Team “Strength for
Life” and the
OMG!
How is that – get the picture?
What an experience….I shared with Ginny Salerno (Founder and
Executive Director) I finally appreciated the meaning of “awestruck” at her
accomplishments. And this was at the conclusion of day 1… so much more to
come. From an outsider the event went on
without a glitch – knowing all the pieces I am certain those involved in each
piece would have a different answer – but there was no obvious signs of failure
and frustration.
As you may know, Strength
for Life participated for the first time this year on their 10th
Anniversary. Last year we were fortunate enough to be a special “grantee” and
in the learning process decided to get more involved. Our initial reticence in learning how to become
a beneficiary was in knowing we had to raise $10,000 for LI2 Day - that is hard
for a grassroots non profit to agree to.
Strength for Life is supported by our fundraising efforts and $10000 takes
some fundraising.
Still quite naive, we decided to get our foot wet and learn
more. From the start, our questions (and
there were many) were respected and answered in a friendly and warm manner. Two
of our BOD (Dr. Barbara Donnellan and Teresa Doherty) were gracious to accept
the challenge. From her story and
friendship Teresa recruited two more walkers – a team of “Four” for Strength
for Life. I pledged to volunteer as crew
for the 2 – 3 day requirement.
The emails and directions were simple and well structured. A meeting of crew members describing their
roles was prearranged, prepared and efficient. The advice to walkers for “fundraising”
was helpful, simple and took the fear of “how am I ever going to raise $1000???”
sting out of it.
The weather!!!!! On Friday
(set up day) June 7th the torrential rain from “Andrea” blew in…prior
to Friday – the forecast had the storm coming in on Saturday. Strength for Life
has a class in East Meadow on Friday – so I was excused from my Friday post. But
the rain did not stop the LI2Day team.
Saturday 5:30 am check in for “crew” – Smith’s Point County
Park – windy, windy, windy and wet. The wind did not subside however with the
dawn and the excitement of the walkers, everything was brighter. A fun aerobic warm up for the walkers, lots of
positive energy and they were off!!!
My assignment was the “Serenity Tent” and merchandising…sounds
like they selected a job to encourage me to come back (hmmm).
The Serenity Tent is a respite from the excitement
of the day, a quiet place to reflect and remember why they took on the
challenge of a 2 day walk… It was quite beautiful, sheer curtains, spa music,
journals for keepsakes and pictures of those who lost their battle. Walkers were encouraged to sign the journal
and light a candle (battery operated) which then made the tent aglow in the
night.
The tents were puddle to say the least – and wet vacs were
continuously working to dry them for sleeping. Inflatable mattresses were
readied for the walkers and UPS did an outstanding job of collecting and delivering
the clothes and sleeping bags of each walker and crew. Again – well thought out and planned – we had
an addresses (color coded) and everything worked smoothly.
Now I got to hear from the walkers about their day – all good
reports. So they were treated to massage
therapy, foot care, showers and dinner.
20 miles down – 15 to go!!! Many, many port-a-sans – some quite plush by
Kohler, showers …. everything to make the overnight as comfortable as possible. Dinner was supplied by “Carrabba’s” and quite
delicious; music and entertainment made the evening fly by. Comfy pink plaid flannel
pj’s were seen everywhere.
Crew ready at 5 am, walkers at 6 am – to get on the road at
7 am… and on time for all.
Serenity Tent – broken down, breakfast cleaned up, tents
cleaned out, recyclables ready for pick up – and we left the camp sight. The Crew had rest stop #3 for day 2. Each rest stop is hosted by a beneficiary or
team – the theme here was a 10th Anniversary Birthday celebration –
clowns, birthday cake, presents…. and handouts.
I learned that at each rest stop the walkers were given
charms or gifts – at the birthday party it was “whistle lips” and blowers. The rest stops had port-a-sans; select rest
stops with foot care professionals; food and beverages.
At the end of the walk an award is presented to the “most
creative” rest stop. I heard they were
incredible and everyone was talking about their “charms” and goodies…
Since Strength for Life had crew and walkers and were able to participate
at a rest stop we have a good idea of the many components of the day – and we are
best prepared to find the appropriate team of helpers for years to come.
My surprise was to learn that so many were unaware of this
incredible event and the Mission of the LI2 Day - “The Long Island 2 Day Walk”
is organized to raise awareness and funding for the fight against breast cancer
on Long Island. 100% of the donations raised by the participants are
distributed to grassroots service organizations so the funds reach the members
of the Long Island community affected by breast cancer.”
LI2DAY has raised over $4 MILLION from the annual 35-mile,
two day walk. Local grassroots breast cancer organizations from Manhasset to
Montauk receive funding from LI2DAY for programs that assist with medical
expenses, transportation, prosthetics and wigs, physical therapy, child care,
research, education and more.
The list
of beneficiaries to see where your support is going.
The walk over the bridge,
let these pictures be that
powerful statement.
What a beautiful
conclusion and tribute to those
“warriors of breast cancer”.
“warriors of breast cancer”.
Smith’s
Point County Park
June
8-9, 2013
I would encourage your participation in future walks - you will be as "awestruck" as I was.
Here is a heart felt side note. While working in the Serenity Tent, Teresa mentioned she loved the picture of Evelyn - somewhat taken back by that comment because we always use that picture of Evelyn - I proceeded to let it go. Sometime later she pointed out this photo of Evelyn Knapp (the inspiration for Strength for Life);
I brought this photo....
Now I was on a mission to find out who, in years past, honored Evelyn at this walk.
When I posted the photos on FB, Carissa Stavrakos "liked the photo"...Evelyn's Goddaughter and niece - walked the event in 2009 and 2010 raising $6000 for LI2Day... It really touched my heart to see that beautiful picture and see others honoring this inspirational woman.
"Make today a great one!" ~ Evelyn Knapp
