Why I Run (or walk, to be perfectly honest)
Written on September 22nd, 2009 by McKinnon Diane
Written on September 22nd, 2009 by McKinnon Diane
Here’s the whole crazy crew of friends and family that did the race.
On any given weekend in most cities in America, you will encounter a roadblock. “What’s this?” you might ask. It’s sort of an inconvenience–you may have to go the long way around to get to your favorite brunch place, or have to wait for a while on your way home from church, or even get frustrated as you head in to the office downtown (because obviously that’s not where you want to be on Sunday anyway). And then you see it. The long winding parade of people in matching t-shirts stretched out along a several mile course running or walking, hooting and hollering, waving signs and generally seeming to be having a good time. And then, you realize: it’s a race, a run for a cause.
Now I have to tell you, I’m not much of a runner. But I’ve done a few of these races from time to time. I’ve raised some money, had some fun, ate a Cliff bar and banana or two and collected a few t-shirts. It’s a nice thing–good and good for you. Then I got diagnosed with breast cancer.
I have participated in five races sponsored by Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The last three races have been as a breast cancer survivor, including my latest in New York City on September 13th, 2009. If you have the opportunity to wind your way through Central Park on a beautiful fall morning, I suggest you do it. But I had the opportunity to walk with about 30,000 people. People of every size, shape, race and creed. Old and young, lean and athletic, not-so-lean and even disabled. They came mostly because, somehow, their lives have been touched by breast cancer. I also had the privilege of being joined by a group of friends and family–28 wonderful people who stood beside me and honored all the women in their lives who have faced a breast cancer diagnosis.
As you can imagine, 30,000 people trying to get to one spot in Manhattan at a designated time creates a little bit of chaos. There were people packed quite densely, lining up to start the race, lining up to use the porta-potties, moving like a massive herd of cattle without any cowboys to wrangle. And yet it all seemed to work. Survivors, in full force, defiant and empowered, took up the beginning of the line at the starting gate. This being New York, a compliment of celebrities and politicians entreated the crowd with rousing calls to action and we heard a heartfelt version of the Star Spangled Banner by Cyndi Lauper. I can say with pride that my cousin’s ten-year old daughter moved liquidly through all police barricades to get directly to Ms. Lauper for an autograph, despite not knowing exactly who she is. 1980’s MTV redux, rock on! At the first gun, elite runners take off, because this is still a race after all. Then the survivors, then the seemingly unending waves of people in funny hats, feather boas, capes, and all manner of sporting attire. We wound our way through the park, with onlookers and Sunday strollers and cheerleaders and people-watchers following our progress, 3.2 miles to the terrace above the Bethesda Fountain . The fountain is named for the Pool of Bethesda in Jerusalem, which, according to biblical tradition, possesses great healing powers. What a fitting place to cross the finish line in the race for the cure.
It is hard to describe what it means to feel the energy and goodwill of 30,000 people move through you. But I can tell you this much, it makes you feel that you can do anything. It makes you feel that the promise made from one sister to another to find a cure is within our grasp. There is a terrible solidarity in the sea of pink shirts – I often say that this one sorority no one wants to join. But I am in it. And I will walk or run for as long as I am able to show that being a member of this strange sorority is not the end of your life, but the beginning of a new life. One with incredible challenges, to be sure. But also a life with joy and strength and support and love. Even so, all that emotional power is not enough – we must also marshal an army with money. Money for research, for treatment, counseling and support services.
I am alive and well today because of the grassroots power of the Komen Foundation and other organizations like it. So whether the cause is breast cancer or leukemia or multiple sclerosis, there’s a good reason to get out there and walk, run or ride. Your time, your energy and your fundraising mean so much for all the people hoping for a cure. I can’t wait for my next race in Austin on November 1, 2009. If you get to that race or another one, look for me. I’ll be the one in pink.
Beth wrote: Fabulous!!!
Wednesday, September 23rd 2009 at 10:22 am |Alla wrote: I truly enjoyed reading this article. I walked for the first time this year with the support of my husband and 5 of our friends and $1,550 raised in my mom's name in two short weeks. My mom lost the battle to BC on August 18 after a 15 year fight. She is the strongest person I know and I commend you for walking, for fighting and for supporting Susan G. Komen Foundation. My mom was diagnosed between stages III and IV a year upon arriving in America. Luckily, we came here and she was diagnosed. Luckily, she fought for so long despite the surgery, the chemo, the radiation, etc. Keep Fighting! Keep Living! Carpe Diem.
Thursday, September 24th 2009 at 3:14 pm |Jamie Newbold wrote: I thank you for inspiring me.
Thursday, September 24th 2009 at 5:10 pm |Mary Dillon wrote: Diane, I so wish I could have been there as one of your supporters! I have also experienced the feeling of joy by walking among these amazing women - and each time I think of you, my survivor/friend. Thanks for sharing your blog - I loved it! Being a part of these events has been so inspiring - last fall was the 3 Day Walk, in May it was the 5K run and next weekend the Atlanta @ Day Walk...on on it goes, until they find a cure so that you and so many others can be free from this terrible disease. Love, Mary
Friday, September 25th 2009 at 2:35 pm |Zibby wrote: Diane - Thanks so much for sharing this. Clara and I will be cheering you on in Austin with National Charity League (a mother-daughter volunteer organization) We'll be at the corner of 5th and Congress in our red shirts! Love, Zibby
Monday, September 28th 2009 at 1:26 pm |Emily wrote: Wow! Thanks for sharing Di.
Tuesday, September 29th 2009 at 6:52 am |Mersina wrote: Way to go Di!
Tuesday, September 29th 2009 at 4:17 pm |Mallory Callaway wrote: Hey Sister ... So cool! You rock on! Mallory
Tuesday, September 29th 2009 at 6:38 pm |Joseph Jenkinson wrote: Diane, Thank you for sharing your survival story. It was very inspiring. Best wishes on your November Race in Austin.
Friday, October 2nd 2009 at 2:39 pm |Russ Novy wrote: Thanks for sharing Diane! It is so important to stick together and do all that we can. You rock!
Wednesday, October 7th 2009 at 11:09 am |Jennifer Taylor wrote: Thanks for sharing your story, Diane! You're an inspiration to me. This reminded me of my experience with the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk that I completed last November in Dallas. It wasn't easy to get there: the training, the fundraising in a not-so-great economy, sore feet, etc., but I did it. After the 20.8 miles the first day I didn't know how I could possibly get up and do it again at 6am on Saturday, but Friday night I met several survivors, women still in treatment who were out there walking and I realized if they could do it, so could I. My feet would heal in a few days, while they were facing much tougher challenges. And so I got up again on Saturday with renewed spirit and conquered the day...and again on Sunday. This was hands down, the best thing I'd ever done. It was hard work, tiring, extremely emotional yet very spiritually and physically rewarding. I met amazing women who shared their stories, husbands and sons of survivors who were walking when their wives and moms couldn't. The closing ceremonies was a powerful moment. Everyone held their worn-out shoes in the air celebrating the finish. And then they announced that together we had raised $6.9 million towards breast cancer research. That number still floors me today. So thank you for sharing your story and for continuing the good fight!
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