Race for the Cure

Sunday was my second favorite day of the year!

Our family walks in the Race for the Cure every year (except last year because of a brand new baby). Anthony's mother, Becky, is a 6 YEAR SURVIVOR, and we all love supporting her. My Grandma Fran is also a survivor, as well as many close friends of ours. I think the best part of the day is walking away feeling like I was a part of something so much bigger than myself! The signs that people carry are so inspiring. We walked with people who were supporting survivors like we were, and then we walked by people who were walking in memory of their loved ones. For me the day is filled with mixed emotions. One minute I'm laughing at the "Stop the War in MY-RACK" t-shirt, and then feeling my eyes fill with tears seeing that the big, tough man in front of me is walking for his mother who passed away. There are people from all walks of life, but we are all united for one reason. As we passed the START line, I heard the announcer say that we were walking with more than 62,000 people, and that the race was projected to earn more than $2.4 million. The amazing thing is that 75% of the proceeds stay in Colorado! We walked in the Co-Ed 5K. The very best part of the race is near the end when we round the on-ramp to I-25, and see thousands in front of and behind us. The on-ramp actually looks like the Breast Cancer Ribbon from the air when it's full of walkers!

It was an early morning, and Isabella was less than thrilled that we woke her up. Believe me, it was paybacks come Monday morning...
Anthony, Isabella, and I picked up Grandma, Grandpa, and Auntie Abby, and made our way to the Light Rail to meet the rest of the crew! You can see that Isabella was not impressed by the train, and was not too chipper for most of the pre-race excitement. Once we got going though, she remembered that it was right around naptime, and fell fast asleep. She slept til about mile marker 2, where she woke up and wanted to be carried. Luckily Auntie Abby has strong arms (which are now sore arms...I told Abby that she starts off weighing about 20 pounds, but gains a pound every minute!).


Anthony and I feel so blessed that we are able to walk for so many survivors! I walked "In Celebration Of" 10 ladies this year! I love that Isabella will be a part of Race for the Cure every year, and I hope that she learns to love the day as much as we do! Of course, our tradition now is to meet up at Mama Alvino's for a calzone and pizza after the race. Could we ask for a better end to a wonderful day?