Debbie's experience with the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk

It all began with a pair of shoes….


This year wasn't my turn to do the Arizona Breast Cancer 3 day walk. It was Nono's. The shoes were the ones who needed to get out and tell her story. My job was simple- to walk with my Noelle's shoes and make them a part of our walk. Day 1 was perfect. I had been asked by the 3 day people to carry the Best Friends flag *with* Noelle's shoes. They had heard of them and wanted her and them to be a part of opening day.




My girls, the Arizona Sole Sisters decided to talk turns walking with the shoes. Noelle was our virtual partner thru her shoes. While I was walking with them across my shoulder people asked why I had a 2nd pair of shoes. I then was able to point to my Noelle on my shirt and let them know they were hers and from there I would tell them about her and the ladies on my shirt. It was really sweet seeing some of my girls walking with the shoes.. Because in the beginning they didn't know Noelle really but as they walked with her shoes they started bonding with them. Towards the end we were all almost fighting over them. They truly became part of us.



Waiting for the porta potty


Playing with us at a Pit Stop


At another Pit Stop called Hunting for a Cure


Hanging out with Johnny Depp and us. Tric has the shoes here


I talked about Noelle and her where she was in her treatments and her fear of bugs. People would smile and laugh. The bugs are a story I'll have to share with you sometime. I would walk and talk about all the ladies you sent me pictures of. I told of Terry who taught Shayna to type, to Cyndee and dimples and blogs, to our Mary my aunt's momma to Tammy's Aunt Crayon to Stephanie's friend Linda and all the ladies in my both of my brother in law's family. This year the number of women on my shirt doubled from last year. So much sickness so many more reasons to walk.

The course each day was different and offered many challenges. Day 1 is always easy for some reason. I think because we're all so excited to be there and are all happy. Day 2 is called Denial Day. Many more miles, a lot more hills and valleys just like someone that's been diagnosed with breast cancer. Day 2 you feel like will never end. Day 3 you're semi excited again but now you are sore, or have blisters or both.



I have to tell you- I'm so proud of my girls. They trained thru the heat of summer, cooperated with me when we had fund raisers to do. They rarely grumbled or mumbled.

One of our ladies is a breast cancer survivor her name is Randi. Randi got to carry Noelle's shoes into the survivors circle for us. The moment we all saw her all of us bawled. We knew our mission was complete.




We heart the "Mister" Man… because boy oh boy was it ever hot. He followed us around with his misting truck.. ahhhhhhhh that felt wonderful.



I did phenomenally well this year in regards to blisters and chaffing. Mike H mailed me some toe socks. Between the socks, the Body Glide along with Blister powder I only got 3 blisters. I mean I did so well I got a pedicure a couple days after the walk. For me that was victory. This year's 3 day walk was so much fun for me… running into old friends, giving and getting lots of hugs and telling the stories about the ladies on my shirt.

This is my friend Susan. I've known her since like 5th grade. I swear she always looks better then me. LOL I love her so much.



I have so many people to thank it's hard to know where to begin. My mom- such a trooper such an encourager. She went to everything we did and even did the training walks until we were hitting big numbers. During the summer she was up early and took charge when we started slowing down due the heat. My husband and my girls- holding down the fort while I was out walking or fund raising or emailing or ……my brother in law Bobby for making our brochures and flyers, to my sisters- Amy who helped with my fund raisers, Bec who got Pat Summit from University of Tennessee women's basketball team to not only sign a basketball but also a shirt for me. People were amazed I had a shirt signed by Pat Summit. My little sister Rachel for all her texts and just words of encouragement to Red Rock who have me so many opportunities to earn money and to all my aid stations, packet stuffer ladies and Patti my Goo girl. You are amazing.


There are so many of you to thank. I know I wouldn't of been able to do it without your support. During the walk so many of you were texting and being such encouragers. You made a difference.


And to my girls- you did it. You conquered those 60 miles. We had some rough times, and some funny times but the most wonderful thing is we truly became a team and became friends for life. The first Saturday after the walk I was sad that we didn't have a walk to do. I miss you and love you all very much. I have so many happy memories of you.


One other incredible thing… Noelle our lady of honor made it to the closing ceremony. And SAW her shoes up in the survivors circle. And thru some miracle bumped into Randi the two had never met before. They hugged and cried together. Our dream is that one day Noelle will walk with us and carry someone else's shoes. We want to hear that Noelle meets "Ned" No evidence of disease.



So my question is.. Who's signed up for 2009?
Love you,
Debs