900 Miles Closer to a Cure

At dinner on Day 2 the speaker asked all of those walking alone to stand up.  I was surprised to see so many people stand.  This is such a task – and to go into it alone?   Now don’t get me wrong, with 1300 walkers you are rarely alone but there’s something about having a friend nearby even if you’re not talking to them. 

Day 3 we met one of these brave souls that was walking it alone, his name was Jim.  Jim told us he was from California, in fact right after he finished his 20 miles for the day he would be heading straight to the airport to get on a flight home and going to work the next day!   I was impressed.

<- Jim

Later he told us how he signed up to walk all 15 cities this year – that’s 900 miles – 60 miles over consecutive weekends. One walk was cancelled so now it’s down to 840 mile – but that just doesn’t have the same ring.  I’m walking next to him trying to wrap my head around the logistics.  Travel time, costs, time off from work – and not to mention raising all the money and walking all that way.  How many pair of sneakers would he walk through?!

Jim told us how he lost his mom to breast cancer and that’s why he walks.  That’s why he’s walking in all of these cities.  To date Jim has raised over $27,000. His goal is $50,000 but he needs to raise a minimum of $32,200 to be eligible to walk in all cities.  I have no doubt he will reach him minimum. 

So I’m making a donation and spreading his message.  He’s also looking for people to host him the evening before the events or assist with transportation to and from the airport. For more info visit his site.  He has loads of pictures and stories – that’s where I snagged the shot of me below J