Getting Swept Away...

(At PitStop 2 on Day 1 - after walking across the I-90 Bridge)

The 2011 Susan G. Komen 3 Day was a hard one for me...from every single aspect.  Being the team captain - organizing fundraisers - ordering team gear...training (what is that?)...it was a lot.  Last April when I had found out that my cancer had spread to my Lymphnodes and that I was going to have to endure surgery and 12 treatments of chemotherapy - my hopes for a record making year for TEAM TRACY were dashed.  The monthly fundraisers I wanted to do, soon vanished - and the training schedule died along side of the fundraising.  Suddenly it was every man (or woman in this case) for themself.  My disappointment mounted - before I even had a chance to realize what was happening around me.  Amazing how your teammates step up when the going gets tough!  I want to thank (emphatically) - my team for their unwavering determination to make sure they raised money and they got to that starting line last Friday. You all took the spirit of the 3 Day and ran with it - helping eachother raise funds, donating extra money to eachother and helping others out every step of the way.  And this was all before we even took our first step of 60 miles together!  You are an inspiring team!  I am so lucky to have you all surrounding me!

Another reason this year was a tough one was simply the physical condition I was in at the point we walked.  My body, although not frail by any means, has been through a lot this summer.  My doctors and nurses were skeptical of my presence at this years walk.  I told them in June - there was no question I would be there.  At that point I had no idea if I would be in a wheelchair or if I would be able to actually walk.  But I would be there!  I managed to make it through the summer without catching any colds or getting sick (besides the side effects from chemo) - and  -well, I proved them all wrong and I was there - on my own two feet.  And I even managed to walk about 5-6 miles a day. I slept in a tent - and I got to do everything everyone else gets to do at the 3 Day Camp.  It was "to date" the biggest accomplishment of my life!

There were a lot of people that made sure that I was going to make it through these 60 miles.  Whether it be on foot - or by 4 wheels - and that was the AMAZING Sweep Crew that worked the route all 3 Days.  I can honestly say - that without them - and the special care they gave me, this 3 Day would not have been possible for me.  At every turn, every mile, they made sure I was okay.  They yelled my name out the windows of the sweep vans and would ask if I was okay.  If I didn't immediately give them a thumbs up - the van would come to a stop - and they would have me assess how I was feeling and what my plan and goals were for the day.  They were going to make sure my goals were met - no matter what that took - to the point that they would drive me within a block of a cheering station - so I could see friends and family - and then they would wait for me on the other side to pick me back up.  Their Sweep Crew Captain, Siri, gave me her personal cell number - and she gave me maps of the route, so I knew exactly where we were headed - and so I had an idea of parts of the route that wouldn't be accessible to sweep vans or medics.  It was heartwarming the care and special attention I was given.

(the 2011 Seattle Sweep Crew - Amazing Ladies)

On day 3, after walking about 5 miles in the morning - I decided to walk the last 2 miles with my team into Holding.  I was able to make it those 2 miles and I walked into the sea of supporters cheering us on.  I had made it - I had accomplished my goal!  Skeptics and nay-sayers be damned!  I always tell folks....all you have to do is tell me I can't do something - and then you better sit back and watch me do it! The Sweep crew was all there cheering me on and giving high fives!  What a moment!  Worried I wouldn't see any of the sweep crew again after closing ceremonies - I sent Siri a text telling her to share my love and gratitude to each of her crew members.   

(walking in with the Survivors)

Walking into Closing Ceremonies is always a little tough for me.  Being the only Survivor on my team, they all walk in before me - and then I walk in with the survivors.  As much of a proud moment as that is - I always kind of wish I had a friend to hold on to...to put my arm around when emotion gets the best of us.  But this year - I walked in with the Survivors...and just happened to be standing in front of the entire Sweep Crew in the Crew section.  What are the chances?  It was awesome...the very group that got me there - were now supporting me.  At one point when I was taking in the ceremony and tears were rolling down my face...I felt a hand on my shoulder.  I was exhausted and emotional - grateful and proud - sad for those who weren't there with us - but very aware that I still was.  I realized that hand came from my friend Siri - who had bent over backwards to make this weekend happen for me.  How very fitting it would be to have this friend support me, with her entire crew behind her - up until the time the flag was raised for the last time and the 3 Day was over.  This is just one reason I love the 3 Day community - and everything we work towards as a group. It is the 3 Day motto that "Everyone Deserves A Lifetime".  I believe that everyone deserves to feel this kind of love - and until you do - you aren't truly living.  My tank of love and gratitude was filled up this weekend - and I will be running on my 3 Day high for quite sometime.

   
THANK YOU SIRI AND THE 2011 SEATTLE 3-DAY SWEEP CREW!!!!