One Year Later...

Year ONE at Tony's Dog House

One year ago, I met some incredible people at Tony's Dog House.  I got a chance to know them and they shared some of their stories with me.  As much as I touched them by having the goal to walk in two Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure walks, they touched me with their spirits.  Now, fast forward a year later.  Two walks completed and plenty of holidays come and gone.  Back to Tony's we go, for the Tony's going PINK for the Cure event year two.  As you can see below two of our members that were going through treatment last year, came back this year stronger and with locks that are just a year old.  It was great to see everyone that came out to support the event, but what touched my heart was to see all of the survivors still moving forward.  

Year TWO, Everyone coming back to Celebrate!

16 Days away from the walk in Clevland, and the momentum and excitement is only growing here!  So, from now till the event it is all about making sure that I am all ready to go!  Thank you for taking the time to make it to Tony's Douse.  If you weren't able to make it this year for what ever reason.  Don't worry, we will be back at it again next year & will save you a spot at the table.  

My Table Set Up Inside the Event

The Sign, Set up out Front

Save the Best for Last...

We are going PINK for the second year in a row at Tony's Dog House in the Ashtabula Harbor tomorrow from 11-7!  Tony is graciously donating 15% of every check towards my participation in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure events! At the event we will sell the Alpha-Pink-Omega T-Shirts & Angel of Grace Bracelets, as well as tickets for a Raffle.  I will have my Jugg Hugger with me so you can see what all the excitement is about!  I can even demo it's uses if you would like!  Roger McCoy will be calling in from 98.3 "The Bull" Radio Station to get a live update to see how the event is going.  Who knows what other exciting things will happen!  Hope you will come down & show your support at Tony's as he Goes PINK for the 2nd Year!  This will be my last fundraising event before I participate in the Cleveland event that is taking place in 17 Days!  Come out & get your PINK ON!

Can't always be...

Cord & Betheny

a cheerleader.  With that being said, I do have control over what I say or do.  I hope that when you come here you find the blog to be fun, interesting and can even take something away from it to maybe share with another.   I have been agonizing over my post all day trying to write about something other than this, but I have been consumed.  So I hope you will forgive me but today was a difficult day.  Nearly five months ago a friend of mine ( Cord ) was murdered along with his girlfriend.  Even now, I still have a hard time grasping what exactly happened and why.  I don't think I will ever forget his smile, the way he would light up a room by just being himself along with his kind and gentile manor.  I know what I have read in the paper, been told & have heard in the news, but to me it just doesn't add up.  The unkindest cut of all is that the person who killed Cord & Betheny was a friend of Cord's family.  I have agonized over this for months as have their respective families and friends.  Throughout this whole ordeal the families have been so loving and supportive of each other.  Today instead of setting a trial date, the sentencing was handed down.  Last night I stayed up trying to find the right words to have the judge read before he handed down his sentencing.  I have to admit that it was not the outcome that I had hoped for, but at least now the families can try to start the healing process.  There are no words that can fill the void that is and will forever be.  If you ever get a chance to just listen to everyone that knew Cord and Betheny you just know that in their short lives they lived more than some people do who live to reach their "Golden years".  Sending up healing prayers for the Families and Friends of Cord & Betheny.  They will never be forgotten , they live on in our Hearts & Sweet Memories.

                                                              XoXo

Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure ~ A Look at the Time Line.

For those of you that have never been to, or participated in a Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure here is a time line of the events for Cleveland 2011.   It will be kicking off in just 19 Days!  The excitement is starting to build!   It is a time of Great Celebration and Bitter Sweet Remembrances.  As we Boldly walk 60 Miles.  Some do it to say that they are now able to and can.  Others walk for those that are unable to, and many walk carrying the voice of those that have gone before us.  Our Pink Warriors that fought their battle with every breath they took.  They will never be forgotten.   With each step we take we remember their love, life and the moments that we shared together.  For three days we walk to show the world that we will not give up, we will walk until there is no longer a need for us to lace up our sneakers.   

Opening Ceremony:

The 3-Day for the Cure begins early Friday morning with the Opening Ceremony. When you arrive, take a moment to write the names of the people in your life who have lost their lives to breast cancer on the white ribbons we will provide. Those ribbons will be used to create a special memorial flag that will be raised during the ceremony.

This celebration is not just for participants. Friends and family are highly encouraged to attend, though please note that seating will not be available, so if you are unable to stand for 30-60 minutes, you may want to bring a folding chair. Please allow extra travel time due to expected traffic congestion at the site.

After the Opening Ceremony is over, participants will begin walking the 60-mile route and start a journey of a lifetime. It will be even more special if you are there to help send them off with smiles and encouragement.

Friday, July 29
Port Authority Lot
237 Erieside Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44114

Schedule for the Day:
4:00 a.m. - Crew members should arrive.
5:00 a.m. - 6:00 a.m. - Walkers should arrive.
6:30 a.m. - Opening Ceremony begins with community stretching.
Driving Directions to Spectator Parking:
Participant drop-off and spectator parking are is located at 1060 W. 3rd Street, on the west end of the Cleveland Browns Stadium.

Cheering Stations:
Public cheering stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage walkers and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces cheering them on can provide that extra burst of energy that gets them to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and make some noise - anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking.

Friday, July 29

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
 Lakewood Park
14532 Lake Avenue
Lakewood, OH 44107

11:15 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
Rockport Plaza
19799 Center Ridge Road
Rocky River, OH 44116

Saturday, July 30

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Rocky River Presbyterian Church
21750 Detroit Road
Rocky River, OH 44116

12:00 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Energizer
25225 Detroit Road (Park around back of building)
Westlake, OH 44145

Sunday, July 31

8:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
North Olmsted Park
28114 Lorain Road
North Olmsted, OH 44070

11:45 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Downtown Berea
Front Street between Center & Grand
Berea, OH 44017

On some portions of the route you may find areas that are deemed “quiet zones” which will be indicated by signage on the route. Please assist us in respecting our neighborhoods and communities during this time.

Camp:

Our campsite is meant to be a special place for your participants to relax, reflect and bond with the 3-Day community. To help us maintain a safe, secure and organized campsite for your loved ones, we ask that you respect our “no visitors” policy. Also, if you wish to call your walker or crew member on their cell phone, please do not call after 9:00 p.m. “lights out,” when camp is a quiet zone.

While at Home:

Capture the 3-Day in the news: While walkers are taking steps to end breast cancer, save any media coverage of the 3-Day. Aside from being a nice addition to your participant's 3-Day memorabilia, it will show her/his impact on the community.

Engage the kids in the cause: Since holding down the fort may include taking care of the kids, you can make this time meaningful by connecting them with the breast cancer cause.

• Have them create signs or decorations if they are able to go to a cheering station.
• Have them create a welcome home banner.
• Give them journals so they can write or draw what they’ve been doing for three days.
• Have them plan a welcome home meal or put together a care package with goodies, movies, comfy slippers, etc.
• Use this as an opportunity to talk to your kids about community, helping others and making a difference in the world.

Closing Ceremony:
After three days and 60 miles, participants will take a final and incredibly emotional victory walk into the Closing Ceremony. Friends, family and supporters should arrive at the Closing Ceremony site at least one hour early to get the best view of the program. We encourage you to carpool or take public transportation. Not only is it better for the planet, but it will help lessen traffic congestion for everyone.

All walkers and crew members should remain in the Participant Holding Area where they will receive a victory shirt, cheer on fellow walkers and crew members and celebrate one last time together before their dramatic victory walk. The Participant Holding Area is CLOSED to spectators. If you wish to meet with a participant before the Ceremony begins, please have them meet you at the Closing Ceremony site. All participants must return to the Holding Area no later than 4:00 p.m. in order to join the victory walk.

Don't forget to continue the spirit of kindness we'll be building on the 3-Day throughout and beyond the Closing Ceremony!

Sunday, July 31
4:30 p.m.
Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds
164 Eastland Road
Berea, OH 44017
Spectator Parking:
All traffic will enter the fairgrounds from Bagley Road, at the main fairgrounds entrance.

After the Event:
Your participant has participated in two emotional celebrations, a challenging 60-mile journey and a life-changing experience in just three days. Now, it’s time to go back home. Here are some tips on how to help your walker make a smooth transition back to their daily routine.

• Have a welcome home meal prepared and make it an evening of rest and relaxation.
• Encourage your participant to share the 3-Day experience.
• If you can’t attend the Closing Ceremony, be sure to ask how much money was raised!
• Unpack, clean and put away gear.
• Share the newspaper articles or news footage that you’ve collected over the weekend.
• The following day, give your participant a massage or schedule a day of pampering at a spa.
• In the days to come, help your participant write thank you notes.
• Print pictures and assemble a scrapbook.
• Help your participant plan a reunion party to keep in touch with other walkers.
• Get ready to do it all over again! Maybe you’ll be joining the 3-Day in 2012!

MultiCultural Festival in Ashtabula...

Well, today was a scorcher, but the people still came out and supported the event.  I was there from 9:30 am till the close at 9:00 pm.  It was really great to see every one coming out and showing their support. People showing pride for their nationality & learning about different cultures.  They had many different events going on as well as vendors.  I was stationary for the entire day, but I talked to many people and found out what they liked & their thoughts on the event.  All around, everyone I talked to had a wonderful time and thought that the event went over well.  ( Especially for there first time holding the event.)   The volunteers were great.  Constantly coming around sweeping up, handing out papers so you knew what was going on at what time & collecting the trash all with a smile!  All Four Seasons was right next to me.  They had delicious Pork Teriyaki Rice Bowls, ( they cooked the Pork on the Big Green Egg. )  Yummy!  I drank Plenty of water today as it was just blazing, got to show off my Jugg Hugger & all the things that you can do with them.  I really enjoyed the day, got to see lots of my friends that came by to show their support.  Fingers Crossed & Prayers up that this Wednesday everyone will come out and enjoy the day at Tony's Dog House.  If you were counting... 20 Days left till the walk in Cleveland!