Julie-Sue-Me-Penny

November marks my 7th year as a walker in the 3-Day, 60-mile walk for breast cancer.

Pardon the pun, but I just can’t seem to walk away.

There are so many lessons I have learned from my participation. Here are just a few.

1. The Power of Community

Long before the dawn of social media, the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure knew all about building a community.

What started out as one sister’s promise to her sister who was dying from breast cancer, has become a global community of breast cancer survivors and supporters, all fighting for a cure.

The power of community is evident in this grassroots campaign that spread to over 50 countries around the world.

Walking the Walk

On the 3-Day event, I can tell you nothing is more gratifying than the support of the local community.

Just when we found the 1st day high-step slowed to a 2nd day plodding, we rounded a corner and saw and heard a crowd of people cheering, waving signs, giving out candy, and all kinds of silly treats.

On the last day I got tears in my eyes as a group of 7 to 9-year-old girls sang, “You are so beautiful.”

How could anyone walk away from this special community?

2. The Power of Perseverance

The perseverance to walk 60 miles is nothing compared to the perseverance of someone battling cancer.

I take my inspiration from my sister, Terry, a 10-year breast cancer survivor and the three survivors on our Fight Like A Girl team.

Like most people in life, I have had my challenges. Starting my own business has not been easy, but I like to think my multiple years participating in the 3-Day has given me the perseverance to keep at it.

3. The Power of the Individual

I am not sure even Nancy G. Brinker could have predicted the power that evolved from her promise to her sister, Susan G. Komen. She showed one person really can make a difference.

I have had horrible blisters, lost 3 toenails (one twice) and more than once wondered if I could finish the 60 miles.  But, with the power of the community, especially my team, and the power of perseverance and my individual strength, I succeeded.

The 3-Day, 60-mile walk for breast cancer has given me many power lessons in life and for my business.

I cannot wait for number 7.