SPOTLIGHT ON ... ARTICLE
December 2008
Beaders Unite for the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure
Written by: Lisa Kan
'Tis the season as we all celebrate the ending of another year. December is finally here, as the weather begins to cool and we don on our winter coats, 2009 is near! Hurray, hurray, how fast the year has gone. For me, this year has been one of many challenges, for one lots of traveling - every month, in fact - to a different state, promoting my new book, Bead Romantique. But no challenge was more worthwhile this year, than walking 60 miles in 3 days with my friend Sara Hardin and her family in San Diego in support of the Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure. I am still exhilarated by the experience. It is good to be home though, home for the holidays!
I am sure we are all still recovering from the bountiful Thanksgiving dinners where we wished we didn't indulge in that extra piece of pie or ate another portion of turkey/ham/etc with all the fixings. I say indulge, but with moderation in mind, as your health is more important than instant gratification. We are all so fortunate, even in these challenging economical times, that we live in one of the most generous countries in the world, where most things are plentiful.
So here I am writing the December Softflex article. Instead of writing about a beading topic this time, I want to share with you my experience at the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, 60 Mile Walk for the Cure, where beaders truly united worldwide to support me in this challenge. These beaders' generous donations have brought me to tears several times.
Sara led the way with her 2006 walk in Phoenix. And when I read Sara's 2006 experiences earlier this year, I was deeply touched by the story. When Sara mentioned that her walk this year would be in San Diego, less than 2 hours from where I live, I knew I had to do more than just donate. The event was at the perfect time also, after all the traveling for shows would have ended. So instead of talking the talk, I intended to walk THE Walk. I decided to join Sara and together we formed "Team Beadalicious". Our team consisted of Sara's mom, Denise and aunt, Heather. Team Beadalicious managed to raise $10,674. We were among 5500 register walkers who jointly raised a total of $11 million dollars to further research and development for breast cancer.
For me, my walk was not just to help raise money for breast cancer research. The walk was also reason and encouragement I needed to return to my active self after many years of the sedentary lifestyle I led as a beadmaker. Thanks to generous donations from my family, friends, customers and beaders around the world, I was going to San Diego. In the months of training in between shows, I was able to shed more than 10 lbs, as I first walked 3 miles, then 5, next 7 and eventually 15 miles in ONE day. My endurance and stamina improved over time. And then in November, after my last show ended with two weeks to the 3-Day Walk, I managed to catch a severe flu that kept me bed ridden for nearly a week. With only one week to recover for the walk and no time to continue training, I focused my entire energies in getting as healthy as possible. Still with remnants of the flu and partially medicated, I trekked down to San Diego to meet up with Team Beadalicious. I could not miss this walk, no matter what, and illness was no excuse to let down all those who've supported me up to this point.
It all began on a chilly, overcast Friday morning at the Del Mar Fairgrounds where open ceremonies were held. We arrived at 6:30 a.m. after waking up at 4 a.m. The inspirational speakers reminded us what our mission was that morning and why we were all there. We stood for nearly 2 hours before we were let out of the gate to start our walk. It takes awhile for 5500 pairs of legs to wake up and get moving. We were energized by the personal stories, speeches and cheering crowds. It was going to be a grueling first day as we started off walking near the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
Every two to three miles, there was a pit stop or grab & go to keep us going well hydrated and energized with snacks. The breaks were where we would stretch and go for medical attention if necessary. The event was very well organized and the over 500 volunteers made everything seem so seamless. Cheering stations dotted along the route to encourage walkers. We saw familiar faces daily along the route.
Here is a synopsis of how our 3-Day Walk went each day (with a little help from www.the3day.org):
Day 1: Opening ceremonies were held at the Del Mar Fairgtrounds. Friday's 20.1 mile journey begins in Del Mar, which is known as "the most attractive place on the entire coast." The route explores the beautiful Torrey Pines State Park. The killer hill at Torrey Pines State Park kept everyone gasping for air. It wounded round and round but the reward was capturing a breathtaking glimpse of the Pacific Ocean. The park boasts 2000 acres of land, miles of unspoiled beaches and a lagoon for migrating seabirds. Other highlights of the day included lunch in Kellogg Park at La Jolla Shores, the pink balloon arch at La Jolla Shores Hotel, the seals at The Children's Pool and of course, the San Jose bike cops! After a long day of walking, we settled in to camp at Crown Point Shores in Mission Bay Park. Walking through the different neighborhoods we were met with a sporadic sprinkling of cheering crowds. You never felt alone on the path and people from many walks of life, some even in costumes, urged you forward with a smile and "thanks for walking." Music blared from cars and vans, keeping the walking thousands entertained and on the move. The entire city and its street were enlivened by the walkers' presence.
Day 2: Team Beadalicious began our morning at 5 a.m. and had our breakfast at camp at 6:30 a.m. The meal was not gourmet but was served hot by smiling volunteers. The amenities were plentiful and we were all encouraged to eat heartily for a proper start. The morning was again foggy and chilly, but we were ready for our second day. Saturday's 19.6 mile route explored Mission Bay Park, Ocean Beach, Point Loma, and then Sunset Cliffs. The majority of the route remained on the coast and offered views of both the ocean and downtown. There was lots of community support throughout the weekend, including the South Beach Bar and Grill handing out water and soda, Clowns for the Cure, Pink Panther, friends, family and many locals. Bonita Cove was a beautiful spot for lunch, and we were greeted by Miss Teen USA. We ate delicious chicken teriyaki wraps while being entertained by the UC Davis band. We winded around the route and were met towards the end with fresh grilled Ahi tuna at Mission Bay Park by supporters at their beach house, the best treat ever on the route.
Day 3: Sunday morning, the route was 14.3 miles as we walked through Pacific Beach and Mission Bay with beautiful sunny weather. Between walking around camp which made up the rest of the 60 miles, the 3-Day crew wanted to ensure we all completed the walk in time for closing ceremonies at 4:30. We started off through the Mission Bay Golf Course, then onward to Fiesta Island. The route led us through the historic Old Town where a friendly Mexican restaurant handed out chips and salsa to fuel our climb up the Juan Street Hill while the National Charity League of Moms and Daughters cheered us up the whole way. We walked through Mission Hills, continuing through Hillcrest and Balboa Park. Balboa Park is home to 15 major museums, performing art venues, gardens and the San Diego Zoo. Then the streets of downtown led us towards Petco Park, home of the Padres, where we jubilantly rested before the closing ceremonies. As we completed our walk, we were gifted with a commemorative T-shirt and pink rose. We lined up nine people to a row last to walk our victory walk among throngs of cheering crowds. Our group hugged each other and it was exhilarating to have been part of this event knowing our fundraising efforts was part of the $11 million that would continue to assist breast cancer research, education and development.
The 3-Day Walk was a long and emotional journey met with many friendly faces along the route. Those cheering crowds and camaraderie is what kept us going. Even with blisters, ice pack on knees, and sprained ankles (me on Sunday though I kept quiet about my pain), we kept trekking along towards the goal of making it to Petco Park. Not even pain or physical fatigue was able to keep our spirits down. We were energized to complete the journey one step at a time together. Team Beadalicious walked the entire route and never skipped a beat. I am fortunate to have shared this experience with Sara and her family. The completion of 60 miles begins with the first step and a commitment to never give up.
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I hope this story inspires beaders around the world to use their "voice" and to look within your community to find areas where you may contribute. Every effort is important, small or large. Performing good deeds feeds your soul as you act outside of yourself for the benefit of others. Whatever your circumstance, wherever you are in life, there is always someone/some cause that can benefit from your kindness and lending hand. Giving what we are capable frees ourselves, adding meaning and enrichment to our lives. With the human element added to the mix, there is nothing we can't achieve together. In helping others, we help ourselves. To give without expecting anything in return is the true spirit of selflessness. There is no bigger reward than that which feeds our soul.
"People know you for what you've done, not for what you plan to do" - Author Unknown
Lisa
Lisa Kan is a glass bead artist, jewelry designer and author. As an avid researcher and bead purveyor, she hopes to share her knowledge about beads through her writings. She has written articles for Australian Beading, Beadwork, Stringing, Step by Step Beads, Bead Unique, Bead Trends, BeadStyle, Bead and Button and Simply Beads magazines. Her first book, Bead Romantique, is available on Amazon.com and Interweave Press. You may view more of her work on her website, www.LisaKan.com, read her blog at LisaKan.blogspot.com or email comments about this article
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