Oaks Pics

OAKS for the cure

Mom and I had an AMAZING day at Churchhill Downs. We enjoyed sitting with other breast cancer survivors and their loved ones, watching the races, placing some bets, soaking up the wonderful sunshine, drinking fresh squeezed lemonade and sporting our fabulous hats.

The Survivor Parade was an incredible experience - very moving and emotional. After the parade, Mom got to watch the race along with the other 13 survivors who received the most votes in the Winner's Circle. Each of the 14 survivors were representing one of the horses in the race and Churchhill Downs bet $1,000 to win on each horse for these survivors. The survivor of the winning horse got to cash in their bet and the money was donated to Susan G. Komen. Mom was representing It's Tea Time who, sadly, didn't win but did a wonderful job. The winner of the 136th Kentucky Oaks was Blind Luck. Appropriately so, Mom and I had some "blind luck" when placing our bets and won $34! Mom was excited to have Bo Derek standing directly behind her during the Oaks race - how cool is it that Mom had a better spot to watch the race than Bo did?!? Me and some of the other co-survivors were standing behind the rail a little way down from the Winner's Circle which was great because we got to see the horses entering and exiting the track and got to talk to the jockeys after the race. Wow - even on a dry, sunny day those guys are covered in mud after the race. Reason number 483 why I will never be a horse jockey - mud flying in face.

Ok, Mom and I are headed to bed. Today was awesome but exhausting and tomorrow is going to be even busier starting with a very early morning visit to the backside of Churchhill Downs. We're going to get to meet the horses and have a wonderful "behind the scenes tour."

(Sorry for typos - I seriously am exhausted and will edit this early next week. Until then, enjoy the stories and pics and overlook the mistakes)

LOUISVILLE for the cure

After almost 6 hours on the road, Mom and I have arrived at our hotel in Louisville. Now at nearly 3 o'clock on the morning of the 136th Kentucky Oaks we cannot get our excitement settled down to get some sleep before our day at the races.

Starting the trip - mileage 0.0

Lots more miles and memories to come.

TRAVEL for the cure

Mom and I are getting those last minute things together now (which for us - everything is a last minute item) and in a few minutes we will be on the road. LOUISVILLE HERE WE COME!!!

Hopefully I will be able to update my blog throughout the weekend with stories and pictures from the Oaks and Derby so keep checking back.

Don't forget to watch Bravo on Friday for coverage from the Kentucky Oaks and the Survivor Parade will be broadcast live at 5pm on Bravo. I'll be walking with Mom in the parade so keep an eye out for us. (Hopefully I won't pull an "Ashley" and fall face first into the dirt on the track - but the high probability of this happening is EVEN more of a reason for you to watch!)

Thanks for all the well wishes for our trip - I'm certain it won't be one we soon forget.

And, we're off....

RACE for the cure

We all made it to the finish line!

Mom's flowers in the Garden of Hope.

Some of my co-workers crossing the finish line.

Community Health Educators - Monique and I

Carpool buddies - Kristin, Melissa and I

Check out this pink hat! There was every shade of pink ever created at this event.

Garden of Hope