I have a different perspective walking 4 years cancer free as a survivor than at an earlier time as a cheerleader, advocate, ally. 

My Mom knew the larger cause. The company she worked for leased the mammography and bone scanning equipment to OB-GYN clinics. They were cutting edge at the time. They were a living group of people who supported the cause, the radiologists, technicians, doctors and patients. 

I was excited to experience my first BC walk with my Mom. I remember telling her, “I'll meet you there.”, only to arrive and try figuring out how to find her amongst the hundreds of people in Bushnell Park. Not very much time went by before I spotted her walking in her famous red shoes. 

The strength and grace she had when unsuccessfully battling cancer was all I could think of during my own challenges. No hair, bad hair, don’t care! 

This walk is not just for breast cancer. It's to help ALL because cancer SUCKS! (Mom never liked the s word but it's an acceptable time because the alternate is even worse.)

This walk is in memory of my Mother Valerie Evans Standish, Aunt Fay Evans Green, Grandmother St. Barbara Standish. For the survivors, my MIL, Krystina Kaszubski and most loving friend Kelly C Merry. All incredibly strong women who I want to make proud. 

Thank you for being here with me and my family. 

Melissa