On 10/4/2009 The second annual Believe and walk for the cure for cancer took place in Redlands, California. I am pleased to say that I participated in this walk along with over 4,000 others that attended.
As it was reported in a Press Release on 10/1/2009 by the Stater Bros. Charities "4,000 Registered for Redlands' 2nd Annual Believe and Walk for the Cure," the walk began at 9 a.m. on the corner of 5th st. and State st. and there was the option of a 5k or 10k distance walk. Compared to last year's 1,700 walkers, there were more than double the participants. The Stater Bros. Charities and Inland Women Fighting gathered approximately $250,000. After the walk, there was a celebration at the Redlands bowl with kids activities, musical presentations and free food from Baker's, California Pizza Kitchen and other local fast food chains.
I could not find a news report of the event but as I mentioned before, I had the privilege to participate in this event. Before the walk took place, we heard a few words from the people who made this event possible like: the three founders of this event (which told us a brief story of how the foundation started), The C.E.O of Stater Bros. who mentioned the importance of why we were there, The Mayor of Redlands who's speech was like a heartwarming welcome and a few others.
It was a very emotional day for some that have experienced the battle for cancer, either themselves or their families. Some have lost loved ones, others are still fighting for a cure, but we were all there united because we want to help each other, not just help ourselves. During the walk, there were signs that read "Go walkers" and "Start Believing", and also people motivating you to keep going .
To me, the walk represents the struggle that people go through and on that road, nobody should be alone, that is why everybody walks together. The end of the walk represents making it out of the struggle and a sense of relief for everyone. I Hope that next year we can unite even more people so that soon enough we can find a cure for cancer.
I really like that you shared this with us. While I would normally encourage you to find a write-up of the story to compare to your own experience, it is true that we receive our news not only from the media but also first-hand.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you shared this too. Many people are affected by cancer and it is very much a first hand experience when it happens to yourself or someone you love. Maybe next year the word could get out more and more people could participate with you and others and share in the experience that they are not alone in this either.
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