3 Day Walk for a Cure - Day 1

This was a triple treat for Team Hope Chest.  Rebecca and I have walked the 3-Day for three years now.  Our team was only the two of us this year, but that didn't stop us!  It was November 2-4 this year.... a little chilly in the mornings, but beautiful days.  It actually got a little hot on us this year during the days.

I found a high school buddy, Julia, that was walking this year!  

Mom is Team Hope Chest's team mom!!  She comes to opening ceremonies each year to show her support.  She is our biggest cheerleader along the route.

  

The opening ceremony is always an emotional moment.  Survivors are brought on stage along with loved ones and carry the flags of the reasons we all walk.

Update: my sweet friend Devin and her mom were flag carriers during our first walk.  They didn't participate the last two years, because Devin's mom's cancer returned.  Devin's mom passed away June 9.  She fought a hard battle and never gave up!

 

 

 

They move into a survivors circle that surrounds a flag with a list of people who are no longer here to walk with us. It is a moving reminder of how many people are affected by cancer and an inspirational moment that makes you want to fight every year to find a cure.

 

As the sun rises, we head out to begin our walk. Each day we walk approximately 20 miles.

 

There are many cheerleaders on the route to cheer us on!  We love walking by the elementary school and seeing the kiddos show their support.  

The sites and costumes you see along the way are such great entertainment!

Constant reminder......

Kristi is a great supporter too!  She meets up with mom along the route to give us support!

Lunch time!!!  We love lunch time.  We take off our shoes for a bit, change our socks, fill our bellies and head back out.

Rebecca and I have make great memories on our 3 day walks.  

 

This sign greets us at the finish line for the day!

 

 

Day 1...20 miles....we made it and are still smiling!!

 

 

As we get to camp on the first day, we set up our tent, have dinner and then hit the showers.  After that, we relax a little bit and then are happy to meet the 9:00 curfew, lights out time! There was a chance of rain so we didn't want to take a chance on getting wet.  We girls can handle a tarp and bungee cords!