The Best Three Days of My Life

Posted Oct 25, 2011 by Natalie D. Preston

Updated Oct 25, 2011 at 03:17 PM

People who know me well know that breast cancer is the only cause for which I faithfully raise money.

As best I can tell, an honest-to-goodness fear is what led me to be an advocate of breast cancer research.

The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2005, 211,000 women and 1,600 men will be diagnosed with new cases of breast cancer.

As with most other health ailments, the cancer outlook is bleaker for people of color. “African-American breast cancer patients are younger when they are diagnosed and are more likely to be diagnosed with later stage disease than white women,” according to the ACS. It should be no surprise that we are also more likely to die from breast cancer.

One in seven women developing breast cancer in their lifetime is very real, very frightening and very close to home. The realization that I, or someone close to me, could develop the disease was all that it took for me to get on board.

In recognition of breast cancer awareness, I claim October as my month. I wear a pink ribbon/pin every day of the month in an effort to “spread the word” and actively fundraise for breast cancer-related organizations.

In 2001, the Komen Race for the Cure held special meaning for me. I raised a couple of hundred dollars and ran my first 5K! The following year I raised almost $500 for Making Strides. And in 2003 I traded in my prized Florida State University license plate for an End Breast Cancer plate, sponsored by the Florida Breast Cancer Coalition.

Then along came the 3-Day — a 60-mile walk from Del Mar to San Diego, Calif., over three days in support of breast cancer research.

In the five months that I had to prepare for the journey, I raised $3,000, trained five or six days a week in the sweltering Florida heat and made some major sacrifices — the fall football season, church, sleeping in on the weekends, shopping and going out, talking on the phone, reading and television.

However, looking back at my experience, I gained so much more than I lost:

A greater appreciation for what is really important in life. Being short on time and long on things to do, I quickly realized what was necessary and what I could do without.

Insight on how many people are touched by breast cancer. The disease personally affected many of the people who supported me financially.

A stronger spirit. Several points along the route tested me beyond belief. I know that it was nothing but God and the positive energy of those on Earth and in heaven that kept me walking.

A stronger mental state. There are many things in my life that I am unsatisfied with, but I know that a change is just around the bend. And just as in San Diego, I keep pushing on until I reach my goals.

A few pounds. Yippie!

This weekend 2,500 walkers and 450 volunteers will convene before dawn at Coachman Park in Clearwater. The route will take them to Seminole, St. Petersburg and Tampa, finishing Sunday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium.

I wish them good luck and offer my “Top 10 List for 3-Dayers”:

10. Pack light. Tugging my 62-pound bag around camp was almost as tiring as the walk.

9. Take time to enjoy the sights. You have from sunup to sundown to get your miles in.

8. Get to know your fellow walkers. There are some amazing people involved with the 3-Day and each has an awesome story.

7. Embrace camp. Sing karaoke and by all means get the free massage!

6. Share and share alike. If you can help a fellow walker in need, do so; you would want the same done for you.

5. Reload at all stops. The 3-Day folks do a good job of supplying all the essentials, from first aid to snacks.

4. Take time to record your experience. Photos, journaling and reflecting.

3. Prepare for estrogen overload. I cried every day as I entered camp. The fatigue, joy and relief were overwhelming.

2. Listen to your body. My arch gave out on Day 2, and I am glad I was listening. Ouch!

1. Enjoy, relax and be safe.

The rest of us can get out and support these folks — cheer, wave, offer food and beverages or a water hose!

My trek with 3,000 men and women on Nov. 21-23, 2003, was, without a doubt, the best three days of my life. I hope your experience will be the same for you.

This article was first printed in the Thursday, October 6, 2005 edition of The Tampa Tribune. The Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk returns to Tampa this weekend. Hopefully, the original intent of the article will resonate with walkers and supporters. Good luck to all!