"As we walked I kept thinking of my Mom and Phyl and how they were looking down on us proud of what we were doing. Also the fact that we have come so far in early diagnosing and curing this horrible disease..in the 60s when my Mom was diagnosed it was a death sentence. Now, your Mom is living proof of how far things have progressed. My prayer is the disease will be a thing of the past for my girls and you all. Love, Aunt Lin" (Picture: Aunt Lin with her mother, our Grandmother - Arlene May Hoffmann Michel Wood - one we walked in memory of.)
"I obviously never knew my Grandma Arlene, who I am named after, but I was very close to my Aunt Phyl who died of cancer shortly after I graduated high school. Her middle name was Lee and I had her in mind when I named Cooper, Cooper Lee. She loved the "finer" things in life...beautiful music, good books and seeing the world. I think about her often. I remember how scared everyone was when Aunt Bev found a lump many many years ago. I'm happy that they have made such strides in medicine that she is a survivor - in more ways than one. I was very happy to be a part of this great cause....and maybe next year I will run the 5K! Leanne" (Picture: our Aunt Phyl - Phyllis Lee Michel - we walked in memory of also.)
"Thoughts of Grandma Wood and our Aunt Phyl were on my mind too and how proud of us they would be. Then my thoughts turned to my mother and what a strong woman she is. I was thankful for the opportunity we had to walk with her. I'm very proud to call her my mother and I'm grateful for the wonderful example she is to me and our family. Thank you, Mom! And thank you to everyone who walked with us both there in Phoenix and in thought! Love to all, Jodi" (Picture: my mother - Beverly Faye Michel Hammond - we walked in support of - and proud of it!)
"The Breast Cancer 5k, was an awesome experience! It was also an emotional one. Every time I saw someone with a pink survivor T-shirt on, I couldn't help but think of my Grandma Wood, who I never got the opportunity to know. I see the relationship that my boys have with my mom, and it makes me feel a little robbed that I didn't get to know my Grandma! But more than that, I feel so bad for my mom for losing her mom at such a young age, and at a time when she needed her the most. My mom was pregnant with her first baby! My Grandma wanted so much to be around for the birth of the new baby.......but she never had the opportunity to hold him in her arms. I can't imagine not having my mom around as I raise my boys!!
I also really miss my Aunt Phil. She was a huge part of our lives until she was stricken with breast cancer and ultimately died from it. I remember literally watching her die from that horrible disease!
I'm so glad that we have come so far with Breast Cancer research and early detection techniques! We are all so lucky to have Aunt Bev still with us because of this!
I was honored to be a part of something so huge! I hope that in my lifetime, they can finally find a cure for Breast Cancer!!!
Erin"
"What a neat experience to be a part of such a huge event. It wasn't just that we all walked the 5k but the fact that we all joined as family and friends of survivors of breast cancer. I pray that a cure can be found someday soon. I will always treasure the time spent with my fellow "boobee" team walkers. Love you all penny"
