Race for the Cure

Saturday I had the honor of joining a group of women who joined the much, much larger Komen Race for the Cure in Moline. This was my second year to walk the course with this wacky bunch of women.  And I do mean wacky!

Christina is late .... again

We met early, early in the morning at the Botanical Center parking lot. How early? How about 6 AM? SIX? On a Saturday? Ok, well, some of us got there at the designated time anyway. Everyone rolled in by 6:30 except for… you guessed it… our Survivor! This seems to be a common theme, last year it was the same.

Christina arrived with a box of new t-shirts… so after a flurry of t-shirt changing, number pinning, and a whole BUNCH of photos… we headed for the shuttle bus.

Meet the youngest member of Team Knockers

I would like to add here: Christina Heald (our survivor sister) became a new grandmother this week. Her daughter Jasmine and granddaughter Jessa came along, but waited at the finish line for us. Jessa was all decked out in pink for her very first Race (and her first Saturday as well!) So much of the pre-race photo shoot was focused on Jessa and family photos.

Christina and Karen have been best friends for 27 years

We had a blast. This irreverent group of women knows how to have a good time – from dancing to the bands along the route, to water fights, hugs, laughter and good-natured teasing to a champagne toast at the end. Below is a video from the race, but you will only see snippets of the great time we had – and none of the after-race shenanigans. (What happens at the race stays at the race…?)

For more photos from the race, go here

But at the end of the day this is about a celebration of survival, love and friendships, about remembering those who have gone before us and making things better for those who will come after.  I’ll be honored to be there again next year.