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3 Day Breast Cancer Walk
The 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk is upon us. And it happens suddenly, like cancer tends to occur. It suddenly appeared in our lives. In 2003 Jennie Machado, inventor of the Coyote Trail Green Chile Sauce, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Without warning and with no family history, doctors had found a suspicious growth in her left breast. On the Friday before Memorial Day her worst fears were realized. What happened? What are the causes of Breast Cancer? What are the Breast Cancer Stages? The questions continued, and the answers came slowly and not at all easily. The certainty was that she would lose her left breast and surgery was scheduled that same month. Breast Cancer Causes
Read Jennie's version.During the recovery process, I came to understand that if cancer struck me,it could easily strike anyone. I began to investigate the staggering statistics. Five years ago, in the United States alone, 200,000 women were diagnosed. 40,000 died. 80% had no family history. Men also developed breast cancer. Nearly 1,500 were diagnosed and over 400 died. I was among the 80% who had no family history of the disease and I wasfortunate because my cancer was detected early through a routine mammogram.With early detection the disease is treatable. But, this doesn't just happen. We need funding to support research and better ways of detecting the early signs. Fighting Back and More!
That's me with my son, Michael at the LA 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk. What a great family I have. Together with my friends, I had all the support a woman could ask for. Still, I just had to do something so I embarked on a journey to raise awareness and to raise money for Breast Cancer Research. I'm not the type to be a spokesperson for a cause, but breast cancer was pissing me off. Fortunately, I am a survivor. Except for losing my boob, my life is pretty normal, but the thought of recurring cancer is always in the back of my mind. In 2008, I am celebrating my 5th year of remission and I pray for my sisters who join me, and those who didn't have the chance for early detection. What can you do? I don't know, but I joined a group of other like minded women, My Breast Friends. Together we walked in the Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk. Stay Updated on Jennie's ProgressMy Breast Friends
It started in October 2004, when I participated in the fight for a cure; The Breast Cancer 3 Day Walk in Los Angeles, CA. That event was a 60-mile walk (did I say 60 Miles?) over three days with net proceeds supporting the combined efforts of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the National Philanthropic Trust (NPT). That year I raised over $5,000.00 through generous donations from family and friends and New Mexico Chile Company. It was such an awesome experience; I decided to participate again in the Breast Cancer 3 Day held in 2005! And again in 2006. What was I thinking? Sure, I had blisters and I really hurt, but I just couldn't stand the fact that breast cancer is still out there. I had to do something and in 2008, I'm walking again in the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk. My training is gruesome to say the least. To prepare, I walk several hundred miles and this is a big commitment. I encourage you to do the same,or to support this cause, but more important is to realize that this terrible disease can change lives, and not always in a good way. I'm lucky because I'm a survivor. Many aren't. Do You Want To Help? Since I started, I've raised over $16,000.00 This year, 2008, I'll turn 53 years old on the second day of the Breast Cancer 3 Day walk.November 22 will always be a special day for me. If you can donate to the cause, you can do so online. Please log in to my personal page on the 3 Day Website and use the secure form to DONATE. You'll be taken to my personal page and you can donate any amount for the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk. Remember no amount is too small. Thank you for your support and prayers. Breast Friends Rock!
On the left at the San Diego 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk is Chuck Machado, my husband and head honcho of the New Mexico Chile Co. He gives back rubs and acts as head chef in the evenings. Wow, his meals are remarkable. Of course he chills the champagne too.
Breast Cancer SucksIt seems as though we can't even turn on the television without hearing about women being affected by this terrible disease. How many friends do you know who have been stricken? Breast Cancer has invaded our homes and so many families have been seduced by a disease that suddenly appears. Often it's without warning. Learn more about the causes of Breast Cancer and the 3 Day Breast Cancer Walk at the Komen 3 Day Breast Cancer WalkUpdate November 2008I'm still walking my rear off these days. During the week, I get up at 4 AM and get a few miles in before I go to work, but the weather is changing and it's cold in the morning.This is tough, but I'm determined and it makes it worth it with all your support. On weekends, my BREAST FRIENDS and I walk a good 15-20 mile stretch on both Saturday and Sunday and this is cutting into my family time. It takes forever to walk that far and before I know it, my weekends are over. Still, this is November and we only have a few weeks left before the walk. If I can walk 15 miles without any problems, then for sure I'll be ok for the 3 day walk. The good news is that I am definitely ready. My feet are holding up nicely thanks to great shoes I purchased and nightly foot massages by my husband -when he's in town. It's chile season and he's working alot. Did I mention that my birthday falls on the 3 day walk? Yep, I'll be celebrating my birthday with a 20 mile stretch this year. I'm in great shape and am determined to keep breast cancer away from me and anybody I know. We need more education and more early prevention and my efforts to eradicate this horrible disease is a worthy fight. Also, my donations keep rolling in. I'm close to my pledge to raise $5,000.00, but I still need a couple hundred to get there. Thank you for any amount-it all adds up. Pray for me and wish me luck!
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