a lump in my throat

Today I registered Team Sweet Potatas for its 4th year of participation in the 30th Race for The Cure. Wow! The Race is 30 years old. My team is 4 years old. Where does time go? I walked this Race for years before I became a Survivor. I always walked it with a lump in my throat. Honestly, the whole thing unnerved me. I couldn't imagine what it would be like to be a Survivor.

Suddenly, after many years of wondering what it would be like to be a Survivor, I got my answer. I became  One. That first year (as a Survivor), I didn't really know what to expect. As always, I was filled with emotion. I was surrounded by friends & family who participated just for me. They wore my  name on their back (Wife, Mom, friend…).  These were the people who not only walked with me on that special day. These were the people who walked with me figuratively, held my hand, wiped my tears, cried for me.

The love & kindness shown me by my loved ones (family & friends) has always overwhelmed me. It was months before I could say 3 little words (even to myself), "I have cancer." What began as Stage 2 ended up Stage 3. What began as chemo & a lumpectomy with radiation turned into chemo, a double mastectomy, & radiation. What immediately changed my life in the blink of an eye, has continued to effect every thread of my being.

I can say, "I had cancer." I can say I am the better for it. Yes… it still causes me anxiety. I have an upcoming appointment with my oncologist in less than 2 weeks. My chemo has caused a neurological condition I already had to progress. My relationships have changed. I have lost dear friends to this dreadful disease. I suffer with my friends who suffer. I never take a moment for granted (not even a bad one). When I hear of a young mother being diagnosed, I cry inside.

This year I will race vicariously through my fellow Survivors. My boy, Eddie (he is like a son to me) will be graduating from college on the morning of The Race; I need to witness his special day. I am so proud of him! So… I am raising the bar. I hope to raise $10,000. I live because of the research of Susan G. Komen. Team Sweet Potatas races for future Survivors, for young mamas recently diagnosed, for dear friends lost in the battle, & for those who continue to "Fight like a Girl". Please support Team Sweet Potatas as I will be present in Spirit.

If you register for Team Sweet Potatas, you will receive a t shirt, & your registration fee will go toward my cause which is truly what is important. If you just make a donation to Team Sweet Potatas, it will go toward helping me reach my lofty goal. Either way, I would be honored to have you as a part of my team. Either way, the research will continue, & who knows whose life you will impact? Only God.