A DAY CAN BE TRANSFORMED BY THE BEAUTY OF A GOODHEARTED GESTURE
"The Phone Call" Its Thursday night 8pm, I am double checking my pack out for the 3day walk beginning tomorrow morning. I’ve just gotten back from dinner that consisted of more pasta than I will eat in a month. It is a new tradition some of us started, getting together for a dinner the night before we embark on our journey. We reminisce of walks gone by and honor those who are no longer with us by toasting them. Making a solemn vow to continue on until this disease, this horrid disease known as breast cancer is gone from our planet. It started as a way to get to know some of the walkers and crew before the event gets under way. What it has become is one of my personal treasures that I keep hidden in my heart, one of the treasures I’ve received from the family known as the 3day. It is a treasure that all 3day participants have inside of themselves; it is a way of life. I am anxious to get there to see old friends I’ve made over the years and just as anxious and excited to make new friends. I was told my life would be different from now on, and it is, it is in a positive way. Now where is my mole skin? Oh there it is right next to my blister kit. Lip balm, hand sanitizer, band aids; extra pair of socks…yea everything is here. One final check of clothing and it’s off to bed. My camera, where is my camera! I can’t go without my camera. That was close to a major mistake, I have to document my memories, now I can go to bed and try and sleep. That is easier said than done, it’s like the night before a big birthday; 16 or 21 and no matter what you try you know you’re not going to fall asleep easily. I lay there trying to clear my head, not working, I try and read and watch some bad television oh man nothing is working. I am going to be exhausted by lunch tomorrow, oh come on go to sleep! My phones ringing, who would be calling me the night before the walk? Everyone I know is aware of what I’m doing tomorrow; how could someone be this inconsiderate? I was almost asleep, what could be so important? I’ll never be able to fall asleep now. Hello, who is this? Why are you calling me this late? Don’t you know where I must be tomorrow? I’m on mission; I have important work to do! There are more than 3,000 of us; we are walking 60 miles to put an end to breast cancer. We’ve raised millions of dollars to help put an end to breast cancer once and for all. We’ve been training for months, mile after mile getting ready for this weekend. We are young and old, black, white, brown, short and tall heavy and thin we have a job to complete! Why would you call me at this hour? What were you thinking, you must not be thinking. This better be important! Walker; comes the happy voice I’m sorry I woke you but I’ve got some great news. We’ve done it, all of us, the scientist, the doctors, the nurses all of the donors the volunteers. All of the hours of research have finally paid off. Walker it’s over, they found it, the cure Walker they found the cure! Did you hear me? They’ve done it! You can sleep in tomorrow, we all can, job well done! The tears flow, the words just won’t come, what a joyous moment. I am quickly reminded of why I started to walk, my aunt, my cousin, my wife’s grand mom and my father in laws sister. Over the years all of those brave women and men I met who were survivors. The one’s I met who finally succumbed, their faces permanently etched in my mind and on my heart. Most of the names I can’t remember, but I remember their story and I remember their courage. They were strong until it was time to move on…… What’s that noise? No don’t tell me; not my alarm clock? “Honey it’s time to get up, I’ve made you breakfast and a cup of coffee” It can’t be a dream. “It’s a little chilly out this morning, make sure you dress in layers” This can’t be happening, was it really just a dream? “I’ve started the car to warm it up, are you getting ready?” No this can’t be happening. “Remember I have to catch the 6am train after I’ve dropped you off” It was only a dream, just a dream. Only a glimpse of what it will be like. I shower, get dressed and finally lace up my sneakers. I feel a new sense of urgency, “We walk because we must, Because everyone deserves a life time, Early detection is the best protection” All of the slogans I’ve heard are flooding my mind; the tears are already welling up. “Here is our promise; a world without breast cancer” It rings in my head and my heart and never sounded any more true to me. So we walk on and raise money and awareness and wait for the phone call. The phone call that will tell us the pain is over.
By Joe Bainbridge
DO SOMETHING WONDERFUL, PEOPLE MAY IMITATE YOU.
ALBERT SCHWEITZER
This page was last updated: January 9, 2011
Go to the About Us tab and look for the keepjoewalking coupon for your next portrait. Print it out hand it in and I will get 10% of the cost for my 3Day account. Portraits by Melanie M. Michelle
Photography
www.mmpstudio.com
located in Skippack, Pa
4013 Skippack Ave.
610-584-3330
Friends of "Keep Joe Walking" please patronize the following businesses that are helping in the fight against breast cancer.
"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, it's at the end of your arm. As you get older, remember you have another hand: the first is to help yourself, the second is to help others."
-- Audrey Hepburn .
This type of breast cancer can not only spread to surrounding breast tissue, but beyond that to other parts of the body. According to the Mayo Clinic, invasive ductal carcinoma accounts for about 70 percent of all breast cancers. The cancer cells, which form in the lining of milk ducts may remain localized or spread. Invasive lobular carcinoma is less common, but is similar to IDC. However, ILC can spread to more distant areas of the body.
This type of cancer remains where it started and does not spread to the surrounding breast tissue. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common form of in situ breast cancer is ductal carcinoma. In these cases, the abnormal cells in the milk ducts have not yet spread, and with appropriate treatment, the patient an excellent prognosis.
Women The ACS estimates that there were about 178,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer in women in 2007, and 62,030 in situ diagnoses. There were about 40,460 estimated deaths. Only lung cancer accounts for more cancer deaths in women, according to the ACS.
The good news is that fewer women have been dying from breast cancer since 1990. The rate decreased by 2.2 percent annually between 1990 and 2004, according to the ACS. The drop was even bigger in younger women, falling by 3.3 percent a year for those 50 and below, and 2 percent for those ages 50 and above.
Men
Though breast cancer in men accounts for about 1 percent of breast cancer cases, or about 2,030 diagnoses in 2007, in the United States, according to the ACS, the incidence rate increased between 1975 and 2004. Men are also more likely to be diagnosed with late-stage cancers and thus have poorer survival rates. However, the ACS reports that death rates of male patients have remained fairly constant since 1975, hovering around 0.3 deaths per 100,000 cases. An estimated 450 died from the disease in 2007.
Reducing the risk
Maintain a healthy weight. The risk of post-menopausal breast cancer increases with obesity. According to the Mayo Clinic, excess fatty tissue circulates estrogen, a hormone that plays a part in breast cancer risk.
Exercise regularly. Being physically active can help keep your weight in check. The ACS reports that most studies find a reduced risk in women who exercise vigorously for 45 to 60 minutes a day, five days or more a week.Drink alcohol in moderation. Women should have no more than one drink a day.
Eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day.
Have your breast cancer risk assessed. Talk to your doctor about taking tamoxifen if you’re considered at high risk.
Find a purpose and your passion will follow.
Mac Anderson
You've been walking in circles, searching. Don't drink by the waters edge. Throw yourself in. Become the water. Only then will your thirst end.
Jeanette Berson
You must be the change you wish to see in the world. Mahatma Gandhi
A coward gets scared and quits. A hero gets scared, but still goes on. - Anonymous
To dare is to lose one's footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself. - Soren Kierkegaard
Choose the way of life. Choose the way of love. Choose the way of caring...Choose the way of goodness. It's up to you. It's your choice. - Leo Buscaglia
Courage faces fear and thereby masters it - Martin Luther King, Jr.
I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. - Edward Everett Hale
Well done is better than well said. - Benjamin Franklin
"Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they're supposed to help you discover who you are."
-- Bernice Johnson Reagon
"How long should you try? Until."
-- Jim Rohn
"Ability is what you're capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do It." -- Raymond Chandler
Take a moment to listen too; "The 12 Drinks of Christmas" from our last show of 2010. All proceeds went to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia.
Courage does not always roar. Sometimes it is a quiet voice at the end of the day, saying…"I will try again tomorrow." ~Mary Anne Radmacher
"I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying."
-- Michael Jordan
Don't forget to support my funny friend Chris Morris, hysterical!
6 years later and still walking, raising awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer. In that time I have witnessed many new processes in the fight against breast cancer. We are seeing progress! Unfortunately people are still losing the fight to this horrid disease. In 2010 I started branching out and participating in not only the 3day and ovarian cancer walks but now pancreatic cancer. Our last fund raiser this year was dedicated to the children in Children's Hospital another worthy cause. There will be more changes this year and fund raising will not be geared at only Susan G Komen. This year will be a year to reach out to the many others who are in need of help. One in particular will be specific to my old home town and all money will go to assisting locals. This is going to be an exciting year and as changes are made I will keep you all posted with the new direction.
God Bless you all and have a Merry Christmas.
Please take a moment to review my friend Frannie's new commercial for Survivor Symbol.
