Dear Reader:

Doodle sent me a text with this picture of me and Harriett Edwards (and Brenda to the left…somehow every year we always end up together…the three amigos) on the front cover of the special magazine edition “Get Your Pink On” in Monday’s Post % Courier. Too funny…. me with my pink queen crown and pink glasses on and so happy just to be there last year…Move forward a year-Just so happy to be getting ready to participate again this year! Every year marks a triumphant benchmark in the on-going fight for life.

...And two other members of “Legally Pink” caught the camera’s eyes too last October….Lassie and Brooke sitting on the front of a pink fire truck waiting for the race to start. 

I have mentioned several times before that I have a problem with the word “survivor” when it comes to fighting breast cancer. To me living life to its fullest is not about just surviving but exuding joy each and every day.

Don’t we all know people who simply radiate goodness, kindness and joy and are such a pleasure to be around? These people have learned the secret of sustaining life to the brim. They are “sustainers.”

They maintain, continue, and prolong life because they love it and want to be a part of life for as long as they can. Life is worth sustaining the effort to be here in the present, in the moment. 

So this Saturday morning “Legally Pink” will once again hit the pavement to reaffirm that life is worth sustaining. It should be lived  as if it were our last day every day, never forgetting to bring as much joy and comfort to others, we pass along the way, as we have received.

*Let me take a moment and try to profusely thank my family and friends for all the sustained support that you have shown and given me along this, sometimes, bumpy path called “little c.” I can honestly say that without all this support I don’t know that I would be here typing away this morning. Like my t-shirt says: “No one fights alone.” 

A special “shout-out” to my oncologist, Dr. Silgals, my primary doctor, Dr. Montoya and my surgeon, Dr. Litton, for being there for me through thick and thin. I am here today because of their expertise… but more importantly… their caring and compassion. 

During the first few Survivors’ Ceremony (before the Race for the Cure started each year) I used to wonder if this would be my last time participating. Slowly, over time, I quit thinking about that because I am improving my quality of life by learning to live more in the moment.

 Saturday I won’t worry about next year, it will take care of itself…I will just enjoy the moment with my fellow “Sustainers,” who like me, just want to live and be with their family and friends for as long as possible.

 So until tomorrow…We are entering the last big push this week to, not only exceed last year’s donations, but to make this the best year of all for those who follow in our footsteps… living on hope and new research!

Thank all of you who have donated this year  and in years past…we couldn’t do it without you! We still have three more days….Let’s make the most of them!

“Today is my favorite day”  Winnie the Pooh

***RACE FOR THE CURE – Saturday, 10/15/16.  Gates open at 7:00.  Participate in a morning filled with hope, love and strength as we lace up to run breast cancer out of town!

http://lowcountry.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/CHS_LowcountryAffiliate?px=13398752&pg=personal&fr_id=6459

To mail in a donation, please make checks payable to:
Susan G. Komen® Lowcountry
50 Folly Road Blvd. | Charleston, SC 29407
Phone: (843) 556-8011
Email: [email protected]

Harriet found this symbolic “Pink” striped “sustainer” bloom smiling at her when she returned back after the storm. Beautiful! We are ready for the race!