Deb's Digest

In case you missed my first 2 blogs:
Part 1 - Event Eve and Saturday

Part 2 - Sunday

It takes weeks to really absorb everything that happens on the Walk. Here I am 3 weeks later and the memories still fill my mind remembering people, stories and images... they stay with me for a long long time.

The Walk is a very emotional experience... from laughter to tears and all the emotions in between. One aspect I really really like is that this is NOT a race. It is a walk. We are all winners. From the moment you sign up for the event your personal experience begins and you have done more than most of the people you know to help fight a terrible disease.

For the first time ever, I signed up at Event Eve for 2010. What really surprised me were how many folks I met who signed up for 2010 and had never done a walk before, 2009 being their first. What drive and commitment.

Some folks are concerned about the fundraising. I know people for whom this has been the deterrent from signing up. I can only encourage you to face this fear and just DO IT. People will surprise you. For some, the money comes rolling in. For others, it requires more work. But hard work is part of the journey. We are not only raising funds but we are raising AWARENESS. There are lots of fundraising ideas out there.... and some take the extra effort. But, you CAN do it!

For others, the thought of walking so many miles is daunting. The simplest advice is to just take one step at a time. On my 2nd walk in 2002, we walked from Baltimore into Washington DC. When I look at the map I am blown away. If I had looked at the map before I started, I may have been scared and wondered, Can I Do This? Instead, I just started training; one step at a time. Find a team if you can.. they will help you a great deal and share their experiences with you. It IS very doable. Each year, thousands of people of all shapes and sizes walk many many miles to support the cause. You can too!

One of my teammates took this photo. No idea who these ladies are -- it really shows the true grit and determination of those who walk.

This year, one of my Seneca Sisters, Denise, had done something to her ankle playing volleyball a couple weeks before the event. She was in a pink cast. That would have stopped many people, may have even stopped me. But Denise went out and rented a small scooter. She walked many many miles, with her cast resting on the scooter and her good leg pushing her along. She could have chosen not to walk and no one would have thought less of her. Instead, she went out and walked. Even on Sunday in the pouring rain, she did 5 miles like that. There are no words to describe her courage and devotion to this cause.

In this photo, Helene is giving Denise a short break and pushing her along the route.

I suppose if I had any disappointment, it was not being able to stay for the Closing Ceremony on Sunday. For me, this is always the culmination and closure to an incredible weekend. As I mentioned in my Part 2 blog, it had poured rain most of the day. I was not only soaking wet but very cold. Had the weather been warm, I would have stayed. But I had been sick the week leading up to the walk with a bad cold. Even still, I did all my mileage. But, I didn't want to end up with pneumonia, so I left before closing. I know many of my Seneca Sister teammates stayed and represented those of us that needed to leave.

The monday after the walk, the Seneca Sisters have a luncheon - it's usually the first time we see each other in "real clothes" not training clothes. It's a wonderful opportunity to share stories.

At the luncheon, one of my fellow survivors, Hetty said it best: “ Most people at the walk are not survivors; yet, you wouldn't know that because of the dedication and energy that you have that makes it so much easier for us survivors to keep on going!"

I want to thank everyone once again for all your support, financial and emotional! It means the world. To the over 870 donors we really kicked it up a notch this year! Thankyou.

I set a very very ambitious fundraising goal this year, especially considering the economy, $50,000! I am now 90% to my goal at $44,870! I will keep fundraising a while longer in hopes of reaching that goal. I should! I just sent checks in for over $2,500. I am so very very proud to be the #1 fundraiser in Washington DC - 3rd time in the last 4 years.

TOGETHER WE CAN AND DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Over 870 of you supported my Walk with donations from around the world - US, Canada, the United Kingdom and Japan! That is amazing!!!!

I thank every person who thought of the walk, who donated, who sent emails and cards and who sent good thoughts and prayers.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention Team AllEars®. This is a group of 50 people who have signed up to run the Walt Disney World full or half marathon in January 2010. Led by co-captains Michelle Scribner-MacLean and Mike Scopa, each person on the team has committed to raising $500 for my Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. When Mike and Michelle approached me with the idea, I was humbled. What an amazing opportunity. I also knew I couldn't let these folks commit to this undertaking without joining them. So today, I am publically announcing that I have signed up for the January 2010 Half Marathon! I will be joining my fellow teammates, Team AllEars as we embark on this journey. While I have walked 13 miles, I had the leisure of time. The half marathon has a time limit you must finish in to get a medal. I have lots of work to do to improve my speed. But I take with me the memories and experience of 10 Avon walks and all the folks I have met on this journey. I'm sure you'll hear more about it in this blog over the next several months.

I would not have been able to raise this incredible amount of money without my business and Disney Community sponsors. I thank you SO much for joining me in this fight against Breast Cancer: MEI and MouseFanTravel, Gaylord Palms, Owners Locker, All Star Vacation Homes, MagicMeets fans, Celebrity MagicTunes, WDWToday Podcast, DVCbyResale, Celebration Magazine, Happy Limo, Koma Writing Services, Kissimmee Guest Services, Maple Leaf Tickets, DIS Community, Cruising Co, Effortless Events, Yesterland, and Tagrel.

Special thanks for all my friends (especially Linda) who support me every step of the way. A very special thanks to my dear friend Ms. Dee Vah who has been raising money for me each December on the Disney Wonder cruise ship! Here she is with Mike and Matt of WDWToday.com Podcast:

One never knows the people they touch with their lives. You also never know when breast cancer will touch someone you know! After the walk in 2001, the captain of my training team was diagnosed with breast cancer. She jokingly said "Haven't all these walks given me a Pass Card?"

Just in the time between finishing this walk and now, a dear friend of mine has been diagnosed. Good news is it was caught VERY early. Too many people, men and women, get breast cancer. The fight must continue!

My heartfelt thanks to all of you!

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in Washington DC took place May 2-3.
Day 1 Blog

Day 2!

Sunday was a much more difficult day. I walked in the pouring rain for over 6 hours.

When I got to camp on Sunday morning about 7am, it had rained on the campers overnight. Plus, the drizzle was just starting to fall. There was a grey cloud over the bright blue tents, but that did not damper anyone's enthusiasm for the day ahead.

Mary went to the med tent to have her leg looked at and I went off to find some of the Seneca Sisters. Soon Mary and I met up to start our walk.

It didn't take long for the rain to really start coming down. I was glad I was prepared for the bad weather. I had a pair of Target rain pants on, my LL Bean Gortex rain jacket and a pair of Sloggers on my feet. The Sloggers fit right over my shoes and did a great job keeping my feet dry -- well, until about mile 9.

Mary and I walked from camp to the First Stop at Mile 1.5 and we parted ways. I had to make a "pit stop", Boy it was hard to do with all the rain gear on!

If you are wondering what's on my head, I wore a shower cap to keep my hat and head somewhat dry.

I captioned this next photo: Walking in the Rain is No Fun! But Then, Neither was Chemo!"

We walked and walked, not sure exactly where. I know we took one of the major bridges over to Virginia.

Mile 6 was in Arlington at the WJLA TV building. There was a large group of folks out there playing drums and in the dragon costumes. It made a REALLY nice diversion from the rain. I remember here seeing a woman cheering us on with an Avon 3 Day Shirt from 2002. It was great to see a fellow walker from the early days :)

At Mile 6.4 there was a rest stop and time for me to hit the porta-johns. Here was the line of folks as we waited our turns.

Mike and Linda had set up cheering at the National Cathedral stop which was a little over 7 miles from the start.

Here's Mary and Mike:

Eventually I got to the National Cathedral too

I can't even begin to tell you how nice it was to stand under the umbrellas for 5 minutes. Just to have a break from the rain pelting on my body was so great!!!

When I got to the lunch stop I took my sandwich to go. Only thing was each bite had more water from the rain than the bread and chicken from the sandwich.

Just before Mile 8, a woman and 2 young girls were at a gas station under cover. The girls had a rap song for the walkers so I stopped for a couple minutes to listen. It brought a huge smile to my face.

A bit after that there was a huge overhang to take cover under. Lots of walkers were using this opportunity to change socks and dry off for a bit. I snapped this photo of walkers going by.

From this point we headed over Key Bridge and into the Arlington Cemetary. This was a tough stretch of the walk between the winds and the rain really coming down. We were driven and just kept moving!

Mile 10 - I paused to give thanks to all the men and women that keep us safe and free.

Somewhere around Mile 11 Mary and I joined back up (thanks for waiting for me Mary!) so we could walk the last part of the trail together.

We started to hear the noise of everyone cheering the walkers on for the last few hundred feet! Our spirits were lifted high as we approached the final portion of the walk!

This is a photo of Team California! I spoke about Barbara Jo (left) in Part 1 of this blog. She's done over 100 walks and raised over ONE MILLION dollars in the fight against breast cancer.

Here are 2 of my Seneca Sister Teammates: Elaine, a fellow survivor, on my left. Helene, our captain, on the right

AllEars® Senior Editor and my dear friend Debbie Koma surprised me by coming to the Finish Area to congratulate me on walking 26 miles! (Thanks so much!)

I did amazingly well walking 13 miles in such yucky conditions. Many times I felt all your words of encouragement and support and the thoughts of all your loved ones and that kept me focused on the task at hand and kept me walking forward. Even when I became soaking wet, even when the temps dropped and I got very cold, even when I looked up at hills to climb and puddles of mud and water to walk through. I met many amazing folks along the way… some still in treatment, others recently finished, long time survivors and those walking for a loved one.

Part 3 has final thoughts, reflections, and an announcement!

The 2009 Washington DC Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is over and now it’s time to let everything settle in and reflect on the weekend. As always, the event is an amazing gathering of several thousand folks – all working hard for a single purpose – to fight breast cancer. And as always, it's very difficult to put the emotions of the weekend into words.

This was my 10th major Breast Cancer event since 2001. Each one has its own character and energy. It’s a weave of threads of various shapes, sizes, colors that all blend together to create an amazing tapestry of smiles, tears, sadness and triumph!

For me, the journey began last June, a few weeks after the 2008 Avon DC walk ended. I made the decision to walk again, signed up and quickly began my fundraising and awareness drive. I really hope that my efforts help make people more aware of breast cancer and the fact that it can strike anywhere at any time – and not just women. I saw a couple women walking for their husbands!

This year, in addition to my wonderful teammates, the Seneca Sisters, a friend from NY was coming to town to walk the event. Mary Newell is a 3 year survivor. If her name sounds familiar to some of you, she is Mike Newell’s wife (Mike of the WDWToday podcast and MouseWorldRadio). Mike and Mary have visited the last 2 years and cheered all the walkers on. I did my best to talk her into Walking this year -- I think she’s glad she did!

From the moment one arrives at Event Eve, a transportation of spirit takes place. Suddenly you have thousands of strangers who have become your friends and support for the next 2 days. People you have never seen before and may never again will smile at you and offer words of encouragement, support and understanding. There is a huge buzz of activity: people checking in, last minute fund raising, turning in donations and much more.

During the Event Eve activities I scurried around looking for friends from previous years. Plus, I had several things to accomplish!

I had additional donations to turn in! Another $700!!!!

I received my Avon Breast Cancer Fundraising Ribbon for raising over $5,000!

And I needed to sign up for 2010!

Friends, who I see every May, walk quickly towards me as I walk quickly towards them to hug in support of the fight that brings us together.

Barbara Jo Kirshbaum is one of the most amazing women I have ever met. She began doing the Breast Cancer events in the year 2000, when they began. She knew no one who had been touched by breast cancer. Since that time, she has walked in every single Avon and Komen weekend events (over 100 now!) and has raised over ONE MILLION DOLLARS for the cause. She is one of my heroes and someone provides inspiration to me as I continue my fundraising efforts. Visit her website!

Here I am hugging Seneca Sister Team Captain Helene Block. This woman has led the Seneca Sisters since 2000! She has amazing energy and a great spirit. She is another one of my Breast Cancer heroes!

I was so happy to see Allison on Friday afternoon. We walked into the Closing Ceremony together in 2008. I almost didn’t recognize her because last year, she walked during her treatments and was bald. I’ve thought of her often during this past year – hoping all was well. Indeed – she is doing fantastic and it was a very happy reunion.

The walk is much different than training. Most of the time the pace is much slower since you are bunched up with hundreds of folks, walking thru residential area sidewalks or near main highways. But that also gives you time to get to know the people around you and hear a bit of their story.

Saturday was a very cloudy day. Fortunately for all of us, only a few brief sprinkles of rain.

Some photos from Opening Ceremony:

There are around 30 of us on the Seneca Sisters Team. Here are the 4 Breast Cancer Survivors: Hetty, myself, Elaine and Thuy.

I wore 2 signs this year which got lots of attention and enabled me to meet many new folks. On the first sign, I had the names of all your loved ones that you sent to me.

The other had the number of folks who generously supported my walk and the total raised and my years of survivorship! Many many (over 800) folks donated to my walk and most of the donations were $5 - $25. I think it is quite powerful that together we CAN and DO make a difference!!!!

When I got to the first Rest stop I was pleasantly shocked to find a Porta-John with my name on it LOL! Names of all the top fundraisers had their own place of honor :) It gave me a huge huge smile!

Proud Mike smiles at his wife Mary, who just completed 26 miles on Saturday!

Carol is a long time walker buddy from the Needwood Solemate days!

Finishing up the day!

Part 2 of this blog will share stories of our rain-filled Sunday!

Part 3 has final thoughts, reflections, and an announcement!

Yesterday (4/19) was my last official training walk before the big 2 Day, Washington DC 36 Mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on May 2-3! I've trained well and I am ready for the event.

Here are a few photos from the day and also a video called "Why We Walk". I hope you will take the time to meet some of my Seneca Sister Teammates in the video.

Some folks wear buttons or signs for those they walk in honor of!

And here I am at the end of the training walk.

Meet some of my Seneca Sister teammates!

Now is as good a time as any to ask you once again to please support my fundraising effort for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

I will celebrate 23 years of being a survivor in just a few days. Considering I was only given a 50/50 chance of making it 5 years, I'd say I'm very fortunate to be able to give back.

I want to thank everyone for your words of support and your donations! As of today, I am at 82% of my goal! Together we CAN and DO make a difference. Together we have raised over $41,000!!! Less than 2 weeks now until the walk.

My story can be found here!

You may also send a check made out to the Avon Breast Cancer Walk

Deb Wills
3520 Sugarloaf Parkway
SUITE F03-105
Frederick, MD 21704

Thanks!!!

The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is rapidly approaching. We are on the downside of our training plan now.

Sunday's walk was 8 miles. We returned to a familiar trail over at Lake Needwood in Maryland. I spent many many miles on this trail back in 2001 and 2002 while training for my first 60 mile walks.

Lake Needwood is a really nice park with plenty of facilities for all kinds of recreation. Here is the view of a trail from the parking lot.

It was a clear but cold morning. Temps were in the low 40s for the majority of our walk.

We quickly begin to enter the wooded part of the trail and while the trees protected us from the wind, they also shielded the warmth of the sun.

Always make time to stretch. I usually walk about 5 minutes or so for my muscles to warm up and then make a stretch stop. On the actual walk itself, I try to stretch at least once an hour if not more.

Signage along the trail helps keep us aware of mileage to various points.

And here I am at the end of the training walk.

Next week we wind down again - this time to 7 miles. That will probably be my last "official team" training walk before the actual Walk.

Now is as good a time as any to ask you once again to please support my fundraising effort for the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade.

I will celebrate 23 years of being a survivor next week. Considering I was only given a 50/50 chance of making it 5 years, I'd say I'm very fortunate to be able to give back.

I want to thank everyone for your words of support and your donations! As of today, I am at 80% of my goal! Just 19 days left until the walk.

My story can be found here!

You may also send a check made out to the Avon Breast Cancer WalkDeb Wills
3520 Sugarloaf Parkway
SUITE F03-105
Frederick, MD 21704
Thanks!!!

Yesterday's training walk was mostly in the rain. I actually debated whether to go or not. 11 miles in the rain makes for a long soggy time.

And then I remembered when I was going through radiation and chemo and how I would have LOVED to have the energy to simply walk around the block.

So out of bed and down to the kitchen for the all important coffee :)

Many of the ladies were doing a "back to back" this weekend. That means that on Saturday, they walked 20-26 miles and were getting up Sunday to walk another 11. This simulates what will happen on the actual Avon Breast Cancer Walk.

We gathered in a parking lot and as you can see, the rain was a steady drizzle and we had our rain gear on.

This is Helene Block and myself. Helene has been a walk leader since they began in 2000. She captains the Seneca Sisters, celebrating their 10th year as a team! And if you are wondering what is on my head, it's a baseball cap with a shower cap around it to keep it dry.

This was an 11 mile training walk through lots of neighborhoods in Maryland. One nice part of the walk was around this lake.

At the 8.5 mile point, we stopped for a rest at a Chevron Station. Everyone took a few minutes to be dry and warm and have a snack.

This is Thuy and Gina, 2 ladies I have met this year. Thuy is a 3 year survivor and has a great attitude about life.

As we were nearing completion of the 11 miles, the rain had stopped and I saw the beautiful yellow daffodils letting me know spring is just around the corner!

I want to thank everyone for your words of support and your donations! As of today, I am 71% of my goal! Just one month left until the walk.

My story can be found here!

You may also send a check made out to the Avon Breast Cancer WalkDeb Wills
3520 Sugarloaf Parkway
SUITE F03-105
Frederick, MD 21704
Thanks!!!

I thought I'd take a short break from all things Disney to share some photos from my training walk this morning.

As a 23 year breast cancer survivor, I have participated in raising funds and awareness for the cause since 2001. I have walked 60 mile walks, 36 mile walks and crewed.

This year I am walking in Washington DC the first weekend in May 2009!

I belong to a training team called Seneca Sisters. They have been around for 10 years!

On this chilly morning, about 25 folks set out to walk. We were on the Capital Crescent Trail in Maryland and Washington DC. My goal this morning was 10 miles and I accomplished that!

Mile 5

One Mile Left to Walk - Had to make a pit stop:

My story can be found here!

You may also send a check made out to the Avon Breast Cancer WalkDeb Wills
3520 Sugarloaf Parkway
SUITE F03-105
Frederick, MD 21704
Thanks!!!

Dateline: May 2, 2008
Washington DC

Today marks the official start of the 2008 Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. I am so glad I decided to change from Crew to Walker this year. I have trained hard and feel well prepared for the journey.

I'm working half a day today, I don't know how..but i am LOL. Then it's off to downtown Washington DC for Event Eve. We check in, get our wristbands, feel the excitement, reunite with friends from previous years, try to get some sleep and prepare for our adventure.

I want to thank the over 900 persons (including businesses) who supported my fundraising efforts for 2008!

To add to my current total of $37,682, I am bringing checks with me today totalling $1,200 -- That is an amazing $38,882!!!!!! Just typing that sentence brings tears to my eyes.

Folks, we did this together!!!!!

Your generosity has enabled me to be the NUMBER 1 Fundraiser in Washington DC for 2008!!!!

A VERY special shout out to my team, the Seneca Sisters!!!! These ladies, led by Helene Block, are just awesome. Helene has been the team leader since the Avon walk began in 2000. She gives endless volunteer time to the effort. A few weeks ago, the Seneca Sisters had our big fundraiser and garnered $4,500 in donations!!!!! Many thanks to everyone who attended!

This weekend I will dearly miss LindaLou who had to go out of town on business. She is totally supportive of all my efforts and it always means a great deal to see her smiling face along the route. Linda, you will be with me each step of the way this weekend.

My dear friends Cathy and Bryant have generously given up a weekend of their time to come to Washington DC and support me. Cathy was here in 2002 when I did the DC walk and she knows what an adventure this is. I am so grateful she and her hubby are here to share it with me.

Each and every one of you and your loved ones will be with me this weekend as I take each step.

Please keep all of us, walkers, crew and volunteers in your thoughts this weekend.

Again, thank you SO much for all your support!!!!

Deb