The Adventures of Gina

Well, it has been a little over a week since I completed the 60 mile journey at the Breast Cancer 3-Day. Most of my aches and pains have diminished and my blistered feet have almost healed, but I still feel the awesome since of accomplishment of doing something bold against breast cancer.
My journey started months before the actual event. I remember very clearly when Christie asked me if I was going to walk again this year. I was very hesitant at first, but by the end of dinner, her excitement for the cause and the event, had inspired me to commit to one more year. (I think the 3 cosmos I had helped as well!) So the next day, I was signed up to walk my fourth 3-Day, the first in Seattle.
Over the next several months, I got to know the three other amazing members of team Fight Like a Girl; Theresa, Kelly, and Heather. We raised over $10,000 and walked many many miles along the Burke-Gillman and Sammamish River Trail.





Day Two: Today we had 19.5 miles to travel. They started out pretty rough for me since I already had 3 big blisters on my feet. Heather and I lost the rest of the group around the first pit stop. As we were approaching the third pit stop, we were both starting to struggle. We made it to the pit stop and Heather check into the medical tent, and was red tagged for dehydration the rest of the day. (Being red tagged means you are unable to walk until you have medical clearance.) After a little time in the shade and some added salt to my system, I continued on to lunch. Shortly after lunch, Jill, Leif, Campbelle and Christian, were at the afternoon cheer station. What little cuties. Also cheering us at that cheer station was my friend Bridget! Thanks again you guys for support, hugs and of course, the diet coke!! When I walk up the morning of day 2, I really thought I would see the inside of my first sweep van, but thanks to my good friend, Kelly, she kept my spirits high the last few miles. I think we actually started singing Christmas carols!?! Whatever it takes!! We made it back to camp eagerly anticipating a shower and hot dinner.
Day Three: The last day! We started with a short bus trip to Lincoln Park in West Seattle and only had 16 miles ahead of us. We pushed through until lunch and then decided to slow down a bit for the last 8 miles. It was amazing how many people out supporting all of us on Day 3, here are some photos of the 3-Day groupies! The last 3 miles, we walked the streets of downtown Seattle, until alas; we saw the final destination….the Space Needle.
The closing ceremonies were beautiful and inspiring. Thousands of friend and family packed Memorial Stadium supporting their loved ones.
Again, I want to thank all of you for your continued support and generous donations. Also special thank you to my teammates….you guys are awesome! I love you and miss you all!!
One of my most memorable experiences from this year’s event happened at the last pit stop before the holding area. I met a man who has dedicated this 3-day to his wife who is battling inflammatory breast cancer. We talked for a long time about our experiences with IBC and our loved ones. He told me about his wife and I told him all about my mom and what an inspiration she was to so many people. When it was time to start walking again, we hugged and he whispered in my ear…. “She would be very proud of you.”