Lots of New Links

Today I added many new links over there on the left of the page. At first glance you may wonder why some of them appear on a page dedicated to breast cancer and breast cancer events. Well, it's simple. I truly believe that not only do we need to find a cure for breast cancer, but we also need to think about preventing breast cancer (and all the other diseases of western society) and I also believe that to do that a massive cultural shift will be necessary. More and more studies are coming out showing that a diet consisting of mainly whole foods is healthier for everyone and may help to prevent several types of cancer. Evidence shows that today's children are highly disconnected from nature and it's affecting their mental and physical health. And, of course, our highly urbanized and industrialized environment is full of things that are making us sick, including carcinogenic compounds by the boatload.

So, please, take a look at some of the resources over there. Join me in making some changes. Baby steps are encouraged and allowed! Go to your farmer's market and buy some local produce that only drove a few miles to get there. Spend an hour a week outside enjoying nature. Turn off your TV for a few hours a day. As you build upon your first steps you'll find that you feel better physically and mentally and you'll be helping to build a better world for all of our children.

If you find yourself wanting to learn more, there's some excellent books out there. I recommend "In Defense of Food" by Michael Pollan and "Last Child in the Woods:Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder" by Richard Louv.

Michigan 3-Day Video and Fundraiser

My friend and fellow crew captain, Melanie, is taking the plunge! After crewing six events she is going to be a walker in '09! The video is her awesome handy work. She is offering up her skills as a fundraiser. For $15 you send her 3 songs and up to 120 pictures (you can send more for additional $) and she will put together a montage for you. It doesn't have to be 3-Day pictures. Make a video for someone's birthday, anniversary, wedding or just for fun! Proceeds will go to Melanie's fundraising efforts. If you're interested, contact me by leaving a comment or emailing me through my profile and I will get you in contact with Melanie!

Since you asked...

The lapel pin pictured in the post below is available in my Etsy store (there is a link under "other stuff to read" or click the icon above). I also have pink ribbon cell phone charms in that store. I will have other pink ribbon items available both in that store and here on my blog very soon. All the profits from my pink ribbon items goes into my 3-Day accounts and shipping is free. Plus, everything is handmade, so no two items are exactly alike!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

I'm sure you're probably already aware of that, since you can't go anywhere without seeing pink ribbon merchandise and companies promising to make a donation if you buy their product, but it's important to remember the reason. Early intervention is key in treating breast cancer.

So, spread the word! Buy a pink ribbon mug, make a donation or take a friend (or yourself) for a mammogram. Remember that awareness saves lives!

Michigan 2008

As promised...a more detailed account of this year's Michigan 3-Day...

This year was a bit different for me. I was the sweep crew captain. In any other city or any other year, this would mean I was in a costume riding in a van up and down the route, picking up walkers who needed a bit of a break. However, this year Michigan was trying out a new system, which left me in camp deploying the vans via nextel. It really makes a lot of sense. The captain has a lot going on in addition to the primary responsibilities of helping the driver navigate and making sure your passengers are comforted, hydrated and healthy. So, I found myself stationed outside the command center at a picnic table with a board full of magnets (representing my vans). Personally, I think it went really well. There were moments that were a bit stressful for me and the team, but nothing like what I had been told about. Initial feedback from past sweep crew is also positive. Who knows, maybe I have been a pioneer in the 3-Day world! We'll just have to wait and see!

Due to my limited mobility during the time the vans are on the route (approximately 7am to 7pm) I don't have many stories from the route, or even camp. I did hear some wonderful stories though! The community of Plymouth went all out for our walkers, closing stores, passing out food and dyeing the water in their fountain pink! The ambulance drivers danced and hung out their windows for the enjoyment of the walkers and the DHL team helped out my crew by bringing their own personal sweep vehicle! In camp a fleet of rubber duckies greeted walkers at the hydration stations, the check-in team danced every walker in and camp services delivered a "pillow mint" to every walker and crew member's tent.

There were two big highlights for me this year. One was on Friday night when I had the honor of speaking on stage about why I participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day. I even got some spontaneous applause-which I am definitely unaccustomed to! The other highlight was much simpler. On my way back to my tent Saturday after getting ready for bed, I ran into one of my sweep crew members; her partner joined us on her way to the showers and we proceeded to laugh uncontrollably for a good half an hour. Those are the moments that I remember from events and those are the moments that keep bringing me back.

Help Me!

So here is my dilemma...where should I walk next year? Leave a comment and help me decide!


Boston: I have a friend in Boston that we can stay with before and after the event. She actually lives in Salem-Hello Witch's Museum!!

San Diego: I also have a friend who walks in San Diego who would like me to come join her team. However, I will be in San Diego in July. Should I make two trips?

Chicago: Pretty close to me.

Denver: Just a really cool place to go!
Thanks for your help!!

Michigan Crew Day '08

Like I said before, the Breast Cancer 3-Day starts on Thursday for crew members. Advance teams and coaches arrive between 10:00 and 10:30, captains arrive at 11:30 and the rest of the crew arrives no later than 1:00. This is followed by trainings, such as how to put up those fun, pink western shelters and how to use the comm equipment, and meetings with the various staff people that your crew will deal with on event. Being on the sweep crew, my team also started decorating their vans, a few of which can be seen below.





There were 7 vans all together. I'll try to get photos of the rest up soon.

All in all crew day was a good time. It's a good way to ease into the event, since you get to go home when it's done! You get to meet anyone on your team that you haven't met yet and you get to meet the staff, who are always awesome.

After crew day, get some sleep. Day one begins at 4:30am...