“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” was the name of the 5 mile walk I did on Sunday, October 18, 2008. Here’s a picture of me (in purple) in the front row of the hundreds of breast cancer survivors who participated. Thousands more supporters walked with us along the lakefront in Chicago on a perfectly beautiful Fall day.

What struck me most was the joyful energy of the day. We marched and laughed and soaked up the sun. It didn’t matter if we were only a few months past treatment, or in my case, 14 years surviving (and thriving).

Attitude is everything, and I saw no one feeling sorry for themselves, or projecting any kind of fear. My shirt said it all: “Live Life Better, Not Just Different.” It wasn’t enough that we all LIVED and got to wear our pink medals. We showed a sense of celebrating life and showing up.

I would have changed the name of the march if I could. Even when I told people about the walk and asked for donations, I called it: “Walk for a Cure.” I really embrace Mother Teresa’s attitude. She said: “Don’t invite me to a March AGAINST War because I won’t come. But if you invite me to a march FOR Peace, I’ll be there!”

Thanks to all of you who made donations. I was the second highest fundraiser in my group!