June 11, 2011
A few months ago I accepted an invitationfrom Ashley Smith, Miss International 2010 to join her “Queens for a Cure” race team and participate in the annual Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Race for the Cure. As yo might guess by our team’s name we are pageant girls, but what you might not know is that Ashley’s mom, Becky is a 17 year breast cancer survivor! Congratulations Mrs. Smith!
 |
| Me, Ashley Smith and her mom Becky Smith |
When I joined the “Queens for a Cure” team I had no idea just how personal this journey was going to get for me. Breast Cancer struck our family this spring and my dad’s cousin Stacy had a double mastectomy. I look forward to the day that our cousin Stacy can also say that she is a 17 year survivor just like Ashley’s mom!
 |
Elizabeth's garden Display
|
 |
| Garden message of hope |
One the most meaningful moments for me at the race event was the Elizabeth’s Garden display. The “garden” a place set up in honor of survivors and those who lost their fight with breast cancer. Family and friends decorated pink wooden flowers with words of encouragement, memories, and hope and planted them in the “garden".
The walk/race started bright and early at8:00, but that didn’t stop over 10k people from participating even in the 100 degree Texas heat! Armed with lip-gloss and bottled water we finished the walk and still managed to look FABulous as we stopped at the sponsor’s tents and visited with other runners, walkers and volunteers. The day was a huge success and the money raised brings us one step closer in finding a cure so that no one needs to lose another mother, sister, wife or friend to breast cancer.
 |
| Balloon entrance |
 |
| Me with the adorable Isabella Keother |
 |
| The Queen team and a few race volunteers |
