So voting ended Friday night for the 136th Kentucky Oaks Breast Cancer Survivor Parade. As you all know, the 136 nominees receiving the most votes will be honored in a survivor parade at the Kentucky Oaks horse race in a few weeks.
Between 250 and 300 women and men were nominated and I am so amazed to report that when voting ended my Mom had THE MOST VOTES OF ALL THE NOMINEES!!!!! She was in the top spot with 462 votes - over 150 votes ahead of even the 2nd place nominee. It's official - everyone in Southwest Virginia and far beyond know about our Kentucky Oaks and Derby trip. Mom even had votes placed from Italy and Afghanistan!!!
This is a HUGE thank you to everyone who voted for Mom during the past two weeks! She was shocked to see the support and know she has so many people on her side. We will certainly be taking bunches of pictures during our trip and posting updates here so be sure to check it out.
PS. We haven't bought our hats yet... still looking for the perfect ones.
UPDATE for the cure:
Total Training Miles: 26
Total Sponsored Miles: 25 out of 60
SPONSOR A MILE OF MY 3-DAY JOURNEY HERE!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
VOTE for the cure
Ok folks – your help is needed! Voting has started for the Breast Cancer Survivor Parade at the 136th Kentucky Oaks. Almost 300 women and men have been nominated for this honor and only 136 will be selected so EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!
Please follow this link to vote for my mom, Carol Raines from Cedar Bluff, Virginia.
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/oaks/survivors/carol-cedar-bluff-virginia
To vote, you must register with Derby Nation using your email address and you can vote for up to 10 survivors (but only one vote per survivor). Voting ends next Friday, March 26.
Attending the Kentucky Oaks and Derby is going to be a dream come true for Mom! Please vote and spread the word to help make her experience even more amazing by giving her the opportunity to be honored in the Survivor Parade.
UPDATE for the cure:
Total Training Miles: 15
Total Sponsored Miles: 23.5 out of 60
SPONSOR A MILE OF MY 3-DAY JOURNEY HERE!
Please follow this link to vote for my mom, Carol Raines from Cedar Bluff, Virginia.
http://www.kentuckyderby.com/oaks/survivors/carol-cedar-bluff-virginia
To vote, you must register with Derby Nation using your email address and you can vote for up to 10 survivors (but only one vote per survivor). Voting ends next Friday, March 26.
Attending the Kentucky Oaks and Derby is going to be a dream come true for Mom! Please vote and spread the word to help make her experience even more amazing by giving her the opportunity to be honored in the Survivor Parade.
UPDATE for the cure:
Total Training Miles: 15
Total Sponsored Miles: 23.5 out of 60
SPONSOR A MILE OF MY 3-DAY JOURNEY HERE!
Friday, March 12, 2010
SURPRISE for the cure
My sister, Robyn, and I met Mom for lunch yesterday with a wonderful agenda. We have been planning her Mother’s Day surprise and even though the holiday isn’t for another month and a half – we couldn’t wait any longer to tell Mom our plans.
My Mom has always dreamed of going to the Kentucky Derby. She is a lifelong horse lover and she has mentioned for as long as I can remember how much she would love to watch the Derby from a seat in Churchill Downs. So this year for an early Mother's Day gift, WE HAVE KENTUCKY DERBY TICKETS AND WE’RE HEADED TO LOUISVILLE IN A FEW WEEKS!
Mom was totally surprised and absolutely thrilled. She has been telling everyone she runs into that she’s going to the Kentucky Derby this year and getting lots of advice from what type of hat to wear to how many mint juleps she should or should not drink haha.
We will also be attending the 136th Kentucky Oaks which is the sister race to the Kentucky Derby. Susan G. Komen has partnered with the Kentucky Oaks and for the second year the entire day is focused on breast cancer awareness. The official color for Kentucky Oaks is pink, the official flower is the stargazer lily, the official drink is the Pink Lily and for the second year, immediately before the Kentucky Oaks race, there will be a Breast Cancer Survivor Parade around the track at Churchhill Downs. 136 survivors will be selected for this honor by an online nomination and voting process. I have submitted an essay to nominate my Mom but I need your help for the next step – VOTING. Stay tuned for details…
UPDATE for the cure:
Total Training Miles: 15
Total Sponsored Miles: 23.5 out of 60
SPONSOR A MILE OF MY 3-DAY JOURNEY HERE!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
HOPE for the cure
Last week I found out one of my very dear friend’s had gone in for her regular mammogram and then got a call back for further testing. My heart immediately stopped. I have always felt breast cancer is a terrible disease but Mom’s diagnosis has changed my feelings, changed my reaction, changed my response… honestly, it has changed me.
I am so very proud of my friend for (1) getting regular mammograms and (2) facing the future head-on by bravely going back as scheduled for the follow up mammogram. We are all at risk for breast cancer and waiting will not make it go away or get better on its own but it still takes so much strength and courage to walk into the doctor’s office knowing this diagnosis might be waiting inside for you.
She received her latest results yesterday and I am so thrilled to announce – everything is fine! Prayers were answered and although this was a scare none of us want to face, I thank the good Lord above for this wonderful news.
This is my plea – do not let fear stop you from getting these important medical screenings or following up with your doctors. You are not alone – together we can protect ourselves and one day we WILL have a cure to stop this disease!
UPDATE for the cure:
Total Training Miles: 15
Total Sponsored Miles: 23.5 out of 60
SPONSOR A MILE OF MY 3-DAY JOURNEY BY CLICKING HERE!
I am so very proud of my friend for (1) getting regular mammograms and (2) facing the future head-on by bravely going back as scheduled for the follow up mammogram. We are all at risk for breast cancer and waiting will not make it go away or get better on its own but it still takes so much strength and courage to walk into the doctor’s office knowing this diagnosis might be waiting inside for you.
She received her latest results yesterday and I am so thrilled to announce – everything is fine! Prayers were answered and although this was a scare none of us want to face, I thank the good Lord above for this wonderful news.
This is my plea – do not let fear stop you from getting these important medical screenings or following up with your doctors. You are not alone – together we can protect ourselves and one day we WILL have a cure to stop this disease!
UPDATE for the cure:
Total Training Miles: 15
Total Sponsored Miles: 23.5 out of 60
SPONSOR A MILE OF MY 3-DAY JOURNEY BY CLICKING HERE!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
CARNIVAL for the cure
In January I was blessed with a wonderful Caribbean vacation visiting Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica. Toward the end of our week spent aboard the Carnival Liberty, Dave and I participated in On Deck for the Cure.
What is On Deck for the Cure?
“ Modeled after a similar program launched last year by our Carnival’s sister brand Holland America, the goal of On Deck for the Cure is to raise $1 million for breast cancer research as well as raise consumer awareness regarding breast cancer, one of the leading causes of death for women in the U.S. These fantastic fundraising events are held on a total of 14 "Fun Ships" and will include all vessels operating cruises of seven days or longer. Take a small walk and make a big difference. Participate in Carnival's On Deck for the Cure on your cruise.”
We joined hundreds of other Carnival guests and crew on the running track on top deck of the ship. We walked one mile together dressed in pink to raise money and awareness of this disease that is touching TOO many women and men across our country and world.
It really felt great to come together and work for a cure even while on vacation! I’m hoping to be aboard another Carnival ship before the year’s end and I’m already looking forward to being back on deck for the cure!
Update:
Total Training Miles: 15
Total Sponsored Miles: 22.5 out of 60
What is On Deck for the Cure?
“ Modeled after a similar program launched last year by our Carnival’s sister brand Holland America, the goal of On Deck for the Cure is to raise $1 million for breast cancer research as well as raise consumer awareness regarding breast cancer, one of the leading causes of death for women in the U.S. These fantastic fundraising events are held on a total of 14 "Fun Ships" and will include all vessels operating cruises of seven days or longer. Take a small walk and make a big difference. Participate in Carnival's On Deck for the Cure on your cruise.”
We joined hundreds of other Carnival guests and crew on the running track on top deck of the ship. We walked one mile together dressed in pink to raise money and awareness of this disease that is touching TOO many women and men across our country and world.
It really felt great to come together and work for a cure even while on vacation! I’m hoping to be aboard another Carnival ship before the year’s end and I’m already looking forward to being back on deck for the cure!
Update:
Total Training Miles: 15
Total Sponsored Miles: 22.5 out of 60
OUTSIDE for the cure
I am thrilled to report today was my FIRST outside training walk! A two mile walk around Blacksburg in the beautiful sunshine was wonderful. I did find it surprising that some of the sidewalks in more shaded areas still have several inches of snow on them – despite the fact it hasn’t snowed here in at least a couple weeks and the past few days temperatures have gotten around 60 degrees.
Hopefully Sassy and I can go on a one mile walk later this evening (with Nellie’s Cave Park being in the middle of our route). Sassy loves going to the park… well, she did the last time we were there before the very snowy months of December, January and February.
Hooray for sunshine!!!
Update:
Total Training Miles: 15
Total Miles Sponsored: 22 out of 60
Hopefully Sassy and I can go on a one mile walk later this evening (with Nellie’s Cave Park being in the middle of our route). Sassy loves going to the park… well, she did the last time we were there before the very snowy months of December, January and February.
Hooray for sunshine!!!
Update:
Total Training Miles: 15
Total Miles Sponsored: 22 out of 60
Thursday, March 4, 2010
PAWS for the cure
Sassy and I are tickled pink! We just registered for PAWS for the Cure and can't wait for March 20th to get here. PAWS for the Cure is a way for our furry friends to get involved in finding a cure for breast cancer. This is also a wonderfully fun way for me to add another mile to my training for "The Big 3 Day" in October.
We would love to have all our friends (of the two and four-legged variety) join us for this awesome event. Rumor has it one of Sassy's very favorite people - my best friend Krystal - will be coming all the way from Pittsburgh to walk with us :-)
So join us for PAWS for the Cure and let's find a doggone cure already!
Register Here!
Here are the event details:
Now your dogs can help for a cause!
Date: Saturday, March 20th
Time: 9am - 1pm
We would love to have all our friends (of the two and four-legged variety) join us for this awesome event. Rumor has it one of Sassy's very favorite people - my best friend Krystal - will be coming all the way from Pittsburgh to walk with us :-)
So join us for PAWS for the Cure and let's find a doggone cure already!
Register Here!
Here are the event details:
Now your dogs can help for a cause!
Date: Saturday, March 20th
Time: 9am - 1pm
Join us at Reserve Avenue Park for our first annual Paws for the Cure! A one mile Walk just for you and your furry freind! Registration is $15.00 per dog!
Other Activies that will be happening at this event are:
*Angels of Assisi will be there to dog chip the dogs at the cost of $20. Donating 25% to Susan G. Komen
*Dr. Spangler - will be there from 9-12Blue Collar Joe's will be there to provide coffee and doughnuts - donating 25% to Susan G. Komen
*PawPaw Dog Treats will provide dog treats for Yappy Hour, donating 25% to Susan G. Komen
*Animal Care Center of Salem will be providing Pawdicures and possibly baths..havent confirmed the baths yet.
*Gift cards will be given away to various facilities - Flying Fur Obedience School in Blacksburg, Franklin Tire (Rocky Mt.)
*Photographer will be there to take candid shots.
More info can be found here: http://www.komenroanoke.org/
Update:
Total Training Miles: 13
Total Miles Sponsored: 22 out of 60
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
EDUCATION for the cure
Tonight was the first session of a Women’s Health Series I’m leading as part of the Women’s Month celebrations at Virginia Tech. The topic tonight was breast health and breast cancer awareness.
It is so important that we first educate ourselves about breast health with these four steps:
1. Know Your Risk
2. Get Screened
3. Know What is Normal for You
4. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
But, that isn’t all. We each have a responsibility to educate others. Remind those mothers, sisters, friends, aunts, and other women in your life to get clinical breast exams and mammograms. A simple reminder could save their life!
There are currently over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States – this would not be possible with education, awareness, screening and treatment.
Want to know more? The resources online are unlimited but please make sure you’re on a reputable site. There is also a great deal of incorrect info out there. Check out www.komen.org or www.cancer.org for accurate and up-to-date information.
Update:
Total Training Miles: 13
Total Miles Sponsored: 22 out of 60
It is so important that we first educate ourselves about breast health with these four steps:
1. Know Your Risk
2. Get Screened
3. Know What is Normal for You
4. Make Healthy Lifestyle Choices
But, that isn’t all. We each have a responsibility to educate others. Remind those mothers, sisters, friends, aunts, and other women in your life to get clinical breast exams and mammograms. A simple reminder could save their life!
There are currently over 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States – this would not be possible with education, awareness, screening and treatment.
Want to know more? The resources online are unlimited but please make sure you’re on a reputable site. There is also a great deal of incorrect info out there. Check out www.komen.org or www.cancer.org for accurate and up-to-date information.
Update:
Total Training Miles: 13
Total Miles Sponsored: 22 out of 60
Friday, February 26, 2010
SCHEDULING for the cure
The past two weeks have been filled with major stress and unexpected challenges around every corner. My training schedule has fallen apart and (as you know if you've been following along) my blogging has gotten behind.
Since regular exercise has not been a part of my life since high school, I hadn't really thought how much discipline it requires. We are all busy and have 1 million more things to do than we have time for so what's the different between people who exercise and those who don't? Those who exercise don't HAVE time to do it, they MAKE time to do it.
Making time to exercise is something I have to do. I am in the process of coming up with a schedule that works and I'm determined to stick to it. I've got to train if I'm going to walk 60 miles in 3 days and beyond this short-term goal, I want to take care of my self. We're only given one body and exercise is key to keeping it healthy and looking good.
For the Lenten season, I have given up soda and people who only bring negativity to my life - I am now including regular exercise as something I'm adding to my life for Lent and hopefully beyond (better late than never, right?)
Update:
Total Training Miles: 11
Total Miles Sponsored: 22 out of 60
Since regular exercise has not been a part of my life since high school, I hadn't really thought how much discipline it requires. We are all busy and have 1 million more things to do than we have time for so what's the different between people who exercise and those who don't? Those who exercise don't HAVE time to do it, they MAKE time to do it.
Making time to exercise is something I have to do. I am in the process of coming up with a schedule that works and I'm determined to stick to it. I've got to train if I'm going to walk 60 miles in 3 days and beyond this short-term goal, I want to take care of my self. We're only given one body and exercise is key to keeping it healthy and looking good.
For the Lenten season, I have given up soda and people who only bring negativity to my life - I am now including regular exercise as something I'm adding to my life for Lent and hopefully beyond (better late than never, right?)
Update:
Total Training Miles: 11
Total Miles Sponsored: 22 out of 60
HOKIES for the cure
Dave and I spent the afternoon of Valentine’s Day cheering on the Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball Team in their challenge with Duke. What does this have to do with finding a cure for breast cancer and what was I doing at a sporting event? Two very good questions with one simple answer! It was the Breast Cancer Awareness Game! The Lady Hokies wore pink ribbon warm up shirts, the referees had pink whistles and even the Hokie Bird was wearing a pink shirt and bandana. Each fan got a pink ribbon Virginia Tech t-shirt and I was thrilled that they actually had different sizes available rather than the ole “one size fits no one” approach.
It was a close game but in the end Duke had the win. Regardless of the outcome, we had a wonderful time surrounded by fans in all shades of pink, cheering for our Hokies. We also enjoyed our romantic Valentine’s Day meal of hot dogs, pizza and soda as we sat balancing our food and drinks carefully in our laps. Not your typical way to celebrate Valentine’s but we made it work.
It was a close game but in the end Duke had the win. Regardless of the outcome, we had a wonderful time surrounded by fans in all shades of pink, cheering for our Hokies. We also enjoyed our romantic Valentine’s Day meal of hot dogs, pizza and soda as we sat balancing our food and drinks carefully in our laps. Not your typical way to celebrate Valentine’s but we made it work.
Will the football team step up to the challenge and wear pink uniforms this fall in a game? I can only hope and wait to see!
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