Putting Our BREAST Foot Forward

It all began on a breezy morning at one of America’s most beautiful beaches, Fort DeSoto. Walkers and crew members arrived in a mix of pink and their best Halloween costumes. A beautiful Florida sunrise set the tone for the day as we headed out onto the route. The community came out to show its support in many ways: Costumed students from Shorecrest School handed out candy to walkers; St. Pete Beach Fire Department set up a 20 foot tall pink ribbon made of balloons. After 18.9 miles of walking, we made our way to Walter Fuller Park to camp the night in Tent City [a camp of nearly 1,000 pink tents].

On Saturday, we walked Treasure Island Causeway, passing some picturesque neighborhoods on our way to Gulf Blvd. There was lots of community support from girl scouts, family and friends, including a cheering station hosted by the Pink Dragon Boat Ladies [be sure to check photos for my time with the Ladies]. On the way back to camp, after a 19.6-mile journey, we passed two billboards along the road with a special message of thanks.

Sunday morning, a rainbow appeared over camp, providing a charmed way to start our 16.2-mile day. The route traveled through the Tyrone area toward downtown St. Petersburg, through Shore Acres, Snell Isle, and old Northeast neighborhoods. Lunch was served at Crescent Lake Park, a beautiful and favorite city park along the lake. Afterwards, we followed streets along the Vinoy Basin into Straub Park and celebrated with a Closing Ceremony at Spa Beach - with the St. Petersburg Pier in the background.

This year’s Tampa Bay walk raised over $4 MILLION for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund. Each of your personal contributions made that possible. Thank you, from my heart!

I completed this year's walk - it seemed, more easily than in year's past. Maybe it does get easier every time! Actually, I trained less than in the past, mostly due to my knee surgery, but also because it just takes a lot of time.

I met and walked with three wonderful women [Penny, Pam and Jennifer] and talked with many others along the way. Each walks for their own reasons - but we're each connected.

Again, thank you friends for your support this year. We're one step closer!