Wendy Dutton & Laurie Drews -- Their Stories

Hi everyone!
My name is Wendy Dutton and I am walking for my grandmother, Violet Abelman, and for the mother of one of my dearest friends, Laurie Drews.

Breast cancer has unfortunately been a part of my family for generations and as my mother and I have always said, we will be lucky if either one of us is not affected by it. It is the sad fact however that the odds are against us and that we will probably be stricken with this disease at some point of our lives. I joke about it when we do have these discussions, that I would be glad to get rid of my boobs (because after two kids I am looking like one of those woman you see on the cover of National Geographic that live in the jungle and are gravity-challenged) but honestly, I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. I wouldn't be doing this walk if I wasn't serious about it.

My grandmother, Violet, found out that she had breast cancer when she was 29 years old. Back in those days, there wasn't much hope, but she had a double mastectomy and after being in remission for many years, ended up losing her life when the disease returned in a more aggressive form. She didn't deserve to go through the pain and suffering that she had to go through and it is hard for me to understand why at this point in history, a cure has not been found. I know that one day it will happen though and that is my main motivator now for doing this walk.

I have to admit, I was hesitant to join the team at first but I owe my final decision to one of my best friends and to one of our team members, Laurie Drews. Laurie lost her mother recently to breast cancer and to hear her tell the story of watching her mother go through what she did is absolutely heartbreaking. Laurie put her life on hold to sit with her mother everyday and care for her until the cancer won the battle. I don't want another daughter, mother, sister, whomever it may be to have to watch another loved one lose this battle.

I walk for my grandmother, for Laurie's mother and for every woman that has lived with this disease and for those that will have to face up to it one day until a cure is found. I am already over my halfway point of reaching my goal of $2,200 and I am hoping that I can get the rest donated through emails to family and friends that have not yet responded. I keep sending out my message at least monthly but I am still worried I won't be able to fulfill my obligations to the team to meet the amount required. If you have extra and feel the need to share any donations, please help or you could donate to Laurie as I know she been unable to raise as much as she would have hoped to by now. My email address is wdutton2002@yahoo.com and Laurie's is l_ldrews@hotmail.com.

I look forward to our challenge and to meeting each and every one of you during the 3-day event. God bless!

If you'd like to support the Breast Cancer 3-Day, please make a donation to Laurie or Wendy. Thanks so much!