So I dedicate this humble offering to all breast cancer survivors and victims, especially those whose names were on my shirt and those who walked along with me for nearly 60 miles on September 23-25. The inspiration that I received from them during the three days and at the closing ceremony was immense.
"Everyone Deserves a Lifetime"
Together we walked across our Capital City
Through aches, pains, and blisters, and a cool driving rain
We kept our feet moving, determined and gritty;
"We walk for a cure!" was our proud refrain.
About Maryland we tromped, past parks and through towns
People decked out in pink as we strode down the street
We were focused and upbeat; you never saw frowns
We'll stamp out breast cancer with thousands of feet!
For three days we walked, as sisters and brothers
Among footsore ranks, cheer and broad smiles were rife
We walked united to support many others
In their fight with breast cancer: a fight for their life
We walked for your sister, your mother, your friend,
Your daughter, granddaughter, your cousin, your wife,
Your grandma - and you, because in the end,
Each one deserves more good times in their life
And on that third day, quite worn out and tired
We watched fellow walkers - survivors in pink -
Take their victory lap, and I felt so inspired
When I reflected how close they had been to the brink
They had faced radiation with all that it gives,
And chemo, and cuts from the surgical knife;
But deep in their heart, their survival will lives:
The desire to have more time in their life
Cancer has certain limits to what it can do
Though with these survivors, it gave its best try.
"Take one of my breasts, or even take two,
But you can't crush my spirit!" was their battle cry.
I gazed at their faces, so strong and so proud,
Engendering feelings intense and sublime
"We will find a cure!" I silently vowed,
"Because everyone deserves a lifetime!"
Art Ritter
October 16, 2011
2 comments:
I saw you on Elayne's blog and just dropped in. You seem like an amazing person doing amazing work.
I am a leukemia survivor and still am trying to get back to my old running routine after a bone marrow transplant in 2009 and severe side effects that kept my hospitalized for nearly four months.
A fellow leukemia survivor is doing Team in Training for the New York marathon and asked if I wanted to do it, but as you will see if you check out my blog, I'm just getting up to four miles. But hey, I was in a coma and nearly died, so although when I look at you marathoners I think that four miles is no biggie, I have to look at it as an accomplishment for me.
Good luck with your running!
Keep strong Ronni, and do what feels right to you. I say go for it, get that 26.2 - but only if it is something you want! Coming back from leukemia and and a bone marrow transplant, 4 miles is quite an accomplishment. Good luck, and I will be checking out your blog. Art
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