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October 24 The 1 day 3 dayLast weekend was Philadelphia's 3 day Breast Cancer Walk. Because of back to back Nor'easters in the forecast, it was limited to a one day walk. Still, the weekend was incredible.
Thursday night was our kick-off party. We had it at a smallish tavern in a central location. The idea was to have a get togther so people could come out and see Karyl. She had come in from California on Wednesday and is the reason the team was formed in the first place. Karyl is my best buddy Robin's sister. She was dagnosed with breast cancer late last May. She has had surgery and had re-construction of that breast. Karyl has bragged that she never has to wear a bra again. Apparently when they do re-construction on one side, they have to lift the other so they match. Good way to see a positive in something so scarey. Karyl is 44 and has a 5 year old son who is the light of her and her husband's life.
Back to the party. Orginially, Robin had offered to do the get-together at her house. The girls on the team thought better of it - you know how there are always a few who stay late... the girls would have had to be at the start of the walk at about 6:30 Friday morning. At least if we were out somewhere and people wanted to linger, the girls could leave when they wanted/needed to. One of the girl's husbands and a guy who has helped the team from day one paid our tab for the night. It could not have been cheap - we were all at least having an appetizer/dinner and drinks. Everyone just enjoyed seeing Karyl and being together. There was a Phillies game on too. That was fun - being at the Tavern made is so we could chat and have fun... and every time a play got good the other folks there would start getting loud - so you knew to look at the game and see a good play. One of Karyl's brother and his wife came out. All in all, I think it was good for Karyl to see how many people are in her corner and honestly I think it was just as good for all of us to see her. She is an amazing woman - very positive and taking this in stride. At about 7 or 8:00 all of the girls got an email saying that the Friday part of the walk was cancelled. They all had off that day so decided to meet for a late breakfast/early lunch. I had to work - ugh.
When I got up Friday morning and got ready for work, the news announced that the 3 day was now a 1 day - only Sunday. Wow. It makes sense - the weather was terrible - when I went outside to go home Thursday night it was bitter cold and super rainy. It would not be a good idea to have 3000 walkers out for 20 miles a day and camping for 2 nights, especially those walkers in the middle of treatment. The team went out for an extended lunch. Sorry I missed it.
Friday night, the girls decided to have a "camp in". The party started at about 6:00 Firday night. I got there really late. There was a good amount of alcohol flowing and everyone just had a good time. Took me one drink to "catch up". (I really don't drink much). Knowing we were all staying there made it easy to not worry about how much you were drinking. We all ended up pretty loud, telling lots of stories and laughing harder than I have in years. The hostess has a pole in her office/work out room. We all took a try at that, including her husband. The team is a crazy, wonderful group of women - and I had a great time. None of us were paying attention to the time at all and we ended up not going to bed until 4:00. I ended up in a room wil Robin and Karyl. Karyl and I stayed up a bit later talking. She is like another sister to me and it was good to just enjoy that we were together
On Saturday I had to leave a bit early to pick up Colleen from the train station. (early was about 10:40) The weather was too crappy to make her walk. Most of us just tried to grab some more sleep. The girls figured out which of their gear they would need. Sunday morning, the walk stepped off at about 7:00 am. It was chily and rainy but not nearly as bad as Friday and Saturday had been. Still, I cannot imagine it was easy for them to get started in that type of weather. They did though. Walked all day all around Philadelphia. A sea of pink going through many of the major streets in the city msut have been an incredible sight. My team, true to their party girl tone set Friday night, stopped about 4 times to do a shot or two. Crazy. I had been getting texts from Cheri and called her while I was driving down. They were very happy and telling me I had to walk next year. They made it, and had fun while doing it.
Put on a bunch of layers, had my boobie hat Karyl and her mom made all of us and some warm gloves and boots. I drove down to the Navy Yard. Left my house about 2:20 pm. Got there in plenty of time - it was about 3:40. One of the girls' guys happen to see me get out of the car. He's a good guy. Had flowers for the team. Seemed like the 2 day cancellation may have gotten the organizers' planning all out of whack - there was no real area for the walkers to finish and I had a heck of a time checking in and figuring out where I had to be. Cliff and I finally did see the team come in - they were clearly beat but happy they finished.
The closing ceremonies were at 5:00. When I read the script the 3 day sent, I knew it would be touching. I cried while reading through it. Seeing Karyl and the rest of the team though made it so much more special. It was the first time I had seen Karyl really acknowledge what she is going through - so it was a great thing for her. There is a spirit here at the 3day and at the Livestrong event I went to last year that celebrates the people fighting cancer, honors those we have lost vows to fight it with everything we've got. It is hard to put into words, but it is an amazing thing. You feel like you are with people who really do understand.
Since Sunday, I find myself thinking back again and again to the walk. I've looked at everyone's pictures co many times. This is one of the best things I have ever done. It started with Karyl's terrifying diagnosis, but has ended with an impressive group of talented women (and their families) coming together and celebrating being alive. I am honored to have been a part of this. Karyl went back to California on Monday and started chemo on Tuesday. I hope the walk helps her face this.
October 18 Nor'easter!Back to back Nor'esaters have changed the Philadelphia 3 day Breast Cancer Walk to only today. It supposedly feels like 34 out and is raning or drizzling all day. Going to interpret the Closing Ceremonies at 5:00. Lots of layers! Will fill everything in wither later today or tomrrow. Working with my buddy Robin's team has been a heck of an expierence! October 10 ch-ch changesDidn't realize how longit had been since I put up an entry til I looked just now. Yikes.
The job is going alright. The staff I work with and the students I really like. The school itself is smaller than any high school I have worked at so far, which is nice. They also have some really good programs going. They do the "challenge day" I have seen to help kids see that they are more alike than different. Also catch kids doing good things and they are recognized at the monthly class level meetings. Things are starting to feel like I know what I am doing, the kids know me and the staff is more comfortable with the whole situation.
So, then why I am taking a job in another school district starting November 2? Well, it's about half the commuting distace. Some benefits - medical, dental, vision and a small tuition re-embursement stipend. The biggest thing is the district I am currently in has no clue what they're doing and does not listen when someone with knowledge tries to help. It will be difficult to leave the student I am working with - she is an extremely nice kid and I really enjoy working with her. Push comes to shove though, I have to take care of myself first. I get the distinct feeling that if I were to end up with repepitive motion injury the current district would not help me out.
Next weekend is the 3 day breast cancer walk. My buddy Robin has a team and they are set to go. I did not sign up when the team was formed as I was going to be laid off soon and did not think I would have the time to train and do all the fund raising. (each walker has to raise $2300!) I have been interpreting meetings, fund raisers and such. The team is a great group of women and I am proud to be a small part of this. They are walking with and for Robin's sister Karyl. I hope this helps Karyl feel she is not alone in her fight. I am nearly done painting boob flowers for their tent decorations. They were Karyl's idea and are coming out pretty cool. Hope to get some pictures. Three 3.5 yard lengths of material is alot of flowers. Will be glad when it is done. (Tomorrow I hope!) Looking forward to the weekend. I am interpreting the shows Fri and Sat night and the closing ceremony on Sunday. Already cried while reading over the script for the ceremony. This is going to be a very worthwhile event.
Better get going. Need to dry some paint and keep working!!
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