.Christina.Kleymeer.

On to 2008...

2008-02-07T12:12:00.000-05:00

I started a team and we have geared up for the 2008 season!

Check out our events & news @ http://teamwsw.blogspot.com/

PICTURES!

2007-10-08T13:27:00.000-04:00

3.Day 2008

2007-10-07T00:20:00.001-04:00

Pictures are still coming in... i promise to update days 1-3 soon! Just wanted to let you all know that I signed up to do it all again next year and I started a team! To join me, go to...http://08.the3day.org/goto/WSW
Thanks!

Home.Again

2007-10-01T17:32:00.001-04:00

We did it!! I don't want to into much detail about the 3.Day yet because i'm waiting to do the day.by.day report once i get my pictures together! The recap though - 2,400 walkers and over $5.6 MILLION raised to fight breast cancer! That is so amazing!!

Today has been all about recovery as I have some wicked blisters - one so big it has it's own name! - and gained a case of patellar tendinitis starting on day 2. This morning I treated myself and my Aunt Pat - who has been instrumental in helping me fundraise this year - to massages. Mine was concentrated on the legs and when she got to my calves she said "Woah - those are like ROCKS!" LOL! I guess that is what 60.miles does to a body! Let me tell ya though, it was a little piece of heaven when i stood up after the massage - I could stand and bend my knees without pain! YAY! I can feel the stiffness coming back and am now waiting for the Motrin kick back in... Mom & Dad - THANK YOU! for the beautiful PINK roses and all the cheering you did this weekend:)

Ok...it's about time to put the feet back up to get the swelling back down... After closing ceremonies my Aunt Pat and my soon.to.be cousin Jessica said they were in for next year (mom is only a "maybe" for medical crew)... on the drive home I said to my parents that I don't know how I could have inspired others to join the fight when I could barely hobble to the car! I am certain I did not do anything except be passionate about a cause I believe in...

** WaRnInG - Gross Out Picture Ahead!**

Affectionately named "Squirt"

Day.3

2007-09-30T10:18:00.000-04:00

With Day Three came a scenic walk through the park and lots of community support with honks, waves and decorated cars passing by along the route. The “pop-girls” provided motivation and sodas at just the right times and the Motivation Medics were at it again! The pirates at lunch were willing to share their booty and fed you before the final stretch of your journey. The long walk into Holding at the Henry Ford was lined with supporters, including WOO HOO from Cleveland, who came up to cheer on the Michigan walkers. There was great media support at Holding/Closing, including 105.1 who had a team walking in the event! Closing Ceremonies was an emotional and inspiring conclusion to your journey, made even more special as you were joined by some Cleveland 3-Day walkers and crew members.

Day.2

2007-09-29T10:18:00.000-04:00

Day Two brought amazing neighborhood support, including a subdivision that had wrapped their trees in pink tulle! Community supporters provided a resting bench for walkers to take a load off and the route was lined with tons of homemade signs. Crossing the street was always an adventure with our fabulous safety team – nothing makes you feel safer than a Harley rider in a pink bra. The cheerleaders at the New Balance pit stop kept walkers motivated and the cowboy theme at lunch kept spirits high. And who could forget the Michigan Dancing Lady, who was out and about along the route keeping you smiling! Back at camp, walkers created a beautiful pink ribbon out of flowers. Meanwhile, at dinner, the Romeo football team was spotted carrying trays and helping out! The night ended with a visit from Tom Jones (a.k.a. walker Jon) who got everyone moving and kicked off a great dance party.

Day.1

2007-09-28T10:17:00.000-04:00

The 2007 Michigan 3-Day kicked off with cool temperatures on Friday morning at Oakland Community College – Orchard Ridge. You got off to a festive start as drummers from Ford gave you a beat to march to. You saw innovation at work, as a kindly past walker (who couldn’t walk this year due to a broken foot) provided a “clothes check” where you could leave your outer layers and pick them up at camp. There were many great pit stop themes along the route, including the “holiday” stop, where you celebrated a calendar full of festivities. A popular favorite was Labor Day – with crew members showing off pregnant bellies. In between pit stops, the Superior Ambulance “Motivation Medics” kept everyone cheerful along the route.
While you were out on the route, the Romeo football team was busy setting up your tents and delivering your gear, making your arrival at camp even more welcoming. Friday night’s camp show included an inspirational message from Nancy Brinker, and the evening was rounded out with some of the best karaoke around!

Here.We.Go!

2007-09-27T15:16:00.000-04:00

Leaving in about 2 hours from now and i *think* i'm all set! I packed everything on my packing list (and probably a few extra things too!) and have packed a bag for the hotel tonight! Only thing left to do is meet up with the parents, eat dinner & drive to Farmington Hills to get a good night's sleep before Opening Ceremonies tomorrow!! I am scheduled to arrive at 6am to drop of my gear, then opening ceremonies starts at 6:45 with stretching!

Say some prayers for health & strength and good weather!

Where.Does.The.Money.Go?

2007-09-26T22:24:00.000-04:00

Click Here to Donate

Well the thermometer here shows that MI 3.Day Walkers have raised almost $6 million! The final tally isn't in though and donations are counted until 2 months after the walk! So far team WICKED has raised over $26,700 - and that is only 8 women! If you are wondering, my official total right now is just over $3,900 with at least 2 more donations coming in. I have sort of lost track but I believe that the total for all the 3.Day events that have been held so far is well over $20 Million! Can you believe that?!?

So with $6 million raised in just one event - remember there are 12 3.Day events each year - where does the money go and what is it used for? The funds raised for the 3.Day events go to two organizations: Susan G. Komen for the Cure & the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure will receive 85% of the net proceeds. This organization is celebrating it's 25th anniversary this year with a new look and a new name! Komen is a leader in this area and $0.84 of every dollar spent by this organization goes directly to research, education, screening, and treatment.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure has a Grand Rapids affiliate that sponsors the Race for the Cure at Rivertown Mall every year. This year's RFC is this Saturday so unfortunately, I am unable to participate and organize a team as I have in the past. I was involved this year, however, as Lindsay and I spent the last 2 Saturday mornings volunteering at their registration events. So sad to miss it this year!

The National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund is a special field of interest fund for breast cancer initiatives, including research, treatment, prevention, and education. NPT Breast Cancer Fund provides long term support for breast cancer initiatives.

Total.Panic

2007-09-25T21:41:00.000-04:00

In 48 hours I will *hopefully* be sitting in my hotel room (well my parent's hotel room) and will be trying to sleep because I need to be at Opening Ceremonies at 6am on Friday! I still haven't finished packing and am totally stressed about soooo many things! I started packing last night after writing and re-writing a packing list for weeks! What i found is that after i put in the sleeping bag, I didn't have room for just about everything else! Ahhh! I needed a bigger duffle!! So panic attack starts and i wish i hadn't had 3 cups of coffee and 2 diet pepsi's earlier in the day... I call my mom and ask her if she knew someplace I could buy a HuGe duffle for cheap - oh yeah, did i mention i am broke until Friday too? - and she informs me that Kohl's has all luggage 50-60% off until Tuesday! Not sure i really need luggage...but the 50-60% off sold me! Then she mentions the duffle i got at my senior all nighter - i totally forgot about it because that was 10 years ago and has been stored in my parent's basement! She seemed to remember that it was HuGe and i said can you measure it and call me back? My dad did and it was bigger so now i am going to try to unpack and repack (PWS anyone?) once again! Ahhh! Friday can not come soon enough at this point! Oh yeah, and for those of you wondering how hard can it be? You must know that we will be CaMpInG for 2 nights in 40 degree weather with No ElEcTrIcItY so you have to be fully prepared! This girl is not a camper! :)

Care Package Contents from Kristen, Lindsay & Rachel:

Packing the 3.Day Way! (Weather.proofing!):

The too small duffle:

Everything that doesn't fit in the duffle:

Pinkerbell

2007-09-22T10:19:00.000-04:00

Who...or What...is Pinkerbell?? Pinkerbell is a stuffed monkey known as the 3.Day Rally Monkey! She comes from the Cancer Angel Network and she travels to all 12 3.Day events across the country. At each location, she is hosted by a team or participant. Team WICKED is the host for Pinkerbell's Michigan '07 journey! Pinkerbell comes with a little something extra from each stop and is complete with her own backpack and tent! We will be adding a few things so she fits in with team WICKED - a witch hat and flying monkey wings seem to be in the works!

More pictures are sure to come but for now... Meet Pinkerbell!!

Cheerleaders.Wanted!

2007-09-21T16:19:00.000-04:00

Opening Ceremonies: Friday, September 28

Schedule:
4:30 am – Crew members arrive
6:00 am to 6:45 am – Walkers arrive
6:45 am – Opening Ceremonies begin with community stretching

Location:
Oakland Community College – Orchard Ridge
27055 Orchard Lake Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Cheering Stations: Available all three days
Cheering Stations are a great way to show your support along the route to encourage participants and let them know that you are with them every step of the way. Seeing familiar faces cheering them on can provide that extra burst of energy that gets them to take that next step or go the next mile. Create banners, hold up signs, bring some music and make some noise – anything to make them smile, get energized and keep walking. Note: The "Last Chance Cheering Station" (on Day 3) is your last chance to see your walkers before you are reunited with them at Closing Ceremonies.

Day One - Friday, September 28

Mile Marker 3.5
8:00 am - 9:45 am
Farmington Family YMCA
28100 Farmington Road
Farmington Hills, MI 48334

Mile Marker 14.6
11:45 am - 5:00 pm
North Ridge Commons Shopping Plaza
8 Mile Road between Farmington Road and Gill Road
Livonia, MI 48152

Day Two - Saturday, September 29

Mile Marker 6.8
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Wilcox Lake Park (along Hines Drive)Just east of Hines Drive and Northville Road
Plymouth, MI 48170

Mile Marker 17.6
11:45 am - 6:00 pm
Ford Athletic Field
33771 Lyndon Street
Livonia, MI 48154(please use Stark Rd side of park)

Day Three - Sunday, September 30

Mile Marker 7.8
9:15 am - 12:30 pm
Nolar Bend Park (along Hines Drive)Just east of Hines Drive and Inkster Road
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127

Mile Marker 10.4
10:00 am - 2:15 pm
Helms Haven Park (along Hines Drive)Just west of Outer Drive and Hines Drive
Dearborn Heights, MI 48127
(LAST CHANCE CHEERING STATION!)

Closing Ceremonies: Sunday, September 30 at 5:00 pm
After three days and 60 miles, participants will take a final and incredibly emotional victory walk into the Closing Ceremonies. Friends, family and supporters should arrive at the Closing Ceremonies site at least one hour early to get the best view of the program. Please allow extra travel time due to expected congestion at the site.All walkers and crew members are encouraged to remain in the Participant Holding Area where they will receive a victory shirt, cheer on fellow walkers and crew members and celebrate one last time together before their dramatic victory walk into Closing Ceremonies.The Participant Holding area is CLOSED to spectators. If you wish to meet with your walker before the Ceremonies begin, please have them meet you at the Spectator Café (near the stage). Just remember that they need to return to the Holding Area no later than 4:00 pm in order to join the victory walk.

Schedule:
12:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Walkers arrive at Holding Area
4:00 pm: Crew and walkers begin lining up in the Holding Area and receive instructions for final victory walk to the stage and Closing Ceremonies
4:00 pm: Spectators arrive and should head directly to the stage and the Spectator Café
5:00 pm: Closing Ceremonies begin

Location:
The Henry Ford Museum
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124

Also, check out the Supporter Page @ www.the3day.org for the live 3-Day Webcam and tons of other goodies! Hope to see you there!

I'm.Suffering.From.PWS

2007-09-20T16:17:00.000-04:00

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) announced today an unusual outbreak of Pre-Walk Syndrome (PWS) in the State of Michigan. Although residents have been cautioned, PWS is communicable, it is not terminal, though it certainly constitutes a nuisance, not only to its victims, but to the families who care for PWS sufferers.

Symptoms of PWS are as follows: anxiety, nervousness, obsessive packing, unpacking and repacking of duffle bags and suitcases, repeated inflating and deflating of various mattresses, excessive chatter on message boards, a tendency to worry and obsess over small things and excessive fluid intake (only Gatorade will do).

Sufferers of PWS often eat large quantities of ice cream, pasta and meat products, have strange dreams, usually involving various brands of athletic shoes, socks and electrolyte replacements.PWS sufferers also "lurk" in running stores, examining various water bottles, fanny packs, camel packs, socks and other sports paraphernalia, and are often heard to mutter "Did I get the right brand? Is this right? Should I try this now? No. No. Too late to switch."

Dr. Wal King, of the CDC, states the only known cure for PWS is physical activity. He advises PWS sufferers to take a long walk, preferably 60 miles or more in length.

Why.Walk

2007-08-17T16:12:00.000-04:00

A story from the 3-Day Message Boards:

"I ran into a woman at the ice arena while my daughter was skating and her son was at hockey camp who was going out for a ‘training walk’ while she waited. I had my shoes with me and asked to join. She hadn't raised her minimum dollar amount yet for the 3-Day and was far from the $2,000 min and only has 6 weeks to raise the money. I recommended she wrote a letter/e-mail asking for donations saying why she walked. She was just walking for the challenge of the walk, so I said, 'You can write this in your letter:

'Today I met a woman who was walking her second 3-day and she joined me for a training walk while I was waiting for my son to finish his hockey camp. She seemed strong and walked quickly and with determination. And we talked. She is walking the 3-day again to raise money and awareness so a cure can be found so her daughter, her sisters, her granddaughters don’t have to go through what she went through. I had no idea she was a breast cancer survivor. She is walking so her husband, son, grandsons don’t have to again witness the metamorphosis of a cancer patient. She was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and even though it was early and her prognosis is good, she still had to have a lumpectomy, a full lymph node dissection, chemotherapy and radiation. She lost all of her hair; She lost her ability to feel under her arm pit; she has chronic pain in her shoulder and has lost mobility in her arm. She was violently ill from the treatment and she is scarred physically and emotionally and yet outwardly, you would never know it. She has the constant fear that the cancer will come back, but her children don’t know that. It is her secret to keep.

So, she walks. Walks to find a cure so that no one has to experience the effects of breast cancer. Walks to find better therapies so while finding a cure, those being treated can feel better, look better, be better. Walks to find peace and hope and happiness. And I will walk with her and many like her along side and heart-to-heart and need you to help me raise the money so I may have that honor.

After that, nothing was said for what seemed to be forever. I then broke the silence and said, 'You are no longer walking for just the challenge. Just ask for the money.'"

3.Day.Expo

2007-07-28T09:06:00.000-04:00

My mom and I attended the 3.Day Expo in Farmington. I think the reality of what i have signed up to do has hit my mom after today - quite possibly while we sat listening to the Blister.Workshop given by one of the medical crew members! I just remember her turning to me and saying, "You are going to need more than 1 stick of Body.Glide and 1 pair of shoes!" Most of the things they had at the Expo were things I knew from reading my walker handbook (i'm a good doo-bee...or just a nerd...possibly both!) but the displays were kind of cool. Lots of vendors were present - New Balance, of course, was in full force! - and we got to see the real size of a 6'x6' tent! The Blister.Workshop was interesting... and we heard a story about Duct Tape that will make you realize that it isn't good for EvErYtHiNg!

Happy.Birthday.Grandma

2007-07-03T16:05:00.000-04:00

Today is my Grandma's birthday... She would have been 79 yrs old today.

She died 9 years ago after a long battle with breast cancer...

She is the reason behind my passion to find a cure and to improve detection and treatment for so many millions of men and women. I am so lucky to have known such a beautiful, loving, strong woman. She is the one who taught me how to care for other people, how to laugh about the little things, and how to be a strong woman through the toughest times.

I love you Grandma and I miss you but I will never forget you.

Qdoba.Days

2007-06-05T09:05:00.000-04:00

Garage.Sale

2007-05-18T09:05:00.000-04:00

With donations of gently used items from several families we had a very successful garage sale!

Crop.for.the.Cure

2007-05-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

This was our biggest event!

A day of scrapbooking that included lunch, dinner, snacks, goodie bags, raffle prizes, and our very own scrapbook store in house!

There were so many people that were instrumental in making this event a success - too many to name here! Believe me, your help was SO appreciated! Lunch was provided with the help of Subway and dinner was donated by Dominos. Our wonderful location was provided by Grace Reformed Church and the All My Scraps scrabook store completed the room!

We had approximately 30 scrappers attend the event and many more asked when the next one was! Sorry to report, but you have to wait quite a while...BUT... there will be another one in the works!

This event, including the super fabulous raffle drawings, raised over $1,400 for the Breast Cancer 3.Day!

Cooking.Up.A.Cure

2007-04-17T09:03:00.000-04:00

With the help of our fabulous Tastefully Simple consultant Heather, we held an open house that showcased some new and delicious recipes. Orders came in from everywhere and quite a few old and new faces dropped by to sample food. We also handed out Avon books (good for 20% donation!) Mostly, we chatted a lot, ate a lot, and laughed a lot! :)

The event was a success and raised over $250 for the 3.Day!

Dining.for.Donations

2007-03-12T14:39:00.000-04:00

On March 12, 2007 we held a Dining for Donations event.

This event was an invitation only, 7-course meal prepared and served by my friend Eva & I. We had 12 dinner guests and 3 orders for "take-out"! We started the evening with appetizers and a viewing of the 3-Day Inspiration video. Then we moved into the dining room for soup, salad, pasta, sorbet, stuffed chicken, and a berry trifle. Everyone enjoyed their meals (especially the berry trifle!) and got to learn a little more about why I chose to walk. I could not have done this without Eva's help - THANK YOU!!

Full Menu:

Vegetable Pizza and Mini Quiche
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Baby Greens Salad with Raspberries, Walnuts, and Feta
Over baked Tortellini with Zucchini in a Creamy Tomato Sauce
Sorbet to Cleanse the Palate
Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Roasted Garlic Parmesan Potatoes and Steamed Vegetables
Very Berry Italian Trifle

Team.WICKED

2007-02-21T09:03:00.000-05:00

Somehow I have started talking to another girl in Grand Rapids who is doing the 3.Day! Her name is Lindsay and she walked the Chicago 3.Day in 2006 with her sister. This year they have formed a team called WICKED (Walkers Intent on Curing it, Kicking it, and Early Detection) and they have some open spots! I am so excited to have a group of girls to brainstorm with on fundraising and to learn from because they have done this before!

Go team WICKED!

Meet Lindsay!

love.Hope.faith

2006-11-24T14:33:00.000-05:00

Fundraising was kicked off with the recording of my very first CD - love.Hope.faith by Christy K! I spent hours searching through songs to a) find ones that we could use & b) to find ones that we should use! I had to pull together a team of silent partners, a producer, a studio engineer, a photographer, & a cd production company too! Of course that was why i needed a producer - to handle the headaches! The cd cover photo was taken by "The Shutterbug" Shana. In collaboration with a friend/producer (Ibe Sodawalla of Thoughts In Progress Productions) we spent 2 days at Brown & Brown Studios doing recording and 1 day editing. Kevin Brown is a master at mixing! :0)

I wanted the cd to express the 3 things that help lead to recovery in those suffering from an illness - love, hope, & faith. The result was a collection of 10 songs that touched my heart, some that I will never sing live because of that very reason. I only hope they have touched the hearts of others who have heard them.

On sale at New Balance!

To date, a little over $2,000 has been raised from this frundraiser and it continues to raise money!

The.Little.Pink.Ribbon

2006-11-01T16:03:00.000-05:00

The Little Pink Ribbon…
placed upon this page
Is a gift that I give to you.
I merely ask that you pass it on
….Please send it to a friend or two.
The ribbon is love
And the ribbon is prayer.
And it honors those who are gone.
It cries for a cure to cancer
While the frenzied race goes on.
It calls to brave crusaders,
and it asks that we all unite
to battle against the evil foe
on and on
And throughout the night.
The little pink ribbon placed upon this page
Is known across each land.
It is the symbol of hope and of courage,
Of a kind and helping hand.
It unites us as a people
And it soothes our sorrowed hearts.
It fills our souls with kindness
With the message that it imparts.
© Mary Pat Boyd

What did I just do?

2006-10-19T15:47:00.000-04:00

I just signed up for the Breast Cancer 3-Day! What am I thinking?

60 miles to walk in just 3 days?!? Sleeping in tents & showering in trucks... A minimum of $2,200. to raise?!?

I have participated in Making Strides and Race for the Cure for 7 years & have led teams of walkers over the finish line but this is something completely different! I have signed up for this event completely alone (no one else is brave enough - or is that crazy enough?) because I felt I needed to do something bigger... something more challenging... I needed to make a difference! I am nervous and have no idea what the next year will hold, but I am hoping that this will be one of the best experiences of my life and that I will be able to bring awareness to so many people!