Save the TAW-TAW'S Has Gone Country!

Save the Taw-Taw's went country, cuz we were Tough Enough To Wear Pink! May 11, 2008 what an inspiring day as several of us ran the 5K Race for a Cure. In trying to get myself in shape for Africa, power walking and jogging has become a ritual 3 to 4 times a week. And in an effort to prove to myself I have the strength mentally and physically I joined the band wagon with Chad, Kelli and Jeannie in running the Breast Cancer 5K. It was so inspiring just to see the amazing support for a cure, that stemmed from one sister's promise to her dying sister to do all she could to find a cure for breast cancer.

We started the race at the Gateway ran 3.2 miles and ended back at the Gateway. I was excited about the race until I got sick the night before, as I vomited all night and got very little sleep. Laying on the couch so tired and nauseated, I thought of all the countless women who go through chemo and are deathly sick for weeks. I gathered myself up put my shoes on and headed for Salt Lake and in the end was so thankful I did. We all pretty much started the race together, but soon ended up in pairs, except for Chad, he took off like a bullet. (Though in his words he had a little help from a very special angel.) Kelli and Heath ran as a pair, Natalie and Tiffany were the middle pair, with Jeannie and I brought up the rear finishing in 42:10, not to bad for a couple of old gals! The best part about being last was everyone was there cheering for us as we crossed the finish line, which brought tears to our eyes. Cheering the loudest for me was Tiff as she ran along with me the last hundred feet, and at the finish line there was Brykn with flowers. My Little Buddy was so cute and seemed so proud as he hugged me and said, "Great Job Mam-Maw.... All I could think at the time was I got the chance to finish, which was a lot more than one in four women get the chance to do, because of breast cancer.

I was focused at the time, but looking back at the entire day, I am humbled by the effects of breast cancer. There was a gentleman in front of us wearing a sign in honor of his wife. The sign read; I run in honor of my STRONG, COURAGEOUS, BEAUTIFUL...WIFE! His wife who was also running was completely bald, very thin, and extremely pale from the chemo.

Then the survivors parade was also very touching, as women from all ages marched in honor or their beating the disease. Though I'm sure some are still not out of the woods. I will never forget the one woman who proudly, and ecstatically jumped up and down as she waved to her family.

I have thought a lot about the power of one woman and I truly needed to do more for humanity. One thing is for sure I will be back next year running proudly with and for not only myself but, my mother, my sisters, my daughter, my future granddaughters, my nieces, and my girlfriends, all running hand in hand and side by side. Not just running, but running for a cure!!!