“The Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step.”

I want to introduce you to someone that has become very special in my life, my friend Britney. We’ve known each other for a couple of years now, first as neighbors, then friends, and finally cruise buddies. Last October she lost her Mother-In-Law, Rita Lewis, to cancer only five days before the birth of Britney’s second son, Lawson. It had been a very long, hard battle and although the end was devastating to her family, she has decided to do something amazing in memory of Rita; she is going to walk 60 miles over 3 days in Atlanta, GA as Captain of the “Remembering Rita” team to help raise money for breast cancer research. I wanted to share her story right now, in her words, and ask that you consider supporting her on this journey.

Here is her story…

My First Walk

Please support me as I take an amazing journey in the fight to end breast cancer! The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure is a 60-mile walk over the course of three days. Net proceeds from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ are invested in breast cancer research and community programs.

Rita's Story

On October 3, 2009, only five days before her forth grandson was born my mother-in-law lost her battle with cancer. She made such an impact on my life, and I could not think of a better way to honor her and her amazing fight. One thing about my mother-in-law that I will always remember is her sweet smile and her “can do” attitude. I know without a doubt that she would be behind me 100%.

Rita's journey began on her birthday in December 2008 when she was diagnosed with cancer of the breast, Osteosarcoma. In January she had a full mastectomy on the right side. The doctors felt confident they got all the cancer and did not see any reason for her to undergo any more treatment. Over the next six months she was diagnosed with two other types of cancer, renal cell carcinoma and thyroid cancer. She underwent surgery to remove one kidney and a section of her thyroid. In July 2009 Rita was diagnosed with stage four bone cancer. After problems with chemo and some fluid buildup in her lungs she had a long stay in the CCU. On October 3, 2009 her battle was over. She fought harder than anyone could have ever imagined. As hard as it was to see her go we all felt a sense of peace. She would no longer be in pain; her suffering was over. In the words of my 5 year old nephew who was trying to comfort his big brother “God does not allow cancer in heaven.” Here’s to you my sweet mother-in-law. I walk for YOU!!!

I will also be walking in honor of Rita's sister, Jody Bell, a Breast Cancer Survivor. I also walk for you Aunt Jody!!!

I Need You!!!

I need your support as I take this amazing journey in the fight to end breast cancer! I need sponsors, I need team members, I need cheerleaders, I need motivators, I need prayers, I need YOU!!! Whatever you can do no matter how big or small every little bit counts. My personal goal is to raise $3,000.00 for The Susan G. Komen foundation. Net proceeds from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ are invested in breast cancer research. We can't change the past but we can help change the future. Together we can make a difference. Let’s FIGHT!!!!

My reasons for walking.

1. I walk for my mother-in-law Rita Lewis. She has made such an impact on my life. Her battle might have ended 10-3-09, but mine has just started. I will fight for her.

2. I walk for my husband, Adam, who at very young age had to bury his mother. He is my world and has shown so much strength through this all. Now it’s time for me to show him just how strong I can be.

3. I walk for Layton who will never truly remember his Nana. Sure he has pictures and a few meaningful gifts but that is nothing compared to remembering her touch or the smile that came over her face when he was around.

4. I walk for Lawson who never got to meet her. He was born 5 days after she passed. It’s up to Adam and I to create these memories for him. Oh how she loved her boys!

5. I walk for myself. My entire life I have always taken the easy road. Well not anymore! Its time I prove to myself that I can do whatever I put my mind to. I will walk 60 miles.

6. I walk for my nieces, Lizzie, Lily and Ella, so that maybe in future they won’t have a reason to walk.

7. I walk for the girls on my team. Because they believe in me and I believe in them. We have all committed to raising money and walking 60 miles together...As a TEAM.

8. I walk for exercise. I can't think of a better reason to get in shape and lead a healthier lifestyle. The healthier you are the less likely you are to develop cancer.

9. I walk for my MamaTootsie. She passed away shortly after my mother-in-law at the age of 92. She didn't have cancer but what she did have was a big heart. She was always helping others. There is no telling how many hats she made for the cancer center, she even helped me make one for Mrs.. Rita. My grandmother inspires me daily to be a better person even though she is no longer with us.

10. I walk because cancer is not picky. I will fight for my family and friends. Every step we take puts us that much closer to a cure.

11. I walk for all my supporters. Your messages, prayers and donations are what will keep me going. I promise to give it my all and I will think of each of you every second of my journey. Thank you for believing in me.

12. I walk because I have never wanted to be a part of anything like I do this. I eat, sleep and think about crossing that finish line. And if you know me at all you know I don't have an athletic bone in my body. I had much rather be shopping but I hear they are gonna have some pretty good shopping at camp...haha!

13. I walk for my parents. Because as corny as it may sound, at the age of 25, I still want them to be proud of me.

14. I walk for the experience. I want to come away from this event a changed person...A better person!!!!

15. I walk because I CAN!!!! Here's to you my sweet mother-in-law, I walk for you.

As Britney has been training for her walk, I have admired her dedication and perseverance to reach her goals in honoring Rita’s memory. She is bound and determined that she is going to give this everything she has and I am so proud of her! I don’t often ask of you to give to things, but I’m asking you today to consider supporting Britney and her “Remembering Rita” team with a gift to help find a cure for breast cancer. Walkers are required to raise $2300, but Britney’s personal goal is $3000. Right now she is about $700 short of her goal and she needs our help! Whether you can give $5.00 or $50.00, every gift will help put us one step closer to finding a cure.

Whether you have been touched personally by breast cancer or not it’s something that has to be stopped. We have to do this for our mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, nieces and friends. The only way to find a cure is to have more research. The only way to have more research is to have more money. There is no other way. So with that in mind, I ask you to give.

If you can help Britney on her journey please visit her personal page on the Susan G. Komen 3-Day For The Cure site. If you can help her financially that would be great, but I also know that your thoughts and prayers for her and her family, as well as words of encouragement are greatly appreciated!

Have a great day!