Monday, October 26, 2009

3 days...60 miles...WE DID IT!

Two years ago this month, Melissa called me TWO days before the 3 day breast cancer walk she was doing in Atlanta. I was driving her to Atlanta and staying in a hotel for the weekend while she walked with her friend from college, Shannon, and Shannon's sister Julie. She was very excited, and informed me that the rugby team raised enough money that I could do the walk with her...60 miles...in...THREE days.
I tried to talk my way out of it, but to no avail. If she could do it (on chemo)... I could do it. So I did. We did.
It was THE most incredible experience of my life. Something I NEVER thought I could do. But WE did. The ENTIRE 60 miles, we walked. We had fun. We laughed. I have three days of WONDERFUL memories.
And I did it again. This time FOR Melissa. Our team was FORT'S YAYAS for TATAS.
We shared Melissa's story, made a lot of new friends, and AGAIN I was amazed at the energy, the LOVE, the incredible people that volunteered their time for this fabulous event. I KNOW Melissa was with us - we all (Sharon, Karyn & Mandi & John) made it to the finish line at Turner Field...with just a few blisters (and a few stress fractures) - but we made it. And ALL smiling at the end.

To all of our new Atlanta friends - THANK YOU for your HUGS, your love, your compassion and for listening to my story. I can't talk about Melissa enough. And now you can meet her yourself. Thank you for reading her story.

I'll be posting pics of the 3day AND the fundraiser sometime later this week...
stay tuned.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

this is really incredible Pam. Can't wait to see pics. Love, Jami

Unknown said...

So proud of your Pam! Congrats on another 3 day - 60 mile!

Unknown said...

Pam, I am so proud of you! Thank you for your courage and strenth to not only do the walk again, but to continue Melissa's legacy through this blog. You and her story will touch so many people that you don't even know. God Bless you and let me know if there is anything I can do to help you.
John Fortener

Anonymous said...

thanks John. I wish we could have seen you while we were in Atlanta, but we left right after the closing ceremonies. Drove to Knoxville for the night, then home (Donny worked that afternoon!). There's an article about Melissa in today's Dayton Daily News - you can read it at www.daytondailynews.com - go to the picture of her and John and click on it for the story. The writer did a nice job. - Pam

deedee said...

Hey Pam:

So very proud of you...and you too Sharon!! I cried all the way thru it though!!

You're awesome...

Dee Dee