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Health & Fitness

TEAM Strength for Life and the LI2Day Breast Cancer Walk: A Reflection

OMG!

How is that – get the picture?  

 

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What an experience….I shared with Ginny Salerno (Founder and Executive Director) finally appreciating the meaning of “awestruck” at her accomplishments. And this was at the conclusion of day 1… so much more to come.  From an outsider the event went on without a glitch – knowing all the pieces I am certain those involved in each piece would have a different answer – but there was no obvious signs of failure and frustration.

 

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As you may know, Strength for Life participated for the first time this year on their 10th Anniversary. Last year we were fortunate enough to be a special “grantee” and in the learning process decided to get more involved.  Our initial reticence in learning how to become a beneficiary was in knowing we had to raise $10,000 for LI2 Day - that is hard for a grassroots non profit to agree to.  Strength for Life is supported by our fundraising efforts and $10000 takes some fundraising.

 

Still quite naive, we decided to get our foot wet and learn more.  From the start, our questions (and there were many) were respected and answered in a friendly and warm manner. Two of our BOD (Dr. Barbara Donnellan and Teresa Doherty) were gracious to accept the challenge.  From her story and friendship Teresa recruited two more walkers – a team of “Four” for Strength for Life.  I pledged to volunteer as crew for the 2 – 3 day requirement.

 

The emails and directions were simple and well structured.  A meeting of crew members describing their roles was prearranged, prepared and efficient. The advice to walkers for “fundraising” was helpful, simple and took the fear of “how am I ever going to raise $1000???” sting out of it.

 

The weather!!!!!  On Friday (set up day) June 7th the torrential rain from “Andrea” blew in…prior to Friday – the forecast had the storm coming in on Saturday. Strength for Life has a class in East Meadow on Friday – so I was excused from my Friday post. But the rain did not stop the LI2Day team.

 

Saturday 5:30 am check in for “crew” – Smith’s Point County Park – windy, windy, windy and wet. The wind did not subside however with the dawn and the excitement of the walkers, everything was brighter.  A fun aerobic warm up for the walkers, lots of positive energy and they were off!!!

 

My assignment was the “Serenity Tent” and merchandising…sounds like they selected a job to encourage me to come back (hmmm). 

 

The Serenity Tent is a respite from the excitement of the day, a quiet place to reflect and remember why they took on the challenge of a 2 day walk… It was quite beautiful, sheer curtains, spa music, journals for keepsakes and pictures of those who lost their battle.  Walkers were encouraged to sign the journal and light a candle (battery operated) which then made the tent aglow in the night.

The tents were puddle to say the least – and wet vacs were continuously working to dry them for sleeping. Inflatable mattresses were readied for the walkers and UPS did an outstanding job of collecting and delivering the clothes and sleeping bags of each walker and crew.  Again – well thought out and planned – we had an address (color coded) and everything worked smoothly.

Now I got to hear from the walkers about their day – all good reports.  So they were treated to massage therapy, foot care, showers and dinner.  20 miles down – 15 to go!!! Many, many port-a-sans – some quite plush by Kohler, showers …. everything to make the overnight as comfortable as possible.  Dinner was supplied by “Carrabba’s” and quite delicious; music and entertainment made the evening fly by. Comfy pink plaid flannel pj’s were seen everywhere.

Crew ready at 5 am, walkers at 6 am – to get on the road at 7 am… and on time for all.

Serenity Tent – broken down, breakfast cleaned up, tents cleaned out, recyclables ready for pick up – and we left the camp sight.  The Crew had rest stop #3 for day 2.  Each rest stop is hosted by a beneficiary or team – the theme here was a 10th Anniversary Birthday celebration – clowns, birthday cake, presents…. and handouts. 

I learned that at each rest stop the walkers were given charms or gifts – at the birthday party it was “whistle lips” and blowers.  The rest stops had port-a-sans; select rest stops with foot care professionals; food and beverages.

At the end of the walk an award is presented to the “most creative” rest stop.  I heard they were incredible and everyone was talking about their “charms” and goodies…

 Since we had crew and walkers and were able to participate at a rest stop we have a good idea of the many components of the day – and we are best prepared to find the appropriate team of helpers for years to come.

My surprise was to learn that so many were unaware of this incredible event and the Mission of the LI2 Day - “The Long Island 2 Day Walk” is organized to raise awareness and funding for the fight against breast cancer on Long Island. 100% of the donations raised by the participants are distributed to grassroots service organizations so the funds reach the members of the Long Island community affected by breast cancer.”

LI2DAY has raised over $4 MILLION from the annual 35-mile, two day walk. Local grassroots breast cancer organizations from Manhasset to Montauk receive funding from LI2DAY for programs that assist with medical expenses, transportation, prosthetics and wigs, physical therapy, child care, research, education and more.

The list of beneficiaries to see where your support is going.

The walk over the bridge – let these pictures be that powerful statement.  What a beautiful conclusion and tribute to those “warriors of breast cancer”.

.....Here is a heart felt side note. While working in the Serenity Tent, Teresa mentioned she loved the picture of Evelyn - somewhat taken back by that comment because we always use that picture of Evelyn - I proceeded to let it go. Sometime later she pointed out a different photo of Evelyn Knapp (the inspiration for Strength for Life);

Now I was on a mission to find out who, in years past, honored Evelyn at this walk. 

When I posted the photos on Face Book, Carissa Stavrakos "liked the photo"... I learned this was Evelyn's Goddaughter and niece - who walked the event in 2009 and 2010 raising $6000 for LI2Day... It really touched my heart to see that beautiful picture and see others honoring this inspirational woman.

"Make today a great one!" ~ Evelyn Knapp

 

 

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