Since 2001, I have been involved with the Breast Cancer 3-Day. What started as more or less a whim has become very personal and very important in my daily life. After training over 500 miles each year and walking 60 miles in 3 Days with thousands of others in 2006 and 2007, I decided that this year was my year to be part of the 400+/- all volunteer crew that supports the walkers in not one, but two, 3 Day events in 2008. I was going to be a worker bee, part of the army. Things changed yesterday when I got an email from my team captain saying that due to a family emergency, she was unable to participate in the San Francisco Bay Area 3-Day next weekend – NEXT WEEKEND! – and could I step up and be captain? Well, hell, I’m nothing if not bold and few want to be a leader. So here I am in Texas, flying to SF on Saturday, preparing to captain a team of 25 or so people from all over the country to feed lunch to 2,000+ walkers for 3 days next weekend. Here’s a bit of my 3 Day story:

In response to an email from our new Crew Captain in San Francisco in July, I sent this to my teammates:

Dear Lunch Ladies (and men?): I hadn't heard anything for a while, so that I'd break the ice and give you my "back story." In November 2001 I heard a radio spot about walking 60 miles in 3 days. Hmmm...sounds like an awesome personal challenge. But I knew if I did it I would have to train and if I trained I needed a partner. Out of all my awesome friends, one committed to do it with me -- Nancy. We walked and talked a lot. I had no personal connection to breast cancer. Nancy had lost her mother when her mother was only 54. So we went into the 2002 DFW Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day with a special motto: No buses, no blisters. And for two old broads, we did quite well and honored our motto. And we had life altering experiences.

No 3 Day in DFW in 2003, but in October of that year, Nancy was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer. I went with her to her initial oncologist's appointment, as well as to the first surgeon's visit, first chemo, etc. It really sucked.

No 3 Day in DFW in 2004.

Nancy died as a result of breast cancer in February 2005 -- at 54. That year the 3 Day was back in DFW -- in June! Texas heat. I couldn't walk. My grief was very fresh. But I crewed. And what an amazing experience it was. But I missed walking.

So I was back walking in 2006 (October, this time). To find training partners, I became a training walk leader. I met an incredible bunch of people who have become some of my closest friends.

We did it again in 2007.

So along comes 2008 and the 3 Day is back in San Francisco -- where my daughter lives. I persuaded her to crew with me. How awesome is that? So we will be lunch ladies in SF and then I'll come back in be on lunch crew in DFW in November. Our team is Street Walkers, with both DFW and SF branches.

The 3 Day has become an important part of my life that has enriched me in so many ways. I look forward to meeting all of you in September. I'll be flying in on August 30th -- my birthday -- to spend a few days with Lisa before Crew Day. I look forward to hearing all of your stories. Julie

If you’re not familiar with the Breast Cancer 3-Day, it’s an event where thousands of people walk 60 miles in 3 days to do something HUGE to find a cure for breast cancer. The beneficiaries of the event are Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust. There have already been events in Chicago and Boston and this weekend the 3 Day is in Cleveland. Next weekend – San Francisco! So if you see 2,000 or 3,000 crazy people dressed in pink in your town, it’s probably the 3 Day. If you would like to participate by making a donation, go to www.the3day.org.

Cleveland August 22-24, 2008 San Francisco Bay Area September 5-7, 2008 Seattle September 12-14, 2008 Twin Cities September 19-21, 2008 Michigan September 26-28, 2008 Washington, DC October 3-5, 2008 Philadelphia October 17-19, 2008 Atlanta October 24-26, 2008 Tampa Bay October 31 - November 2, 2008 Dallas/Fort Worth November 7-9, 2008 Arizona November 14-16, 2008 San Diego November 21-23, 2008