Thanks Susie W. And Mary V. for your donations!

Thanks BAR-C Sand, Inc for your donation!

Thanks Mark W. and The Bicycle Wheel for your donation!

Thanks Monique I. for your donation!

RIBBONS for the cure

During the 3-Day, I will be wearing a backpack stocked with all the essentials (camera, extra socks, bandaids, water, snacks).  This year I will be tying ribbons on my backpack with names of those near and dear to us who have been affected by cancer.  I am not limiting this just to breast cancer - all cancers are terrible and I hope and pray for a cure for them all.  Even though the Susan G. Komen 3-Day is focused around breast cancer, I believe any steps toward a cure for one type of cancer can be beneficial to others. 

I am honored to have the opportunity to walk 60 miles in 3 days for these people.  Please share in the comments section below your loved one's name and, if you would like, their story. 

I will wear these names on my backpack and carry them in my heart during each step of my 60 mile journey and far beyond.

If you would like to make a donation, please click here.  Ashley's 3-Day Fundraising Page

Thanks Jaime M. for your donation!!!

Thanks Rich H. for your donation! With every dollar donated, we're getting closer to a cure!

3 MORE DAYS for the cure

I'm at it again! I'm participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure again this fall. I signed up for another year not because I had an amazing experience last year (I did!), not because I love to wear pink (I do!), not for the health benefits of exercise (walking is very good for you), not for the incredible stories (oh, the stories!) , and not for the funny pictures (guaranteed laughs). I'm participating because we still DO NOT have a cure for breast cancer. 1 out of 8 women will still be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. We are not finished yet.

We must work together and continuing working until that cure is found.

It's been two years since my Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and this disease invaded my life and my family. It made me crazy with anger, crazy with questions and crazy with sadness. Now here we are two years later. Two years later and I'll still crazy. Sometimes with anger, often with questions and at times with sadness but most of I'm crazy... crazy for the cure!

If you would like to make a donation toward my 3-Day journey, I would greatly appreciate it. You can follow this link: MAKE A DONATION!

MARGARITAS for the cure

I recently went with a friend to the hospital for a follow-up mammogram. I was there for moral support. Mammograms aren't known for being high on the list of "really fun stuff to do." It can be scary, painful, stressful, expensive, etc. However, mammograms are very important in helping detect breast cancer in early stages so women need to be getting them. I'm not at the age (yet) to have mammograms so I can't just "lead by example". Prior to my friend's appointment, I was brainstorming how to make mammograms more appealing. Well, appealing might not be the right word but atleast help make mammograms something women won't put off for weeks or months or years at a time. What can I do to help the women in my life remember and follow through with mammograms?

My solution: mammograms and margaritas! I offered to go with my friend for celebratory margaritas after her mammogram. It was a wonderful way to end the day! I now open this offer to all the women in my life. I will happily go with you for your mammogram appointment, followed by margaritas. And don't worry, when it comes time for me to start having mammograms, I want all you there to celebrate with me!

Jimmy Buffet may be looking for his salt shaker but I've got mine ready!

BUSY for the cure

I have been busy for the cure but totally slacking on the blog!  I'm working on getting posts up that should have gone up months ago so please check back soon. 

I've been using my "old computer" since last fall and anyone who knows about my old computer would totally understand.  It doesn't have a working battery, fan, or USB port.  It is propped up on a sharpie marker to keep it from overheating.  If you close the computer, it refuses to recognize the operating system for several days and most of the keys are missing their specific letter or symbol decal.  This dear, sweet, old computer has been with me since I started my first day of college so it's been very loyal, however, it's functioning is now very limited. 

With that being said, I now have my "new computer" up and going so posting can happen once again!

DAVE for the cure

MILE 51 - Sponsored by Dave Johnson

Mile 51 is sponsored by Dave Johnson. With the Virginia Tech football season just around the corner, Sassy and I are excited to have Dave around Blacksburg more often. This picture was taken during the 2008 football season and that's Sassy kissing Dave at her very first tailgate. She LOVES her Hokies! Thanks for your support Dave(in my 3-Day endeavor and all the other directions I go)!

Although today wasn't a traditional training day, I still got quite a workout. I volunteered at Hokie Hi! with Phi Sigma Pi. Hokie Hi! is a program designed to help welcome new students to Virginia Tech. Today we were helping these incoming freshman move into their new residence halls. Oh the memories it brought back! I saw frantic mothers, aggrevated fathers, and overwhelmed students. I also met some very thankful future Hokies and families as we approached them at their over-stuffed vehicles and offered to help move everything into their dorm. I carried every variety of fan imaginable, cases of ramen noodles (which I still have never tried!), pillows, blankets, computers, tvs (one dad was carrying in a brand new 46" flat screen tv - good grief!!!), mini-refrigerators, and storage containers of every shape, size and color.

One of the other Hokie Hi! volunteers I was working with and I were chatting and my 3-Day walk came up. It turns out her aunt participated in the Philadelphia 3-Day a year or two ago. Even through there are less than 15 3-Day events in the country each year, these events have the potential (and are) making such a huge impact. Not only are these events raising money used for breast cancer research through Susan G. Komen but events like this raise awareness of breast cancer and educate people about this disease which is so extremely important. I am blessed to have the opportunity to play a role, however small, in the battle against breast cancer.

UPDATE for the Cure:

Total Training Miles: 146

Total Sponsored Miles: 50 out of 60

10 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!

WADE'S for the cure

MILE 52 - Sponsored by Jimmy, Michele, Gus and Jesse Wade

Mile 52 is sponsored by the Wade family. Last year these dedicated Hokie fans traveled to Blacksburg for the Virginia Tech versus Miami football game. This game was not just a little rainy, it was the hardest rain I've ever experienced in my life - for most of the game I could not even see the players and I was seated in the stadium just a few rows off the field! Although everyone was wearing raincoats, ponchos, hats, boots, etc. no one had a dry spot on them. My jeans were so wet and heavy after the game, I practically had to drag my legs home. Luckily, the good Lord was watching over all those loyal (or crazy) Hokies and let us win the game. So even though we all went home soggy, we were WINNERS!

After the game, Dave and I caught up with Jimmy, Michele, Gus and Jesse and they got to meet my sweet little Sassy. (We all know that is the highlight of everyone's visit to Blacksburg!)

UPDATE for the Cure:
Total Training Miles: 145
Total Sponsored Miles: 50 out of 60
10 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!

ROBYN for the cure

MILE 53 - Sponsored by Robyn Raines

Mile 53 is sponsored by my sister, Robyn Raines. I was so thankful to have my sister during Mom's diagnosis and treatment. We worked together to get Mom to appointments with doctors all over southwest Virginia (sometimes having multiple appointments in multiple cities in the same day), did endless research about breast cancer to try to answer each other's questions, and even revived each other when reality got to be so overwhelming it made us light headed. The past year was not easy but thankfully I had a great sister by my side.

Today was a wonderful training day. I started with 4 miles on the Huckleberry Trail this morning, then after the rain stopped this evening Sassy and I walked 2 miles together and finally I headed over to the Rec. Center for another 4 miles on the track. 10 miles all together!!! This is the furthest I've walked in one day and it was tough. I can't believe I'm going to be doing double that... for three days in a row. Only 53 more days, October 8th seems awfully close now...

UPDATE for the Cure:

Total Training Miles: 145

Total Sponsored Miles: 50 out of 60

10 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!

DAVE for the cure

MILE 54 - Sponsored by Dave Johnson

Mile 54 is sponsored by Dave Johnson. Since Dave has been bitten by the running bug, his new favorite place to go is the running store. He is a connoisseur of all things running gear. Have a question about shoes, water bottles, nutritional supplements, socks, fabric choices (need I go on?) he can answer it for you and probably owns a variety of the product for you to try out.

As my 3-Day experience gets closer, I need to start getting my event gear together. They recommend buying any new items well in advance so you can get it broken in long before you get to Washington, D.C.

The sneakers I have been doing most of my training in are my fabulous HOT PINK New Balance 760. They are part of the New Balance Lace Up for the Cure collection and a portion of the proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen. I will admit I bought them for the color rather the qualities most athletes look for in a pair of shoes but I like them and they're doing their job. However, I need a second pair broken in for the 3-Day so I've been doing lots of sneaker research this evening.

I've also been looking into different backpacks to carry during the event. I think I've decided to carry a camelpak (the backpack with a built-in water bottle or "bladder") because carrying a water bottle all day long for 3 days in a row will probably get a little old.

I'm sure by the time October 8th gets here I'll have all my gear figured out. Hopefully I won't over-do-it with the gear and weigh myself down for the walk - perhaps a little red wagon to pull along behind me would be a good idea!

UPDATE for the Cure:
Total Training Miles: 135
Total Sponsored Miles: 50 out of 60
10 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!

TIM for the cure

MILE 55 - Sponsored by Tim Holt

Mile 55 is sponsored by my cousin Tim Holt. Tim is my second cousin (as best as I understand kinship terminology.) He is the grandson of my Poppaw's brother Frank. Tim and his siblings grew up in California but they visited Cedar Bluff often while my great-grandmother was living and had many adventures with my mom "on the branch." Although I have only met Tim in person a couple times during my life, I've heard many of my mom's stories and now through the wonder of technology (i.e. Facebook) I'm getting the chance to connect, or re-connect, with my cousins from near and far.

The incredible support Mom, as well as my dad, sister and I, received from family and friends during her treatment was what helped us all get through it. Now to see that support is continuing as I move on to a different battle in the breast cancer war - I cannot even express the gratitude I am feeling.

UPDATE for the Cure:

Total Training Miles: 135

Total Sponsored Miles: 50 out of 60

10 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!

WADE'S for the cure

MILE 56 - Sponsored by Jimmy, Michele, Gus and Jesse Wade

Message from the Wade's: "Congratulations on such an undertaking. Good luck."

Mile 56 is sponsored by my cousins (and fellow Hokies) Jimmy, Michele, Gus and Jesse Wade. I have some funny memories of Jimmy and Michele when they were dating and first married, which I find hard to believe was 15+ years ago. I have to thank my cousin Jimmy for two of my favorite movies. Jimmy introduced my sister and I to the movies Caddyshack and Farris Bueller's Day Off. But the funny part was we could only watch them on the condition that we did NOT let his dad, my uncle Bill, catch us watching them. (Hope it's ok that he know this now... just in case he or my aunt read this)

Since my Wade cousins were very generous and sponsored multiple miles of my journey, you'll have to check back for future posts to find out my other favorite memories.

My apologies to Jimmy, Michele, Gus and Jesse for the picture I have used. It was the only digital one I could find quickly this evening. I promise to have better pictures of you all for future posts. However, any and all blame for me having this picture should be directed toward our cousin Mallory Dovey, for she posted this picture on facebook after visiting you all last summer. :-)

UPDATE for the Cure:
Total Training Miles: 128
Total Sponsored Miles: 48 out of 60
12 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!

ALICE AND SUSAN for the cure

MILE 57 - Sponsored by Alice and Susan Ledford

Message from Alice and Susan: "You Go Girl!"

Mile 57 is sponsored by Alice and Susan Ledford of Accounting by Alice. Alice and Susan are some of my very best friends in Blacksburg. We have known each other for about 5 years now and they have not been dull or boring years of our lives - that's for sure! Alice and Susan also have two sweet boys, Elmo and Simon, who are Sassy's two favorite boyfriends. :-)

When Alice and Susan first heard I signed up for the 3-Day you could tell how well they really do know me. They were certain their friend Ashley had been kidnapped and replaced by some mile walkin', money raisin', sneaker wearin' crazy person! (I have also had this same thought a number of times during my training.)

It has been wonderful to have great friends who are there for me whether life is currently good, bad or ugly. I really appreciate Alice and Susan's friendship over the years and their sponsorship of mile 57.

UPDATE for the Cure:

Total Training Miles: 126

Total Sponsored Miles: 48 out of 60

12 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!

PETE for the cure

MILE 58 - Sponsored by Pete Gingrich
Message from Pete: "Thanks for doing this. I'm convinced we will find a cure in our lifetime because of efforts like yours. Good luck reaching your goal and hope you enjoy the event! Also, I hope your Mom is doing well."

Mile 58 is sponsored by Mr. Pete Gingrich. Pete and I are both members of Phi Sigma Pi at Virginia Tech. Phi Sigma Pi is a national co-ed honor fraternity based on a tripod of scholarship, leadership and fellowship. Pete does a great job of demonstrating all three legs of this tripod. Each year Phi Sigma Pi has one (or two) teams in the Virginia Tech Relay for Life and Pete has donated to every single member of the team for YEARS.

In order to find a cure for cancer, we have to be dedicated to the cause and Pete is such a wonderful example of this dedication. I'm thrilled to have his support in my 3-Day journey.

UPDATE for the cure:
Total Training Miles: 126
Total Sponsored Miles: 47 out of 60
13 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!

DAVE for the cure

MILE 59 - Sponsored by Dave Johnson

Message from Dave: "Good luck darlin! You can do it :-) Ill be rooting you on! "

Mile 59 is sponsored by the very generous Mr. David Johnson. He has been keeping me encouraged during training and giving me lots of good tips. The funniest tip he has given me lately is to plan my bathroom stops ahead of time (interesting where his priorities seem to be!)

Sadly, Dave won't be able to meet me at the finish line because as I am completing these 60 miles on Sunday, October 10th he will be running 26.2 miles in the Chicago Marathon! I wonder who will have bigger blisters... guess we'll have to wait and see.

UPDATE for the cure:

Total Training Miles: 126

Total Sponsored Miles: 47 out of 60

13 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!

COUNTDOWN for the cure

Today marks exactly 60 days until I take on the challenge of my lifetime at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in Washington D.C.

Each day (between now and October 8th - the start of the event) will be dedicated to a mile of my journey. During this time I will be highlighting all those generous sponsors who are helping me reach my goal of raising $3,000 ($50 per mile) to help end breast cancer. Currently I have 31 miles of my journey sponsored so I invite you to please consider sponsoring one of the available 29 miles. I hope to have all 60 miles sponsored by September 1st and that will only be possible with your help!

So today, August 9th is dedicated to Mile 60...

MILE 60 - In honor of Carol Raines
I have personally sponsored mile 60 in honor of my mom, Carol, who was diagnosed one year ago with breast cancer. I hope to show even a fraction of the strength and determination during this 60 mile walk that my mom showed during her battle with breast cancer. During the months of chemo, surgery and radiation my mom would not let this disease that interrupts the lives of 1 out of every 8 women consume her life. My mom is one of the toughest women I have ever known and breast cancer could not change that fact - it only made her stronger!


UPDATE for the cure:
Total Training Miles: 126
Total Sponsored Miles: 31 out of 60
29 miles still available - please sponsor one by clicking here!