September 22, 2013 - Susan G. Komen 5k? Check :)

We have just returned to the Guest Quarters after a remarkable, awe-inspiring day at the 15^th Annual Susan G. Komen Southeast Wisconsin Race for the Cure on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Scott and I were two of more than 20,000 participants who joined together in the fight against breast cancer this morning.

Let me go on record to say this was only my second 5K. My first one was completed in March 2013 at the College (Tusculum College) while I was still in physical therapy as a result from my stroke, i.e. “event”, last September.

Our day began at about 6 a.m. when Dr. Steven Townsend, president of the Board of Directors of the Cancer Treatment Center of America (CTCA), and his wife Claudette, picked us up for the drive to Milwaukee for the walk. They are the ones we met this past Friday morning who told us about the walk on Friday. After my enthusiasm for the mere thought of participating the day before my surgery apparently came through, they managed to get us registered within minutes of meeting them!

Upon arrival at the walk site, on a beautiful yet chilly first morning of fall, there were pink banners, pink balloons and music filling the air. Tents could be seen all around. We easily made our way to registration where we received our t-shirts. The Townsend’s received their walking numbers there, but ours was at the CTCA booth, which made us feel very special.

As we made our way through the event area, volunteers and promoters were handing out all sorts of paraphernalia in support of the event, as well as breast cancer. Scott reminded me more than once we were flying with a suitcase that was five pounds too heavy when we left Knoxville. His heed did not deter my willingness to graciously accept not only one but two of everything :) One of my favorite tents had various items, including, wings, bow ties, crowns, the cancer ribbon, etc. you could wear, Guess what I chose? Yep! The wings. Not the small ones either. The big ones. I mean so big I could barely fit in the port-a-john :) As a I heard a few ladies nearby giggling, I turned, and we all began laughing :) As Scott assisted me in putting my wings on at the booth, I told him I had finally earned my wings. He smiled that beautiful smile of his and said “yes, but they’re just your earthly wings . . . we’re not ready for the others just yet”.

Upon arriving at the CTCA tent, they were fixing to take a picture with a group of their marketing staff and some Cancer Fighters (volunteers), as well as a huge CTCA pink and white beach ball. They invited us to join them since we “are one of them”. After the picture, I began introducing myself, but everyone seemed to know us already. Apparently, Dr. Townsend had communicated with them prior to the walk :) This is the place where Scott and I received our numbers for the walk, as well as my “survivor” arm band . . . that was the first of many special moments today . . . although I wasn’t sure I was actually a survivor . . . yet . . .

We then made our way toward the area restricted for survivors only. I showed the guy at the gate my armband then I turned and looked at Scott and the Townsend’s who were hesitant to join me, and I politely said “they’re with me”. My armband afforded me the opportunity to receive even more promotional material, scarves, t-shirts, etc. But since they were for survivors only when you showed them your armband, I only received one of each, thinking that was a good thing as I just knew Scott was still pondering how in the world we’d ever get all our 5K walk stuff home :)

Claudette had told me earlier the cancer survivors filled the bridge over the roadway prior to the walk. I still didn’t think that would include me as I’m only beginning my fight. So, as we were walking out of the survivor area, women were gathering to our left and there were signs, 10-15 years, 25+ years, etc., then I saw one that read “Recently diagnosed to 5 years”. I stood in silence . . . that’s me.

The Townsends’ encouraged me to join the women and walk up on the bridge. So, I did, with Scott’s hand clinched tightly as I fought back the tears. As we walked up the steps to where the women were gathering, Scott quickly noticed there were no men around. He offered to stay with me, but I knew I’d be ok. I gave him my phone so he could take pictures, and he did. I only had to wait a few minutes before the announcement was made for the survivors to make their way onto the bridge. I kept my eye on Scott as I made my way up the stairs with all these breast cancer survivors. All the time I’m thinking about my surgery in the morning and how it seemed these women had already overcome their battles. When I made my way to the top of the steps there was a rail down the middle of the bridge. I chose to stay to the right since I knew Scott was on that side of the bridge. I stopped and waved for a picture while my emotions were just rampant. I continued making my way down the bridge until I got to the lady holding the “Recently diagnosed to 5 years” sign. I asked a lady beside her if she minded if I stepped in for a picture, and I did. The lady and I began talking, and I quickly learned she had had her surgery in May and was doing great . . . how encouraging. She asked me about my story, and she could not believe I was having surgery tomorrow. She told me she would pray for me in the morning.

The announcer kept asking the women to make their way to the other end of the bridge so I adhered to her request knowing Scott was making his way under the bridge so I’d see him on the other side . . . no worries! When I finally got to the end of the bridge and turned to face the other direction, there was an open spot - yay! I stepped up to the rail. Tears immediately filled my eyes as I overlooked a sea of pink. It was amazing . . . breathtaking. While I’m taking it all in, I suddenly remembered to look for Scott. He’s wearing a black Adidas sweat suite so you’d have thought I could have picked him out in a sea of approximately 20,000 people wearing mainly pink, right? But there was no black Adidas wear to be found. I knew he and the Townsend’s had talked about taking all of our goodies to the car prior to the race so we wouldn’t have to carry them. So, I decided that’s where they were. By this time, I had befriended the lady beside me who has been cancer free since 2006. She too was keeping a look out for Scott as we had a bird’s eye view. Much like the other lady I met, she could not believe I was having surgery tomorrow. As I proceeded to tell her how we found about the race and how we got there, she and her cousin, a breast cancer survivor, who had joined our conversation, were so complimentary of everything they had heard about CTCA. I told them how grateful we were to have chosen CTCA as my “pathway to recovery” and assured them everything they had heard was true.

Now back to looking for Scott . . . I thought more than once I’d call him, but Scott had my phone. And, oh, how badly I wanted to take a picture, but he had my phone. As tears continued to gently stream down my cheeks as I was overwhelmed with emotions, the announcer began recognizing those of us on the bridge by calling out the year spans, and of course, the recently diagnosed to five years was the first one she called. The roar of the cheers of 20,000 men, women and children sent chills all over me and the tears were racing down my cheeks. I was just hoping they would not wash away my cancer awareness ribbon tattoo on my cheek. Then, when everyone was asked to observe a moment of silence for those who lost their battle, the crowd of 20,000 was silenced, but I just knew those near me could hear my tears flow.

Finally, the music began again, and we untied pink ribbons, which one of the ribbons is now tied around my left hand as I’m typing my blog, which unleashed dark and light pink sash-like-banners. The lady next to me said “we haven’t done this before!” Don’t you love being a part of something for the first time? :) And finally, remember me mentioning the big CTCA pink and white beach balls? Well, there must have been a dozen or so of them launched from the bridge. By the way, that is the only thing I wanted to leave there with and didn’t :( I could hear Scott now trying to figure out how to get “that” back to TN :) But that’s ok . . . what I left there with today in my heart, not in all the goody bags, will last a lifetime. Anyway, I stood there watching people volley those beach balls all over the place, but the balls were mainly making there way back through the crowd, which was an incredible site to behold. Even though I was disappointed I couldn’t capture all of this with photos, the images in my head will never be forgotten. And although I could not quit looking for Scott and wondering where he was, I was certainly humbled and honored to be standing on that bridge . . . in my pink . . . as a breast cancer survivor.

As the women began making their way off the bridge, I proceeded toward the stairs wondering if I’d ever see my new husband and new friends again, but I remained calm and reassured I’d find them . . . someway . . . somehow. When I’m almost to the end of the bridge, I hear “Susan! Susan!” I looked, and I looked, and sure enough, it was them! Thank, God :) Before I made my way off the bridge, Scott took a few pictures of me on the bridge above an event banner sponsored by the CTCA. As I made my way through the crowd, I hugged Scott as though I hadn’t seen him in days then asked him about the time. It was only a few minutes after 9 a.m. I quickly thought “I have time to run back up there and take pictures of the sea of pink,” and I did.

By the time I took several pictures then made my way back to Scott and the Townsend’s, it was time to make our way to the starting line. As we began walking, there were cameras everywhere with big screens hanging in the air. And guess who made the big screen? Nope. Not me, but Scott :) I took a picture but for some reason it was very pixel-ized, but I know who it is :) There were cheerleaders along the route cheering us on. It was just amazing to see the runners making their way back toward the finish line and all of the teams dressed in their theme and attire of choice. I thought the four of us actually looked pretty good. After making our way through the tent areas, we became highly decorated for the occasion.

Although the pace was a bit slower than we’re used to, it was very enjoyable and lent itself nicely for conversation . . . and pictures :) and videos :) While we are making our way back lakeside, I see the finish line. That was a surreal moment for me as I thought although I’m fixing to cross the finish line, my journey is just about to begin. But as we got closer the finish line, what to my wondering eyes should appear? But firemen . . . handing out pick roses  . . . to the survivors! And yes, Scott saw I got mine. And yes, we took another picture :) Then more pictures of the four of us at the finish line . . . I love taking pictures :)

As we were leaving, we stopped by a food booth and got a donut and sugar cookie . . . a pink sugar cookie . . . I had it all over my face, but it was so good :) I also stopped and had my picture made with a group of cheerleaders . . . I just love cheerleaders . . . you know I was one  . . . a few years ago :) But what a way to end the day at the walk, with a group of cheerleaders, cheering me on, as we were leaving and as if they all knew about my surgery tomorrow!

We can never express our appreciation enough to the Townsend’s for their generous hospitality and making a dream of mine a reality. And yes, it is checked off my bucket list. But never, ever, did I imagine how life changing it would be. It was far more than I ever imagined, and this day will never be forgotten . . . the day before my bilateral mastectomy and reconstructive surgery at the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Chicago.

As I choked back tears, I just told Scott I am so thankful we chose the Cancer Treatment Center of America for our “pathway to recovery”. Had we not, today would not have happened nor would we have met the Townsend’s plus all of the other patients, several of them who have become our friends, and the incredible staff who we are putting our full trust and faith in tomorrow morning beginning at 5:30 a.m.