The 2009 Atlanta Breast Cancer 3-Day began with an inspiring Opening Ceremony at Lake Lanier Islands Resort. Despite some expected rain during the day, we were all raring to go! When we pulled up to the resort we loaded our bags on to the appropriate truck and headed in to Opening Ceremony. We walked in to the beat of some fabulous music and were in awe of all the pink. Before the Ceremony started we picked up our Energizer Bunny ears, filled our CamelBak's to the rim with water and hit the dreaded port-a-potty's. Next we were all told to gather around the stage as the Ceremony would soon be starting. The ceremony was very emotional and moving...it really made me refocus on why I was doing this walk. Jenne Fromm the national spokes person for the 3-day gave an incredible and emotional speech. At the end of her speech, they had breast cancer survivors carry flags that said things like " Joy, Love, Optimism, Healing" etc. to the center of the Ceremony. Once they got to the center they placed their flags in holders and joined hands. This moment had the most impact on me because I instantly thought of everyone I was walking in honor and memory of and realized that by doing this walk we are becoming THAT much closer to a cure!
Closing Ceremony came to an end and the music was blaring once again! We danced our way out of the ceremony to the streets of the Lake Lanier Island Resort. Our journey begins and we were ready to face the sore feet, muscle aches, tears and laughter that all came with it!
Here is Jessica and I crossing over Lake Lanier.
Throughout the walk these flags were carried by walkers and then passed back to other walkers. We carried the "Joy" flag for a mile or so. Joy is so appropriate for the TaTa Sisterhood!
Jess stretching it out at the first cheer station of the day.
The TaTa Sisterhood (minus Allison, Lari, Missy and Mary Ellen) at the first cheer station in Buford.
My sweet Mom and best friend, Natalie came to the first cheer station on Day 1!
Best Friends!
The TaTa Sisterhood! Lookin' good ladies!
With shirts like this, dancing, singing and doing pretty much anything to make us laugh, Crew members made it so easy to keep walking!
Sugar Hill Elementary cheered us on as we walked by. They were ADORABLE!!!
Once our 20 mile journey of Day 1 was over we hopped on a bus and were taken to our camp site. Camp was moved indoors at the North Atlanta Trade Center due to the rain and soiled grounds. First thing we did as we got off the bus was find our bag and grab a pink tent. We picked our spot and set up our tent and then headed to the truck showers. Truck showers? I know right? Well, they were fabulous! Hot water all night!!! After a shower and pajamas we headed to dinner. Dinner on the first night was spaghetti and meatballs, green beans, salad, garlic bread and a huge brownie! YUM! Oh, and they had sodas...after water and powerade all day I was about to die for some caffeine and thank goodness they provided that! On night 1 we were party poopers after only 4 hours of sleep the night before so we just hung out at our tent instead of joining in on karaoke.
Setting up the tents!
Home for the next 3 days!
Posts for Day 2 & 3 coming soon...
