Never doubt that a small group . . . can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
— Margaret Mead
One week ago today, we walked.
Twenty-seven women, ages sixteen to sixty-something, united by a desire to make a difference – and inspired by the faith that, together, we can.
We walked from Hopkinton to Boston, grateful for one another, for clear skies, good company, and comfortable sneakers.
We walked sharing stories, Ibuprofen, sunscreen, Chapsticks and BlisterGlide.
We walked fueled by Gatorade and bananas, popcorn and power bars, laughter and love.
We walked in memory of a dear friend, gone three years but never forgotten.
We walked for our loved ones and for yours.
We walked with blisters, numb feet, bum knees, loose toenails, sore backs, toothaches, weird rashes, annoying socks, tight hamstrings.
We walked anyway.
We walked in the belief that every step counts and that every gesture matters.
We walked knowing we weren’t out there for one woman but for all women.
We walked moved by hope for the future and full of gratitude for the present.
We walked to support one dedicated doctor’s efforts to find effective treatments for ovarian cancer.
And we walked knowing our efforts are about much more than dollars raised for a cause.
We walked to support one another.
We walked because we could and for all those who couldn’t.
We walked knowing that every offering changes the world for the better.
We walked to share the journey and the joy of being alive.
We walked 26.2 miles in ten hours and we crossed the finish line together.
We walked because, on this day, our hearts were strong and our legs were sturdy.
We walked because someday, for any one of us, it will be otherwise.
Gratitude!
I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you who chose to support my Jimmy Fund Marathon Walk last Sunday with Team Diane. Together, we raised over $35,000 for Diane’s Fund, monies that will go directly to our friend’s beloved, brilliant oncologist at Dana Farber, Dr. Ursula Matulonis, whose cutting-edge research into ovarian cancer is making new strides toward better treatments every day.
Thanks to you, I not only met my own personal fund-raising goal, but exceeded it. As I watched that number slowly rise last week, I knew that, tooth-ache or not, I would have to summon the strength to be at the starting line with my team mates at 6 am. Your comments and caring and contributions to this cause I believe in so deeply carried me forward, all the way to the finish line. I am deeply grateful to you all — my dear readers, supporters, cheerleaders and fellow travelers upon this path. Together, we are making a difference, bringing the day closer when a woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer will have a better prognosis than Diane had.
Congratulations to the winners of The View from My Window, my collection of blog posts! You already know who you are, and your books are on their way.
Congratulations!
Love this, Katrina. As my sister begins her second round if chemo for advanced ovarian cancer, I toy with a 5k. Not much for a lot of gals, but for me–a challenge. You’ve inspired me.
Hi Kristine, I hope you DO your 5k; it’s not about going all the way, it’s about being there with love in your heart, and you will be amazed at how supported you will feel and how much it will mean to your sis. Blessings to you both!
Congratulations on the successful completion of your walk, Katrina! And, I have to admit: I wish I was one of those lucky ducks who won a copy of your book.
I’m sorry, too! But I think there will be a REAL book of collected essays/posts in my future — next year, perhaps! Many thanks!
Congratulations on your determination and stamina and for completing the task.
As a relative of someone who passed away from brain cancer this year, any
efforts we take to raise awareness, is welcomed. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Whatever the cause, whether we are one person running or walking alone,
or together with a group, it is just being there, and taking part.
Hi Katrina
Here you go again, putting into beautiful, eloquent words exactly what I am feeling. As you know, I ran a half-marathon yesterday in honor of all the people affected by the events of the Boston Marathon bombing this year. When I read your post today, I very much appreciated having you literally pull the words out of my mind and my heart and get them on the screen. I still don’t know how you do it, but you do it every time!
Thank you Erin! And congratulations to YOU. Love that there are so many of us journeying together.
It’s delightful to see how inspiration of one women has fueled the inspiration of so many others. Like the ripples in the pond, your friend continues to share her best self.
Congrats on your accomplishment and for not retreating! Forward is the only way to go; it’s why God didn’t put eyes in the backs of our heads!
LOVD tidings, Lilly
My baby brother, sister, and older brother also walked last week, celebrating the 20 years that have passed since my baby brother endured treatments for brain tumors due to neurofibromatosis at the age of ten. I often wondered if their small group interwove with yours last week! I’m happy to know that I’ll be joining him next year as we celebrate magical number 21, complete with champagne at the end.
So great. Especially that last line. Walk on and thanks for doing it.
A REAL book of collected essays/posts in your future? That would be really wonderful! All of you on Team Diane should be proud of your accomplishments. It is so inspiring to read what all of you are doing. I especially like that the money goes to a particular doctor who means so much to all of you, and who meant so much to your friend Diane. Congratulations!
Mrs. Kenison, congratulations on your achievement and that of the ladies with you! Your friend would be so proud that you honored her memory in such a beautiful way!
I intend to share this article with my niece who’ll be running the 26.2 mile NYC marathon to raise funds for the St. Jude’s Hospital. Perhaps it’ll give her the motivation and determination she needs to cross the finish line with success, as you all did! Bravo, Ladies, BRAVO!
I have tears in my eyes, Katrina! Brava! Thank you for walking and for sharing the experience with all of us.
Walking, keeping memory alive, honoring spirit, helping others… lovely.
Wishing you all the best under the same moon shining on east and west coasts and all in that is between in either direction.
I am reading this while standing in line at traffic court and trying not to cry. Thank you for walking on behalf of us and for doing the work. Endurance is its own victory and your beautiful words remind me that every step and action matters.
What a wonderful, meaningful accomplishment on many levels! It may seem that the blisters accumulated in direct proportion to the amount of money you raised! But is isn’t about the number of dollars – or blisters, it’s about the fostering the good work of those who want to see an end to this disease, and you have touched many lives you may never know. I’m grateful to have been able to make a small contribution toward this effort.