Race for a Cure, with Gratitude |

Oct 17 2007

Walking Race for a Cure, with Gratitude

Published by Randy at 10:21 pm under Golf Awareness, Golf Gratitude, Golf Health, Golf Women

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. ~ Albert Schweitzer

Mom has participated in the “Race for the cure” in Palm Beach, Florida for the last 12 years or more. Her sister, (my aunt) died of breast cancer years ago, so there is a personal connection she has to the cause. This past January 20^th, I felt an unusual compulsion to walk in it for the first time. From the minute my alarm clock went off to arriving at the site filled with enthusiastic volunteers, my blood was pumping with a positive excitement of being part of something larger than life.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Thousands of men, women and children of all ages were participating in this incredible event to walk in support of finding a cure for breast cancer. From survivors to relatives of survivors, they all made themselves known with signs posted on their backs. It was incredibly moving and I now understood why my mother always looked forward to doing it.

Hundreds then thousands upon thousands more, all wearing the bright colors of their new Race shirts. Everything seems to explode at once. On stage, the music gets going, it was jazzercise time. A time to warm-up, get people dancing, stretching or just observing.

Then it was time get walking. Many people with teams cheering proudly, dogs walking too, plenty of spirit was in the air! As people pass, I noticed every sign that they wore because the back-signs say it all: “In Celebration for…”—“In Memory of…” Some people had one or multiple names, and many signs said “ME”.

When we got back from our walk, at mid-morning, along with thousands we assembled near the stage. This is where all of this leads. Ten o’clock is the time for the point of it all and the reason for why we are all here.

Nancy Brinker, the founder of the Komen Foundation was there and spoke to us about how far they have come with relentless research after 25 years. It was incredibly moving to hear her personal story of why she started it all, in memory of her loving sister that died of breast cancer. Her unwavering challenge to find a cure and determination to help others is most inspirational. She introduced the next segment and it was nothing short of an awakening.

The Survivors Celebration had an amazing power that could make the strongest men cry and strangers hug. The pink caps and pink shirts scattered throughout the crowd now began to come forward. I had no idea what my emotions were in for next, and then I understood. Through the cheering crowd, they were given an open passage to walk through and towards the stage. As many as could fit, walked up the steps to the stage. They just keep on coming, hundreds upon hundreds, surpassing a thousand—so many survivors. As I applauded their courage, their hope and desire for life, my eyes were filled with cheerful tears. My mother then leaned to me and said, “it’s truly amazing how many more survivors there are now, compared to when I first started walking.”

Next year Mom will be wearing the pink survivor’s shirt and hat. She always said to us growing up, “God works in mysterious ways”. You see a week after my first “Race for the Cure“, my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I now know why I felt compelled to be of part of my first walk, of many to come. Thank you Nancy Brinker for an incredible vision. It is because of people like you who (inspired by the untimely death of your sister) has given Hope, Dreams and Life to my mom and millions of other grateful people! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so grateful!

Imagine the day when people have this conversation: