3-Day is an experience of a lifetime
One week from now, some of the craziest and nicest people will lace up their well-used sneakers and walk. No, I am not talking about the crazies at the Woodward Dream Cruise. I am talking about the wonderful men and women who have dedicated their time and strength to walk 60 miles over three days during the 2009 Breast Cancer 3-Day.
Unlike in years past, the 3-Day in Michigan is taking place Aug. 14-16 instead of the last weekend in September. Opening ceremonies will begin at 6:30 a.m. at The Henry Ford in Dearborn and closing ceremonies begin around 4:30 p.m. Sunday at Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor.
Everyone who walks has a tale as to why they are participating. It is not a race or about best times or top finishes. It is about raising money and awareness of breast cancer and other cancers alike.
Last year, there was one couple I will never forget even though I never met them. However, like I said everyone who walks has a tale and theirs was one of love, strength and commitment. The wife - who looked to be in her 20s or early 30s - was battling breast cancer for the second time with it spreading to other parts of her body. She had trained most of the summer to walk the 3-Day, but right before the walk she had to have surgery that required her to have a walking cast on her leg. Her husband, who was also in his 20s or 30s, jumped right in to help her. He quickly raised enough money to walk with her. You can not transfer donations from one walker to another and everyone has to raise the minimum of $2,300. For most of the 60 miles he pushed his wife in a wheelchair. She would walk a little on crutches and then he would push her the rest of the way. I am not sure how many miles they did each day or if they finished all 60, but I loved knowing that nothing was going to keep this woman from participating and her husband was right there to help her through it. It was amazing.
Stories like these are all over the 3-Day. It is an event like no other.
If you aren't into cars, check out the Michigan spectator information so you can head out and cheer on the women and men.
