Friends Are A Gift From God!

Another update on my Washington, DC journey!

While I was training for the 3-day walk, I got to know Keith through the 3-day Facebook page.  Keith lives in Washington, DC and would encourage me on my training walks. He reminded me to not just walk, but to look for things during my walks.  He'd ask me what I saw, and at first I'd have to think back, but as my walks continued I would look for things - such as trumpeter vines blooming on a tree or puppies looking out a car window.  It did make the walks easier when I looked at God's creation instead of just walking!

As the walk got closer, we got to be better friends.  He called me and found out this was my first time to DC and that my sister was going with me and working on the crew.  He'd walked DC last year, and was on the crew in Boston this year, so gave my sister and I tips on what to take, and what the experience would be like for both of us.  He also gave us tips on what to see in Washington, and offered to be a tour guide of sorts when he could.  He had a group of friends he went to high school with that hung out each Wednesday doing karaoke, and they were walking together in the 3-day.  He invited us to join them - which we did - and we were welcomed and had a great time!  He found out we were coming to DC early, and said his landlady, Nina, had offered to let us stay at her place while we were there.  Since I'd never met Keith or Nina in person, I told him Pam and I would stay in our hotel at least the first few days, then decide after we'd met them and got to know them a little more.

Well - after we got to DC and met Keith, Pam and I decided to go ahead and take him up on his offer.  We stayed at the hotel in DC for four nights, then on Wednesday moved over to Nina's.  It turned out to be the best of both worlds!  The four nights we stayed in the hotel gave us freedom to move about in DC on our own time - the Metro (Washington DC's transportation system) had a stop right under our hotel, which made it easy to get around as we were sightseeing.  Pam and I were able to go where we wanted without having to depend on someone else.  We checked out of the hotel on Wednesday, and Keith took us to the karaoke party Wednesday night along with his girlfriend Lauren.  We had a great time!  Thursday morning we all went to the Air and Space Museum.  One of Keith's friends, Hugo, runs the McDonald's there and had procured Imax tickets for us - along with lunch!  We then dropped Pam off at Nationals Stadium for her crew training while we explored more DC memorials - Roosevelt, Martin Luther King, and the Jefferson Memorials.  After taking in a little of the National Harbor (and the Peeps Store!) we went back to Nina's.

Keith and Lauren at karaoke

Nina had a wonderful dinner of salad, pasta, green beans, and dessert ready for us!  This was the first time I really got to know Nina.  She has two dogs, Sneakers and Pip.  Sneakers immediately jumped in my lap when I sat down.  He's a great dog - has a lot of the personality of my beagle and is, like Retro, a lap dog.  Nothing's better than sitting down with a puppy in your lap.  Pip is an older dog and tended to shy away from strangers while keeping an eye on us!  There's also three cats, but hey, I'm a dog person and the cats, well, they're cats - what can I say.  They just laid around.  Since we had to get up very early to get to opening ceremonies on Friday morning, Nina made sure we had what we needed before we went off to an early bedtime. 

When we got home from the walk on Sunday - tired, more than a little sweaty, happy, and hungry, Nina greeted us with open arms.  She knew we had just had the experience of a lifetime, and wanted to hear all about it - after we had showers!  She had dinner ready for us, and listened along with her friend Cher (sorry if I spelled it wrong!) as we recounted our experiences.  We were really tired, though, and I went to bed at 8:30 - and slept through until 7:30 the next morning!  Nina asked us what we wanted to do on Monday (Keith had to work) and I don't think she was a bit surprised when we told her we just wanted to "hang out" and recover from the walk. 

Monday was such fun!  We did, indeed, "hang out" with Nina!  Pam and I shared our experiences and we talked like we were all three sisters!  We shared a lot of our lives - Nina is getting ready to move to Pennsylvania to be closer to her mother and was getting things in line for the move.  She asked our opinions on things just like we'd known each other for years.  It felt so comfortable being with her.  As a small token of our appreciation, we took Nina and Cher out to dinner Monday night.  When we asked her to suggest a place - she suggested Mount Vernon - only a  mile from her home.  Since we hadn't been there, and it was close, it sounded great.  It wasn't just great - it was fantastic!  The food was great (nothing like clam chowder in the east!) but the company couldn't be beat.  We closed the place down and had the best of times! 

Tuesday morning finally came, and we had to pack up and leave Nina's.  Pam and I were both anxious to get home, but really felt like we were leaving a part of ourselves behind.  After lots of hugs, Keith took us to the airport and we returned home to our families - but knew that we had left part of our hearts with Keith and Nina in Washington, DC.

Ka-C relaxing at Nina's

Nina does have a friend she visits in Overland Park - so I will hopefully get to see her again!  I can't wait - it was such a blessing to have met her.  When I started going through radiation treatments, I realized that God put friends on this earth for a reason - to be there for us when we needed each other.  Nina and Keith are true friends and I'm so blessed to have crossed paths with them on this earth.  Nina and Keith - if I haven't said it enough, thanks SO MUCH for your hospitality and support - and I'm so glad to have met you!

The 3-day Experience!!

Last week was an experience I almost can't describe.  My sister and I met in Washington, DC, on the 17th of September to get in some exploring, sightseeing, and some sister time before the 3-day walk.  The weather was beautiful and we saw lots of sights and had a lot of time together.  We met new friends and took lots of pictures!

Then came Friday morning, and the walk.  We gathered at 6 a.m. to start the walk.  There were the opening ceremonies, then we headed out.  Supported by my sister and countless others on the crew, we took off into Washington DC in a sea of pink.  That first day we walked all through Washington, past many of the sights we'd seen before - but this time just to walk past.  17+ miles later - raining all the way -  we arrived at a parking lot where school buses took us to camp.  My sister greeted me with open arms as I arrived at camp!  I checked mail call and I was surprised by several  birthday cards from friends - and a letter from my daughter that made me cry!!  Among a sea of pink pup tents (how in the heck do I find mine??) we tried to dry off, had showers and dinner and went to sleep. 

Saturday morning brought cloudy skies but no rain!  After breakfast, we headed out from camp.  This time we walked through Bethesda and other residential areas.  I found a lady walking about my pace and we walked together all day.  She happened to be from Columbia, Missouri - and her son was involved in band at several schools so we had things in common.  My sister had given me two buttons - one that blinked - that said "Happy Birthday" so everyone knew it was my birthday and I was serenaded several times during the day.  There were a lot of people out encouraging the walkers.  It seemed like every time it got a little hard, there were people to pick you up!  At lunch, I decided that my knee was hurting too bad to chance walking the rest of the way and I rode back to camp on the SAG bus.  Sharon was having problems with her feet and joined me.  After being greeted by my sister again as I walked into camp, I went to medical where they iced my knee and wrapped it.  That and Motrin did the trick.  I was afraid of pushing it too much and not being able to finish on Sunday - which I really wanted to do.  After a shower and dinner, and some shopping, I headed to the pink tent for much-needed rest.

Pam and I at the end of the second day

Sunday morning brought a little drizzle which ended before we hit the trail.  We were bused to the starting point in Bethesda, Maryland.  We walked through Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and ended our journey at the Washington Monument - 16+ miles later.  The bear that Chris, Kaitlyn, and Amanda had made me at Build-A-Bear joined me for the walk on Sunday.  I thought it was appropriate that Ka-C join me after she'd been with me through every radiation treatment!  It also gave me the feeling my kids were with me on the walk.  I got a lot of comments on her which gave me a chance to tell my story.  The walkers seemed to be in a more somber mood - we just wanted to get to the end of the walk and the closing ceremonies!  As I walked into the finish area, my sister again was looking for me.  We walked across the finish line together holding onto Ka-C as we crossed.  The rain held off and just as closing ceremonies started, the sun came out. 

Closing ceremonies were very emotional.  The walkers and crew went into the ceremony area first - surrounded by lots and lots of cheering spectators.  Then the survivors went in.  Everyone was cheering us and yelling - it was a huge party!  Things got very emotional as they applauded the walkers, crew, and survivors.  Everyone shared laughs, smiles, tears, hugs, and friendship.  My special moment was when I looked up and all of the walkers were holding up one shoe in tribute to the survivors.  All of my aches and pains disappeared for a few moments as we completed closing ceremonies!

Day 3 - me with Ka-C and 12 miles to go (more or less - mostly more!)

All in all, it was an experience I'll never forget.  I'm not sure whether or not I'll do it again, but I am so glad to have done it.  The time with my sister, the experience of being surrounded by supporters and other survivors and just being able to say "I did it!" are all unforgettable.  I met lots of new friends, shared lots of hugs and stories, walked more in three days than I ever thought I could, and raised over $2600 for a cause I have to believe in.  The entire walk raised over $7 million dollars!

I have my supporters to thank - all of you that donated money, that kept me in your thoughts and prayers (they were felt!!), and that encouraged me with words and smiles.  I love you all - thanks for giving me the priviledge of having this experience!

Shoes raised in tribute - beautiful sight!

Steph Goddard



Almost there!!!

It's been awhile - I've been busy!  The band directors keep me on my toes - and I really love working with them.  However, I have more important news to share today....

I LEAVE FOR DC TOMORROW!!  I've been really happy all week - now I'm getting nervous!  I'm glad the kids have a football game tonight so I have something to keep my mind off of it for awhile.  I'm pretty much packed, except for the last minute things.  I had to look for clothes this morning - everything's packed!  I've printed out my credentials, have to remember to get them off the printer.  Last minute things are going in the backpack.  I'm taking my good camera, but I had to buy a new "little" camera.  My old one died - kind of a blessing in disguise!  It was big for a "little" camera.  The new one is nice.  I've played with it some, it should be good for the walk. 

I have a friend in DC that I met through the 3-day web site and he and his girlfriend are as excited that my sister and I are coming to DC as we are.  He did the 3-day walk last year and is walking again this year.  He also worked on the crew in Boston this year, so has been giving both my sister and I good hints and tips.  He lives in DC and can't wait to show his town off.  I can't wait to meet him!  It's good to have a friend already there!

My fundraising goal has been surpassed - I raised over $2600 for breast cancer.  YEA!  A small drop in the bucket, I know, but a lot of drops eventually fill the bucket.  My treatment alone (surgery and radiation treatments) were well over $10,000, of which insurance picked up almost all of the discounted amounts. I consider myself very lucky to have the coverage I have.  Others aren't, and they're why I'm raising funds - for that and for research.  Thanks to all.

Speaking of thanks, I have a LOT of thanks to give out.  To my former co-workers at Blue Cross, who stood by me and held me up throughout my treatments and on my walking journey - my most heartfelt thanks.  You made me realize why God gave us friends on this earth.  I am so blessed to have you on my side!  To my church friends - you have supported me through everything and I thank you.  To my medical staff - you not only healed me, you've supported me on my journey and that means a lot to me.  And last but certainly not least - my family.  You were the ones I cried with, laughed with, walked with, and just were with.  You have allowed me to take on this journey and supported me with no reservations.  I now leave you for several days - to spend some much-needed time with my sister and to walk almost 60 miles for something affecting all of us. 

I will come back with memories and LOTS of pictures.  I can't wait to get there and get started!

Thank you ALL for your thoughts, prayers, and support as I continue this journey, thankful that I am able to.

Steffy

Quilt Raffle

A lot has happened the last couple of weeks!  I got behind in training again thanks to a fairly mild case of bronchitis - but bronchitis nevertheless.  Then it got hot again (skycast is orange today and I think tomorrow, not walking outside with that!).  But I have been busy at school!  The marching band is sounding great!  Sometimes I walk around the track while they're practicing in the morning.  This weekend should be good for walking.

Ah, the quilt raffle.  The beautiful quilt that my friends Christi and Tama made for me was raffled off - Christi and I did the drawing today.  And the winner is........(drum roll please).......Victoria Becker.  Victoria works at Blue Cross, and from what I understand is having her own battle with breast cancer.  Victoria - wrap the quilt around you and feel the love from the hands that made the quilt and the friends that supported me!  I'll most certainly be walking for you also.  Victoria works in the building across the street from the main building, and happened to be in the support area and just happened to have money with her to buy a raffle ticket for the quilt.  She was supposed to win it!  I'm so glad she did.

I have a friend, Keith Flanders, who lives in DC and participated in the walk last year. He's walking again, and has also worked on the crew for the Boston walk.  We've been talking, and are looking forward to meeting each other.  He's "adopting" my sister and I for our stay in DC - it'll be nice to have a friend who knows the area!  He really has a heart for the 3-day walk and I get energized just talking with him.  He's someone else God has put in my corner! 

I leave in three short weeks.  I need to start my packing list!  I'm getting very excited.  The last year has been so awesome, and I have lots of people to thank for it - but most of all, I thank God I'm able to undertake this task.  God bless all!!

steffy

Komen Race for the Cure

Where to start??  This morning was fantastic in all respects.  The weather was gorgeous.  I walked with old friends and new.  I was part of the survivor's walk.  So AWESOME!  And this is small compared to what I will be doing in September - is that next month already??

This morning I participated in the Susan G. Komen Kansas City Race for the Cure.  It's the first event I've done since becoming a survivor.  It was so beautiful.  There were live bands cheering us on at almost every corner.  Pink balloons everywhere.  As I neared the finish line, I was handed a pink rose.  My friends took lots of pictures - I FORGOT my camera.  I was going to take my small one, but alas, forgot.  Oh, well - that's what friends are for.  I'll post pictures when I get them from them.  We were all happy just to be together and see each other again.  The drumline from one of the Shawnee Mission schools (sorry, forgot which one) led the survivor's walk - it was so awesome!

Yesterday I completed a 17-mile walk in two phases.  Did a 9-mile walk, came home, rested, ate lunch, then headed back out for an 8-mile walk.  The 8-mile was a little tough, I ran out of water and didn't plan my route as well as usual.  I went to a pizza place (which shall remain nameless but I'll never go there again!)  and asked for ice water.  They didn't have ice, which I said was OK, but then he tried to give me a story about the health department and not being able to give me water out of the faucet since if it's contaminated I could get sick.  HUH?????  OK, one, isn't any place of business required to have drinking water available and not for purchase?  Two - since when could the water out of the faucet, which I'm assuming since they're in the city is actually city water, be contaminated to the point that it would make me sick?  He finally relented and filled up my water bottle about halfway with tepid water (which was better than nothing!).  I then was able to continue and make it to one of my favorite gas stations - they gladly let me have a bottle of ice water.

I was getting tired, knee was acting up, but I kept putting one foot in front of the other.  As I was nearing home, I saw a kid riding a skateboard.  He was crossing the street.  He was dressed in a black pair of pants and a tank top, and had a Sonic hat on - and was coming from the direction of Sonic.  He was also smoking a cigarette.  Now - I have a not-so-good attitude about smokers, especially young ones.  But as he passed me, he gave me a big smile and asked how I was doing - to which I replied that I was hot, tired, almost home, but good.  He asked me how far I'd walked and I told him I was finishing up 17 miles.  He then asked me what I was walking for and I told him (I was wearing the white Komen run shirt so he suspected something along that line!).  He then stuck his hand out and told me to keep going, he admired me.  I took his hand and said thanks - and remembered that I really try not to judge kids no matter how they look or what they do.  His encouragement got me back home when I was almost ready to give up!  I now remember why I like working with kids so much.  I used to work with the kids in our church youth group - and now work with the kids in the marching band.  I love them so much!  He really made up for the pizza guy who didn't want to give me any water!

Songs - they play with you sometimes!  I usually walk alone, which I don't mind.  I don't have to worry about keeping up with someone or someone keeping up with me.  I don't carry an IPod or anything else - it's just me and my thoughts.  But there's usually a song running through my head.  On yesterday morning's walk, it was Brandon Heath's "Give Me Your Eyes".  I think that was trying to prepare me for the afternoon.  Then in the afternoon, for some reason the National Anthem started going through my head.   I didn't want to listen to it for 8 miles, so forced it out.  Then "Sing, Sing, Sing" started up and I walked with that the rest of the way.  Kaitlyn's marching band is doing that song as their opener in their marching show this year so I was hearing their version, drum line and all.  It was great!

Dear God, thanks for the blessings of cooler weather!  Thanks for the friends you've placed in my life.  Thanks for the ability to try and make a difference.  Help me to do your will even if it conflicts with mine.  Guide me to the right path for my life.  Amen!

And Amen!
steffy

One more day.....then COOLER!

It's supposed to be 100 degrees today also.  This weekend is a "back-down" weekend, 8 miles on Saturday and 6 on Sunday.  I chose to do cross-training on Saturday (swimming) and probably will today also.  Now for the good news - cooler all week, although rainy.  I don't mind the rain - it's better than the heat!  I'm planning on putting my miles in on Monday and Tuesday this week.  Next weekend is a long one - 17 miles on Saturday and 13 on Sunday.  I'm ready!  Right now weather forecast looks good - high of 87 on both days.  But that's a week away, we all know how weather forecasts can change!  But it does look like cooler weather is on the way.

I've been having a wonderful time working with the band directors at Kaitlyn's school.  We just finished up two weeks of band camp - this year's halftime show is going to be great!  It's called "The Jazz Effect" and the numbers are Sing, Sing, Sing followed by Caravan.  The last song is When A Man Loves A Woman (otherwise known as WAMLAW).  It's really gonna be a good show.

Kaitlyn's wisdom teeth did well - no problems with dry sockets or anything.  She's back to normal!

Remember all my buddies walking in Chicago today.  There's walks going on pretty much every weekend now.  I can't wait for mine!

Walkin' on!!

steffy

IT'S STILL HOT!!!

Not a lot to report except - it's STILL HOT!  I did get a 12-mile walk in at the Great Mall yesterday (BORING!!) and will try to put some miles in a little later.  Got a strange red rash on my leg - had a rash yesterday after walking the mall, then after working the Royals it became a bright red.  Hmmm...been putting cortisone ointment on it, may involve a trip to the dr!  I have been keeping up with cross-training and getting outside to walk when I can but it hasn't been easy.  The Boston 3-day was this weekend - the first day was cancelled and the second day was cut short due to the heat there.  I have a friend who is helping out with the crew in the Boston 3-day - Keith Flanders.  He's walking in the DC 3-day and we've been corresponding.  He lives in the DC area and walked the DC 3-day last year - I can't wait to meet him when we go to DC!  If anyone would like to see his website and donate a little to his cause - it's  www.the3day.org/goto/keith​ if you'd like to support him.  His slogan is he "Fights Like a Girl"! 

Speaking of fundraising - drumroll please - with HUGE thanks to Christi Koelzer and Tama Putthoff for making the most amazing t-shirt quilt - I've reached my $2300 donations needed to walk in the walk!  I've been selling raffle tickets for the quilt pictured in my last update - and have enough now to send in and meet my goal.  The money now raised will help pay travel expenses, then after that's done (and my sis and I are well on our way to having them taken care of!) the money will go to my fundraising account at Komen!  I am SO EXCITED to be able to share this news!  If you'd like to buy a raffle ticket for the quilt let me know!

Family updates - Kaitlyn had her wisdom teeth pulled out last Tuesday.  She was hurting for a couple of days but is doing well.  She's been able to eat McDonald's hamburgers but not the fries so far.  She's begged off playing her saxophone - I think I'll let her get away with it for another day or two...!

Well - time to clean the kitchen (I couldn't talk Retro into doing it for me...) and off for a walk. 

Later friends!!

Steffy