One More Year, and 39.3 More Miles!!

And we are OFF!

Oh So much to say in one blog post!!!

My last post was from 2013!!! We were walking Philly. Well let me do a quick update from there… In 2013 my team “The Second Base Coaches” decided to walk the Avon walk instead of the Komen walk. And you would think that the reasoning behind that would be that the walk is shorter 39.3 miles not 60 mile, but that is actually a draw back for us! The first day walking Avon (26.2 miles) is PURE HELL!!! And it is the last 6 miles that kills you. Also, Avon is only two days instead of three which shortens our camping time to one night. This is also something my team and I see as a con, because our favorite time at the walk is “tent time”. So why do we walk Avon? Because two years ago it was getting harder and harder to raise money for the Komen foundation. I would have people want to donate to me “as long as it doesn’t go to Komen”. So we thought raising the $1800 for Avon would be easier. What we found out is that is just as hard.  We did find things about Avon we loved… We LOVE that at the end of the walk, Avon hands out checks right then and there!!! That was pretty dang cool. 

So as I said, my team decided to walk Avon New York last year, and then this year we just finished walking Avon Santa Barbara. It was a whirlwind trip….  We (my team that this year consisted of Kate, Karin, Jess and myself) left the east coast at about 6 in the morning and all met up at LAX at 10:30 am – 12:00. Then in the car to the Fess Parker Double Tree in for registration and pre-event stuff. From there I gave leave to my compatriots and drove down to my sister’s home in Lompoc to do a Pure Romance party for a friend of mine (tax write off anyone?)  Plus, let’s be honest… I needed to make a few bucks for our Disney trip AFTER the walk. 

Getting ready for opening ceremonies

The walk was very cool. This year seemed special to me because my team mate Kate, who had the official nickname “Benchwarmer” because she had to sit out the last three walks due to health issues was cleared to walk this year. So I was able to see the walk in her eyes (thank goodness not her feet, mine hurt enough). AND this is my 5^th year cancer free!!! Yup in August of this year, my radiation was finished and I have been cancer-free since!

So the walk started along the Santa Barbara beach. It was really beautiful and the weather was being really great. Jess (who I met on my first DC walk, the one with the tunes) was with us and she is 6 months pregnant, so at least I was able to keep up, normally she laps me. We all walked as a team and it was great. I headed to lunch after 8 miles, my legs were hurting terribly and met Jess there after she finished nine. Kate and Karen followed up the rear walking all 13.1 miles to lunch. After lunch, Jess and I decided it would be better to head to Wellness Village (where we camped) to get everything ready for the other ladies when they got back.

Lunch time!! 13.1 miles in!

What is so funny about this is that Jess has NEVER swept (take the bus) in all the SEVEN or EIGHT years since she started walking, so when we got to Wellness Village, we had our feet massaged, a facial and a back massage before we even had to touch our bags or tents… THEN the tent angels helped us with the tents and we didn’t even have to put them up!!! This is a far cry than when you are walking the entire route (all 26.2 miles) and you get to Wellness Village and there is a line for all the amenities. So Jess thought this was a pretty sweet deal!!! No wonder why I sweep! Hahaha.

Jess resting at lunch so her little "Nugget" could relax

"Working Hard" as the Tent Angels put up our tents

Jess and I met the Kate and Karin at the end of the first days walk, we were cheering them on and I was so proud of them!! We let them get the lay of the land and then ate!! We all showered (in tractor trailer trucks) and then head to bed… but first, let me take a selfie!

But first... let me take a sselfie!

Day two we decided that we were all going to walk the entire walk (okay, I didn’t vote on this decision, but I thought if the prego and the virgin could do it, so could I) And I don’t think Kate would have LET me stopped even if I wanted.  So we all crossed the finish lines with arms linked.  It was an amazing walk and an amazing day. 

Right before we crossed the finish line.

We watched Avon give away 4.6 million dollars to research breast cancer. That was pretty cool. Once we got to back to the hotel where the care was we were able to start are trip to Disneyland!!!

Kate! You just walked 40 miles, what are you doing to do now??

Yes, you heard that right, after walking close to 40 miles we made our way to the Happiest Place on Earth!!

I just wanted to thank everyone that supported us, that attended our fundraisers, donated to us, allowed us to get up early or go to bed late so we could train. To the little “nugget” inside Jess that stayed in place so we didn’t have a birthing during the walk. And to my ladies that I walked with. You all mean so much to me. I love doing the walks with you, I get so much closer to you all every year. And congrats to Kate who finished her walk!! 

Philly or Bust

This was my second 60mile/3day event. Last year I participated in the walk in Washington D.C. I was amazed by the magnitude of the event last year and I had trained every weekend for 24 weeks. This year I expected it to be different because I was no longer a “newbie” and I was curious on how I would feel during this event. We got to opening ceremonies as they were starting. I was not as excited as last year, but I was very excited to be with my team. I have spent the entire year with this team fundraising, training and becoming very close friends. What is so wonderful about this event is that no one ever feels uncomfortable because everyone is family. Everyone has been touched in some way shape or form by breast cancer. I think that is one of the best things about this walk, everyone loves at this walk and there is a respect for everyone there.

Last year I was able to finish the entire 60 miles. I was so proud of myself. This year, after the first day, my plantar fasciitis was too much to bear and I ended up in the medical tent the morning of the second day. I was able to walk a few miles more that day and I felt quite let down with myself when I had to ride the van to the next pit stop, or “sweep”. I walked as much as I could day two and day three. On day three, I veered off course a little bit to sight see. I was able to see the Liberty Bell, go to Betsy Ross’ house, and eat a traditional Philly Cheese steak! I was able to walk the last couple of miles into the Navy Yard with the rest of the walkers. At this point I met up with the rest of my team in “holding”. Holding is a place where everyone is kept until closing ceremonies start, so we can all walk in together. I found out that only 3 were able to complete the entire walk I was separated from my team once again when we walked in because I am a survivor and we walk in separately.

Closing Ceremonies are very hard to explain because it is so overwhelming, so emotional, but I will try. First, the crew, medical and safety monitors walk in. Of course as they walk in, we hoot and hollered for them. They kept us safe; they tended to our every need and for some of us (me), kept us walking for a few miles more. Then the walkers walk in. They are all in white shirts. There are about 1600 of them. Then the survivors (in our pink shirts) walk in. This year, for me the walk wasn’t as exciting, wasn’t as emotional. I’m not sure if it was because it was my second walk or whether it was because I had grown hard about whole cause. But then, it was the survivors turn to walked in….

When introducing the survivors and welcoming them home, the commentator said, “For some, this walk didn’t start when you registered, this walk started with a diagnosis. “This is when my walk started for me. December 30^th, 2008, was the day I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (breast cancer). As I was standing there, with the group of survivors, holding their hands, bonded by our diagnosis, embraced in our sisterhood, I started to cry. I cried for me, for the friends that are still fighting, for my friends I had lost. As we walked in, the walkers all raised their right shoes in the air as a tribute. As I stood there with my survivor sisters, they raised the flag that said, “NEVER GIVE UP”. The speaker said to look around to the supporters that got you here, the ones that you trained with. At that point I looked around for my team, for the group of women that got me there and I left the survivors to find them. As I maneuvered through the crowd to my team they saw me and we all started to cry as we held onto each other. In end, the only way I can explain my experience is “Excruciatingly Beautiful”.

Philly Or bust!

The Maryland Second base Coaches

My Saviors on Day one!! The SUPER SWEEPERS!

20 miles done!!!

Home Sweet Home

Me and Arlene

Mail!!! I love opening my mail!!! Thank you!!

I did make it to the Rocky Statue!!

This group met us everyday!!!
Not walkers, just cheerers.

Time for a Cheesesteak Stop!!

Lunch time!!!

Sight seeing.

At the Finish Line!!! 

This year it is AVON PEOPLE!!

As all of you know, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. During my treatment and recovery, I came to realize that I am blessed with an amazing circle of family and friends. I am also extremely fortunate to have a good healthcare plan, and to live in a city where great doctors and quality care is readily available.

This year, I will proudly walk in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer as a survivor. I walk for those who are not as fortunate, for those who can’t afford proper medical care, for those who are seeking a cure for this disease.

I will walk a marathon and a half (that’s nearly 40 miles!) and I plan to raise next few months training and fundraising. I’m one of thousands of people all over the country who will be doing this to raise funds for the Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Crusade and support their mission to advance access to care and find a cure.

I’m honored to help others get the same chance at survival that I had. And I’m looking forward to a special Avon Walk weekend of celebrating my own survivorship among a community of people who are just as passionate about this cause as I am.

Please help me—and all who are impacted by breast cancer—by making a tax-deductible contribution. To donate online, simply click on the link at the bottom of this message If you prefer to write a check, please make it payable to “Avon Walk for Breast Cancer” and send it to me.

As I cross that finish line as a Survivor, I will carry with me the hopes of each and every person who has helped me to thrive since that life-changing day when I first heard that diagnosis. And that includes you!

On behalf of the tens of thousands of people whose lives may be saved by your actions, thank you.

Click Here to donate to me and my Team, the Second base coaches.

An Honor Just To Be Nominated... But VOTE!! :-)

Hi everyone! Wow 2 posts in one month, that must be a record for me for the past 2 years. Can you believe it has been over 2 years? Over three since we started this journey together!

I received an email for one of my team mates that will be walking with me this year at the Susan G Komen 3day walk and it seems that my entire team has nominated me to be this years Honorary Bat Girl at the National's Mother Day game.

I asked her to email me the write up she did (I had not read it yet). And she warned me that originally they had used 7,000 characters and were only allowed 1500. I was stunned!! I read the excerpt she wrote (with help from the team) and my heart exploded with love for these wonderful women that thought this much for me to do this... I asked her to send me the entire 7,000 character write up that they did so I could post it here.

So... how do I win the honor you ask? (At least I'm assuming that you are asking). You need to click on the link at the bottom of this blog and vote for me!! 25% of the decision is on the votes. So VOTE!! And please email/Facebook/Twitter it our to all your family and friends so they too can vote! SO COOL!!!

Kara is the HUGE baseball fan, so I know she found it and had to think about it, but it makes me happy to find out that all my team (the 2nd Base Coaches), Nancy, Stephanie, Karin, Kate and Arlene had a hand in helping write it. Thank you ladies!!!

So here is the original write up. click on the link after to go to the website to vote. And thank you so much in advance!!!

We are writing to nominate our very dear friend Laurie Jo Neary for honorary bat girl. Laurie Jo was diagnosed on December 30, 2008 with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) on the eve of her youngest daughter’s first birthday. After several surgical procedures and many rounds of radiation and chemotherapy, Laurie Jo is a survivor, and has dedicated her life or better said is consistently going to bat against cancer.

As the mother of three young daughters, it is imperative to Laurie Jo that a cure for breast cancer is found. In her own words, “I am doing everything in my power against breast cancer, to ensure that my daughters never have to say mom I have breast cancer or to hear another friend, family or loved one tell me that have breast cancer.” Ergo, Laurie Jo has taken the challenge to end breast cancer personally. Currently, she is our team captain for “Second Base Coaches,” a local team preparing to walk in the Susan G. Komen 3 day, 60 mile walk. This will be Laurie Jo’s second 3-day challenge, but she has also participated in numerous local breast cancer walks in her home town to help raise funds for breast cancer. In 2011, she was the key speaker after participating and finishing a local 5k she helped organize called, “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.”

This year Laurie Jo intends to raise funds for SGK while at the same time raising funds for her own community to start a foundation for women who need additional funds for treatments – to pay rent while undergoing treatment – or just a taxi ride to chemo.

In addition to her active involvement with her team, Laurie Jo is also a Pampered Chef consultant. Anyone who knows LJ knows that she uses this as an additional platform to spread the word against breast cancer and urge all women to get regular mammograms and early detection. She especially pushes the sales of her “Help Whip Cancer” products during the month of May. Through its “Help Whip Cancer” campaign, The Pampered Chef joins forces with the American Cancer Society and Canadian Cancer Society to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer education and early detection programs. Also, in October, Consultants' friends and family can join The Pampered Chef's National Team with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and hold Help Whip Cancer Fundraiser Shows.

Laurie Jo also has kept a blog throughout her entire journey with breast cancer. The blog can be found at www.boobiegate.blogspot.com. She recently has been contacted by authors of cancer related articles thanking her for her help to the cancer community for sharing her journey with the public. One author is researching the importance and value of social networks and writes, “Cancer can be a frightening experience whether you have been diagnosed, you are close to someone who has it, or you are in remission. The exasperating and stressful experience can leave its mark on anyone. For that reason it's important that you have a healthy network of people who you can turn to and talk with about how you're feeling. And what you are going through. It will be especially helpful for you to have a network of people who have the same cancer and can relate to how your body is feeling, how they are feeling, and ways that the both of you can cope and overcome. Even programs on the Internet can prove beneficial to cancer patients, although it might not seem like it at first. Search for chat rooms and discussion boards to introduce yourself and what you are experiencing with cancer. Also, don't just read posts you must engage. Even if it doesn't seem like it, your experience with cancer is unlike that of anyone else's. The simple act of connecting with someone and talking with him or her about what's going through your mind can be a truly cathartic experience. As long as patients experience some type of release or relief than it was worth it.” Laurie Jo’s blog has been very helpful to fellow cancer patients, as she shares her journey, both the good and the bad, through stories, pictures, etc. Not many women are daring enough to share their scars, swelling (as LJ calls her left breast “Frankenboob”), etc, but Laurie Jo has done so to show that it is okay, nothing to be ashamed of, and also does it to prepare those who may have similar surgeries in the future.

She is also a member of the Army of Women, whose goals are to recruit one million healthy women of every age and ethnicity, including breast cancer survivors and women at high-risk for the disease, to partner with breast cancer researchers and directly participate in the research that will eradicate breast cancer once and for all, and finally, to challenge the scientific community to expand its current focus to include breast cancer prevention research conducted on healthy women. October 1st has been declared the official Army of Women Day, and to this also kicks of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. If you EVER see Laurie Jo without a pink breast cancer shirt on in the month of October, it is because she is in the shower. In her own words, during the month of October, “I will be sporting my pink everyday and honoring those have survived, who are fighting and those we have lost. My love to all the families struggling with this disease and who have struggled.”

Laurie Jo is the most fun loving, kind hearted, and outgoing person we have ever come across. We feel there is no one else better deserving of being honored for her continuous battle, not only for her own life, but for everyone else that is fighting, has fought, or will fight breast cancer in the future.

You can search the whole metro area, but you will not find another highly dedicated woman who GOES TO BAT AGAINST CANCER ON A DAILY BASIS. Laurie Jo will not be happy until we STRIKE OUT breast cancer!

Blog entry from our very own Laurie Jo on August 18, 2010 that embraces the strength of this wonderful woman, but also gives hope to everyone out there:

One year ago today, I didn't know how long I would have with my children. One year ago today, I was exhausted. One year ago today, my skin was burnt and bloody that I thought scarring was imminent. One year ago today, I had my last radiation treatment. It feels like it was just yesterday, but at the same time it also feels like years ago. It was a very hard ride last year and I just wanted to say thank you.So many of you helped me through my fight (if you knew it or not), whether it be through love, support, comments, commiseration, humor, a smile, or just a plain reality check.Today I am cancer free. Today I feel better than I have in at least 10 years. Today, I am a survivor, a warrior. But I could not have done it without the support of all of you. So from the bottom of my heart...Thank you, LJ

Here is the link to vote...

http://http//mlb.mlb.com/honorarybatgirl/2012/gallery.jsp?transactionId=243031013

Me and Kara after day 2 at the 2011 walk in DC

My Slice of Heaven

Yeah, Yeah, I know I haven't been a good blogger and I still need to blog about my 3day walk experience but when something hits me like this has, I have to take time out of my busy day to make sure everyone knows about it...

It all started in about July of 2011. I am a huge fan of Groupon and when they had a deal for a VIP package for "A Pole New You" Dance studio, I couldn't resist! Now if any of you know me, or at least know a little of my past, you would know that I have been dancing (ballet, tap, jazz and pointe) since I was 4 (of course not the pointe part, that came later). But I LOVE to dance! After I had finished my treatments, I had started at another dance studio an adult ballet and jazz class, but when I saw this??!! Pole Dancing??!! OMG I had to try!! I finally started my classes in October 2011 (thank goodness for LONG expiration dates).

My first class was Conceptions I with my teacher Georgie. I was awestruck (and maybe a little girl-crushing) when George demonstrated our first true spin on the pole (the closed fireman) and she came to a dead-stop on the pole, in the air with her legs holding onto the pole to show us where our bodies should be... From that first spin (or it could have been from the squat spin) I was HOOKED!!! I walked out of that first class feeling... You would think "sexy", "beautiful", and yes I felt those, but I walked out with a feeling of POWER!!! I have never felt so POWERFUL in my whole life!!! I felt STRONG!! I felt FEMININE!!! It was one of the most exhilarating feelings I have ever had! As my class went on, I learned more spins and was able to graduate to Conceptions II. It felt like every dance class had culminated for me to be on the poll!

In my second class, Conceptions II, I had a new teacher. Sarah is awesome too!! She taught me how to climb the pole!! She gave me the WORST foot bruises! But by god I earned every bruise and I like to think of them as "war wounds".

I also got my first taste of being upside down on the pole, it was a head stand and I did it!! I also was able to spin backwards on the pole. It was so great and I felt so good. I love my classes!!

Now I am in Shedding the Skin I... Okay so I've been in this class for 4 months. More than what I expected, but my teacher, Angela is the most patient person! She has watched me struggle with more of the strength moves and has been my biggest cheerleader when I have finally gotten a move down. Shedding is more technical skill than just spins. But this month is a good month for me. I was able to do my crucifix (for the VERY first time last week)

Yes, I am off the ground!! And for the first time I have connected foot to pole when I was inverting (going up side down) on the pole. Once I got there, I forgot what I was doing and had to use my "emergency exit" aka sliding down the pole, but I got there!!!


I also joined the PNY dance troupe too! We are doing a chair dance to "Express" from the Burlesque sound track!! I have my first performance on April 14th then again April 21st. I have also taken so awesome fitness classes there too. A Fit for pole Class and bootcamp classes w/ Donna, Zumba w/ Tammy (who is also the choreographer for the dance troupe) and it was truly the best Zumba class I have ever taken!!


All in all, I am completely enamored by my new dance studio (in Urbana) and cannot wait until you see me hanging upside down from the pole (hopefully sooner than later) in my inverted crucifix. My teachers are some of the nicest, caring, sexy, beautiful, and amazing women I have ever met. I swear when I go to class, I am walking into a cirque do soliel training camp!!


So I have decided, that A Pole New You is my little slice of heaven, and one day when my time is done... God will have poles waiting for me!!! :-)

Wow, I feel honored....

Hello everyone,

I received a really neat email the other day and wanted to share it with you...


"Hi LJ,


I stumbled across your blog and niticed the great content on your site. I am wondering if you allow guest posts because I recently have been researching and writing about how beneficial cancer support networks and also staying physically fit is to people going through treatments, in remission and even family memebers of cancer patients. I believe an article on one of thise two topics would mesh with your blog very well and also benefit your readers tremendously. this is an important message to gt out there so please lket me know if you woul dbe interested in seeing it and sharing it with you readers.


Thank you for all you do in making a difference.

David"



Well David, first I want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog! I read your article and cannot agree more. I had my support staff with me before, during and now after cancer. I know that I would have fought and struggled through my fight with or without my friends, but because of the family and friends I KNEW I had on my side (being in person, on the phone or online) I was able to stay connected with my body and soul through this journey and think everyone needs their angels.


So here is David's article...

Networks of People To Fight Cancer

Cancer can be a frightening experience whether you have been diagnosed, you are close to someone who has it, or you are in remission. The exasperating and stressful experience can leave its mark on anyone. For that reason it's important that you have a healthy network of people who you can turn to and talk with about how you're feeling. And what you are going through. It doesn't matter if you have a common cancer like breast cancer, a rare aggressive disease like mesothelioma, skin cancer or prostate cancer, you should have some kind of outreach program to help you cope. It will be especially helpful for you to have a network of people who have the same cancer and can relate to how your body is feeling, how they are feeling, and ways that the both of you can cope and overcome. Even programs on the Internet can prove beneficial to cancer patients, although it might not seem like it at first. Search for chat rooms and discussion boards to introduce yourself and what you are experiencing with cancer. Also, don't just read posts you must engage. Even if it doesn't seem like it, your experience with cancer is unlike that of anyone else's. The simple act of connecting with someone and talking with him or her about what's going through your mind can be a truly cathartic experience. As long as patients experience some type of release or relief than it was worth it.Other outreach programs include rides to treatments. This can prove to be especially helpful for cancer patients who are unable to drive themselves to the treatment center, or if their families and friends are not able to help them out. This gives you the opportunity to make new friends and for volunteers to reach out to people. Sometimes in order for cancer patients to receive the best care they have to travel away from home, away from friends, family, familiarity and their routines. This can make an already challenging experience even more so with new emotional and financial strains. There are lodging centers for cancer patients where they can stay in comfort with other patients and medical experts whom they can talk with. Below are a few great online programs, which can help cancer patients immensely and immediately:

Inspire.com
Caring Bridge
Cancer.org

By: David Haas

Did you know??

Hey everyone!

I am so excited that the walk is only a few weeks away (6 weeks) and I am working on fundraising for my team (which is now Hope for Hooters), doing my training walks (my last one was 6 miles in the POURING rain), and getting my feet toughend up for the walk (please forgive my bare feet EVERYWHERE).

So what can you do for me? How bout send me some mail while I am at the walk!
Pretty awesome huh?

But you will have to mail it soon, cause it is stored and delivered to me in my pink tent during the walk!

Send letters to:
3-Day for the Cure
ATTN: Laurie Jo Neary
P.O. Box 417
Gore, VA 22637

My love for all of you that supported me whether it be through your words, prayers, or your donations, I could not have done it without you all behind me!

The New Normal

1. Two years after my diagnosis and I am always asked if things are back to normal.
   


2. My answer? It is a new normal. There are days that my husband forgets what we went to, forgets that I had cancer, forgets the fight. I would give anything to have those days.
   Let me explain... This is my bathroom sink.

In the morning I wake up and after I brush my teeth, I have three things to take:
1. Vitamin D (for bone health) I have blood tests every doctor visit to make sure I am taking enough.

2. Calcium

3. Remifemin (right now it is Icool) for the menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, mood swings, sleeplessness)

4. Clariten

When I am getting dressed before and after the shower I am faced with the scar on my breast. It looks fine and faint, but it is still there. In the shower I have to use a special razor with a flat head (AKA my husband's) to shave under my left arm cause the scar causes an indentation that I cannot get with my Schick Quatro. My doctors told me that radiation would cause the hair to not grow. But my doctor was so precise that my hair still grows. :-(

Ater taking a shower I have to put on lotion. A special lotion on my left breast (Intense Moisture) by Avon. It is the only lotion that alleviate the EXTREME dry skin in the radiation areas.

Since my lymph nodes were removed during surgery, I have to be extra vigilant about keeping my left arm unharmed. A paper cut, a insect bite, sun burn,even a hang nail can cause lymphadema.

At night, I have to take more pills.

1. Tamoxifen (to fight any rogue cancer cells still there)

2. Effexor (to combat the side-effects of the Tamoxifen)

3. Vitamin D (again, I am deficient about 2300ml)

4. Xyzal (another anti-histamine, to keep the hives at bay (didn't I mention I was allergic to myself?))

5. Ambien (when I need to sleep in my pot holders)

My pot holders?
Yup, pot holders. Because my lymph nodes were removed (during the cancer surgery) I have some swelling in my left arm and in my left breast. The lymph nodes are our own person trash system, so my trash system is gone and there is no where for the extra fluid in my arm or breast to go and swelling can occur. You can see this in the post entitled "Frankenboob" I had compression sleeves made for me to compresses the areas to keep swelling down, and they way they are sewn will move the fluid up out of my harm and to my other lymph systems. They are bulky, but are a godsent when I feel like I am swelling (or for an insect bite on my left arm)

The only true way to understand is to see them for yourself...


The grey pad wrappes around my under arm (called a swell spot).

I know... Sexy huh?

So this is my normal... My new normal. Is it different? Yes.
Is it horrible? No.
Just... a New Normal :-)

It really isn't so bad. I am still so grateful for my life, for my family and yes... Even for my health.

This year, I'll be participating in a very special event called the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

I'll walk 60 miles over the course of three days with thousands of other women and men. Net proceeds from the 3-Day for the Cure fund innovative global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment. Virtually every major advance in the fight against breast cancer in the last 28 years has been impacted by a Komen for the Cure grant.

I've agreed to raise at least $2,300 in donations. I've set my personal goal at $2500. So I need your help. Would you please consider making a donation of $100? Keep in mind how far I'm walking - and how hard I'll have to train. You can give online at The3Day.org. Just follow the link below to visit my personal fundraising webpage and make a donation. You can also call 800-996-3DAY to donate over the phone.

Two years ago, I received the call that I had breast cancer. I don't want any other woman to get that call....

Somewhere in the world, a woman dies from breast cancer every 69 seconds. That's why I'm walking so far. To do something bold about breast cancer. I hope that you'll share this incredible adventure with me - by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Surgery, Chemo, then radiation... 60 miles? I can do that!

Thank you in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,

Laurie Jo

Captain of Team LJ

P.S. Ask your employer if they will double your donation through a matching gift program!

http://www.the3day.org/site/TR/2011/WashingtonDCEvent2011?px=4822370&pg=personal&fr_id=1623

Thank you to Luke for making my Mascot!!! (seen at the top of this post)

Crash Squad

In my life I have had some pretty crappy scares! And my fight has been hard, scary, tiring and yet sometimes comical. But recently I have had someone introduced into my life that has gotten me off my couch, gotten me out of me out of my head, and has in a way helped get me in the best shape that I have been for at least 15-20 years. Would you like to meet her?

Her name is Rachel Aspen and her voice… is mine!

Let me explain… A few months back I received an email from an old high school friend of mine. We were in the drama club together, I don’t get to see her very much, but recently had touched base again (due to the wonderful New Kids on the Block concert). Do you all remember Birgitte?




She is standing next to me on my left (and of course any excuse to put in a picture of NKOTB)

Well, Birgitte emailed me and explained how her husband has a hobby of computer animation and would I be willing to audition to voice a character on his show called Crash Squad?

Uh… yeah! And so it began!! I received my scripts and found out more about the character that was to have my voice. Her name is Rachel Aspen. In the words of Luke Newman, Crash Squad's creator... “Beautiful...silent...deadly. Sergeant Rachel Aspen is possibly the most lethal member of the entire C-Squad.” I cannot tell you how excited I was to try out to be this girl!! So I showed up (nervous as all get-out), my first line of the night was me yelling, “DCPD!! Open up!!!” Oh I felt the thrill and excitement of not only being part of this team, but also surprising Mike (who does sound) and having him pull off his punisher ear phones. He was not expecting me to yell. Ha-ha!!! So, in the end, I did get the part and get to share my every other Thursday evening with a bunch of characters (both computer animated and human).

So how does Aspen help get me in shape and help me to feel better about myself? Well right now we are in Luke’s basement doing some voice over work, but hopefully in the future, the series will be bought, put on TV and I have to start to think about my Comi-Com appearances right? Well if you play Sergeant Rachel Aspen with the Delta City Police Department you have GOT to have it going on!!! Ha-ha!!

So thank you Birgitte for the email, Luke for the audition and the entire Crash Squad crew for the acceptance!!! I am having such a friggin’ blast!!!

Have I got your curious?? Check out the blog and you can see snippets that Luke has put together! AWESOME!!!

http://thursdaynightstudios.wordpress.com/

Also, check us out on Facebook too!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/MADHouse-Studios/142457458892

Otrib...

Hi everyone,
This is a very sad blog for me... In July of this year, I had found out that one of my chemo sisters passed away... Her name was Wanda Williams and she was beautiful. To me she was strength, love, compassion and beauty all rolled into the perfect woman... http://http//boobiegate.blogspot.com/2009/08/what-cancer-looks-like.html

What kills me the most is that I received an email from her in April here is what it said...

Hello My Chemo Buddies,
I guess we have been thinking of one another because its been our 1 year anniversary. Well, so far I'm also clean. I have a bilateral mammo tomorrow. I made it through radiation with very little issues. But a week after my 40th birthday (February 13), I came down with SHINGLES.
No one told me it could happen, but my general physician and Dr Hendricks said is was pretty normal for cancer patients.

Now that the neuralgia is disappearing, I can start training for the Avon Walk. My hair has come back, even got my first haircut on Sunday. It is a different texture from what I had before, but I'm loving it. I hope to see you all soon.You all truly made this horrible experience wonderful. I couldn't have made it without you!!!!

Miss you,Wanda

She died in May... I didn't find out until July... JULY!!! How can that be?? I was getting facebook status' from her on people donating to her 3 day walk total??? So I went on her facebook page and found out that site automatically generated status updates when someone donated to her... I was shocked, and beyond belief saddened. I didn't know her well, but she helped get me through the toughest period of my life and I loved her....

I just couldn't help thinking, if I only had read her facebook status, if I would have only known... It pains me even now how fast she was struck w/ a recurrence and none of her chemo "sisters" knew. So when I received notice from Bzzz Agent (it is a company that allows me to sample new products for me feedback) that they were opening a campaign for "Otrib" I had to sign up.

You can visit Otrib.com and it allows you to post your wishes and make a tribute page to someone you have lost. I thought it was a great idea especially having experienced this this past year. Check it out.

Race for the Cure 2010

Okay, Okay.. I am a bad blogger. It has been two weeks since the Race for the cure and I am just now getting a chance to write about it. I don't think I have to worry about bad charma... Already got the cancer (hahaha).

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Baltimore was two weeks earlier than last year. Thank goodness, if you all remember, last year there was friggin' snow on the ground for the race!! This year it was a little chilly but wonderful running weather... And that is what I did, I ran!!

I had been training since July (???) for this race. I have an app on my Ipod for Couch to 5K (a.k.a. C25K) and every other day (3 times a week) I would pop my earphones in turn on my playlist, and do whatever the very pleasant woman would tell me too.

"Welcome to Couch to 5K"

"Warm up now" (five minutes)

"Run now"

"Walk now"

"Run now"

"Half way" (This is where I would turn around and start my return)

"1 more minute" (This is where I am normally gasping for breath and friggin' relieved)

"Cool Down" (Normally, this is where I throw my arms in the air in triumph)

"Work out Complete" I am normally back at my front door.

It really is a great program, if you can stick to it. Week 4 is a bitch (fair warning). The first week has you running and walking intervals which are 60 seconds and 90 seconds respectively. Then they work you up to a complete run. I was up to week 8 (running 28 minutes without stopping) when the race came up (there are 9 weeks total). I am still working on week 9 (30 minutes of running without stopping).

The day of the race I was so excited!!! I opted out of the survivor parade this year (too early, and the "parade" is the length of a parking lot). But got my butt out there for the race. This year I was determined to run the 5K, I had two partners in crime on this journey....

Meg and Heather

We all met in the lobby of the hotel that we were staying at, and then walked to the race.

We got there as the race started.

Putting Megs bib on her back. (That is running lingo for her number (aren't' you so impressed with me?)

;-)

Team LJ this year had a group of walkers too! Bridget came with her husband and their two kids from New York to be with us. Also, my hubby and girls were walking as well.

We had all made a pact to run together in the beginning, but if we lost each other during the race, that that was okay, we would hook back up at the end. We lost Heather early on in the race. Meg stayed by my side for the entire race (I personally think that she could have gone faster and passed my butt, but she stayed with me, encouraging me through the entire race). I was hoping that the race would be flat, but no... There were hills that weren't steep so much as they were LONG. At one point Meg told me to put on the song that made me push, that made me want to go for it. As the song on my playlist started (The Fray's "You Found Me"), Meg started singing out loud something about "Licking you from your head to your toes" and "Chocolate make it melt" ???!!! (Later finding out the song was "What's Your Fantasy" by Ludacris). I decided I need to use her playlist (hahahha).

At the two mile marker I we walked for maybe a tenth of a mile and started back up running. Then walked one more time two-tenths before the 3 mile marker, then finished the race at 3miles to the finish!!

I had never run that far (in my adult years). The announcer pulled me over to tell him my name (as a survivor, we were announced as we came in) and I was told to go down the survivor line, which was basically a line of volunteers to high five all the way down. (note: couldn't they have done this at the beginning of the race?? I just wanted to be finished!! Now I have to run through a line of people too??? Didn't you all JUST see me run a 5K)

By the end, I was in tears, met up with Meg and we cried and hugged. Okay so emotions came over me. We waited for Heather and cheered for her as she passed as well!

This was us after the race.

Once we were finished and had gone through Race Village we had some lunch, went back to the hotel to visit with Bridget and her family. Here are some pics.

Then we headed out... The ride home was a quiet one....

In the end, Team LJ had 12 Team Members, and raised $2,210.00!! Thank you so much to all those that walked, run, supported, donated and/or registered!!! I wish I could put into words how much your love has meant to me!!!

Go Team LJ!!!!