Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

This weekend I spent an amazing 2 days crewing for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Santa Barbara.  It was my priveledge to support those walking who know victims of the disease or who themselves have suffered the disease.  It was an awesome, wonderful experience and I met some of the strongest and bravest women.  I was a guest speaker at the opening ceremonies and enjoyed that group more than any other I have spoken to - what an honor to be able to address that crowd!  In second picture you can see Noelle (on my left) whose hand I am holding but is not raised.  This is because she had a double mastectomy 1 week prior to the event and despite being covered in stitches and in pain, walked all 39.3 miles!!! Amazing!

The next 2 days I worked with a team to provide water, gatorade, bandaids, porta potties, encouragement, and support to all the close to 3000 walkers who walked a full marathon the first day and a 1/2 marathon the second.  My mom and I were on the same team with a group of 5 other awesome people.  It was wonderful to be able to share that with my mom. 

 My sister was the coordinator of the entire event, and I have no idea how she pulled it off - I am SOOO impressed at what she can do!  My Dad was busy in the medical tent treating dehydration, blisters, strains, and sprains.  What an awesome experience for my family.  I'd really like to get a team together to walk it next year.  Here is a picture from the closing ceremony.  What a weekend!  What a blessing!