It was a dark and stormy night …. no, actually, it was a bitterly cold and rainy morning when Judy and about 4,300 others (Other Walkers) suited up for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for the Cure marathon. Jim and I were dressed in our thin, Texas-weather clothes, and we were about to freeze. In fact, it was so cold that we started feeling the initial effects of hypothermia, so had to retreat to the car before the walkers actually started. But we hung out there long enough to get a couple of pictures (Dad_and_Me, Mom_and_Me) with Judy at the Opening Ceremony (OC1,2,3,4). Despite the weather, which eventually cleared, there were loads of people cheering them on (Cheering 1,2,3), including a canine enthusiast (Dog).

The event was very colorful. There were theme banners (People_With_Banner); and, walkers traded inspirational signs from time to time (Judy_Carying_Sign) , and the crossing guards provided a great deal of merriment (Crossing 1 & 2). Meals (Lunch, day 3) and campsites (Camp Site; Decorated Tent; Judy’s Tent) were provided by the event coordinators, as well as pit-stops and medical care areas (Pit Stop 1 & 2). Vans cruised the walkers to pick up those needing assistance, which, unfortunately, included Judy. She walked 12 of the 20 miles on the last day, but the arch in her right foot collapsed, and she was unable to finish the walk. A van took her to the Closing Ceremony site (Closing_Ceremony 1-6), and, after the exciting and heartwarming Victory Walk (Victory_Walk 1,2), we took her to the hospital for x-rays and wraps. She was hobbling around for some days afterwards, but nothing had daunted her spirit or enthusiasm.

We want to thank you all for your love and support, for making your very generous contributions to this worthy cause, and for helping Judy participate in a joyous event that she will carry with her all her life. She hopes to participate in other 3-Day walks in years to come. The memories of this first one will always be an inspiration.