by SD Enforcer's Football League and a serenade from Francis Parker School students. Our incredible journey ended with a celebratory Closing Ceremony at Petco Park.

Because of your generosity and support The 3 day raised over $9 million to help end breast cancer. For more information about the 3-Day and Susan G. Komen for the Cure, visit www.The3Day.org.

A special thanks to my friends Laura White, Lynne Titcomb, and Felecia Walker who were there to help me with my son Max and encourage me along the way. To my "office husband...LOL", Phil Kasavage who was very supportive of me. To Pick-Up Stix Restaurants (Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Hillcrest locations), Jill @ Encinitas Facelogic, and Annette w/The Pampered Chef, who helped me with my fundraisings. Thanks also to my teammates Suzi and Stephanie...we did it ladies!!!

Thank you all for making this possible. Maybe next year, you can join me!

You are Simply the BREAST!!

Love,

Jianie Bernard

Now, here's something you might not know either - we had our OWN, Indy office participant in a three-day, 60 mile breast cancer walk fund-raising challenge:  CHARLENE CHEATHAM!

Hope you're all having a great holiday weekend, and see you all Monday!