I am not even sure where to begin...this past weekend was one of the most incredible, emotional and inspirational experiences of my life. I have spent the last couple of days pondering how to write about the Susan G. Komen 3 Day For The Cure, and I have finally realized that there is just no possible way to put into words everything that this weekend entailed and how much it impacted me. As much as I may try, I could never accurately describe the emotions I felt during this weekend, and during the Opening Ceremony in particular- surrounded by my 9 friends of Team Meghan Malley Rally, Mom & Doug, Mike and Kyle - watching those left behind carry flags for their wives, mothers, daughters and friends that they lost - witnessing the incredibly strong & fierce survivors raise their joined hands in an act of victory and celebration - and starting the 60 mile journey together after a tearful team huddle. To be honest, the Opening Ceremony was more difficult and more emotional than I expected it to be - definitely the hardest part of the weekend to get through. It was extremely tough for me to stand in the midst of hundreds of women and men walking in memory of a loved one and wondering if one day my friends would be walking in my memory, rather than in my honor as a survivor. Although the start of this amazing weekend was quite overwhelming, it was also filled with encouragement, optimism and hope. 9 friends, 3 days, 60 miles, 1 goal...to find a cure for breast cancer! A group of incredible survivors surrounding the memorial flag honoring all of those that have lost their fight The most adorable member of Team Meghan Malley Rally - hands down! :) The girls were flexing those muscles to show off their new pink ribbon "tatoos" during Friday's lunch break The girls kicked Day 1's booty! After starting the walk together, Mike, Andy, Andrew and I then met the team for lunch and cheered them on as they started the second half of the day. They completed the day in great spirits, full of energy and inspiration. Brin stayed with us at night to take care of Andrew instead of camping, so it was wonderful to hear her stories from the first day - all of the fabulous people they met, the community of cheerleaders they encountered, and the walkers that asked to hear the story of who she was walking for. On Saturday, we headed out to Plymouth to host a cheering station at the Plymouth Cultural Center. We cheered on the amazing 3 Day walkers from 10:30 to 2:30pm and were joined by so many of our family and friends! It was so incredible to have all of you join us on Saturday, and I can't tell you enough how much that meant to me - to not only have you support me, but support all of the women and men that are fighting for a cure! Team Meghan Malley Rally looking as strong as ever during Saturday's lunch break! Many members of my old RIM gang...so thankful to have worked with such amazing people and that I am able to call all of them my friends My beautiful & incredibly supportive sorority sisters - love you girls! My biggest cheerleader! ♥ Taking part in that cheering station was truly an unforgettable experience. You would never believe how many people saw our t-shirts and said, "Oh I know Meghan, her team told me all about her!", or "How is Meghan doing?", "I am praying for Meghan". When people saw that I was standing right there, they proceeded to give me huge hugs, ask how I was doing, tell me to keep fighting, and let me know I am forever in their prayers. It was amazing to hear complete strangers tell me they read my blog or that they have heard about me from someone else they know. They knew all about me, my story, my diagnosis, my treatment schedule...it was amazing. I felt like I had a million people wrapping their arms around me in love and prayer and it was a feeling I will hold onto for the rest of my life. It was a truly special day! My fierce walker warriors were still going strong after 40 miles but they were definitely starting to have some aches, pains, and a few blisters pop up by the end of Saturday's walk. But they didn't complain. They continued to share with me the love and support offered by other participants of the 3 Day, the other survivors they met, and the overwhelming emotions they all felt throughout the day along their journey. The start of the last leg of their journey was accompanied by some light rain but that never even dampened their spirits. I met them for lunch on Sunday with the hopes to boost their spirits and give them some inspiration for the final few miles. I expected to find my friends exhausted and possibly in pain, definitely in need of a pep talk. They didn't even come close to needing it - they were filled with excitement, pride, and joy and ready to tackle those last few miles! I was totally amazed and couldn't wait to meet them at the finish line. We arrived at the Ford Motor Company World Headquarters on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the completion of this amazing 3 day, 60 mile journey. Team Meghan Malley Rally were total rockstars and finished this incredible feat in one piece, only a few blisters here and there, and wearing smiles from ear to ear! I couldn't have been more proud to have my name displayed across their shirts. I was also so touched to see more family and friends come down to the Closing Ceremony to be there with us. Everything always seems so much better when you are surrounded by so many family and friends and I can't say thank you enough for that! The Closing Ceremony was also an emotional one but I was very happy to also feel like it was celebratory and inspirational. I was so proud of my girls for taking part in this and Mike and I were totally inspired to participate in the 3 Day in one way or another from here on out! After the beautiful Closing Ceremony, we all headed over to Mom & Doug's house where we were joined by many, many more family and friends! It was so wonderful to walk out the back door and see the deck and yard filled with all of our loved ones. It was a perfect way to end this amazing weekend! A group of great friends and some of my favorite ladies! My sweet little buddy, Andrew. I had the best week snuggling this adorable guy...and how great is his bib that his momma, Brinley made! I love it! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart to each and every one of you that in one way or another contributed to this incredible cause and unforgettable weekend! Thank you for your donations, your cheerleading, your hugs, your well wishes, your time.....the list goes on and on. I hope that I have thanked each of you personally when I have seen you, but if I haven't, please know how grateful I am for your support and the support you have shown Mike, Mom, Doug, Jeff and the rest of my family.
I can never thank the amazing Meghan Malley Rally 3 Day team enough for everything they did for me this summer...Brinley, Kara, Becca, Lindsay, Nancy, Stacy, Melanie, Amanda and Nikki. Your incredible efforts raised over $30,000 to find a cure for breast cancer!!! Through all the fundraising events and the actual 3 Day weekend, you guys have made me feel so loved and appreciated all at the same time making me smile, laugh and forget about this terrible disease for awhile. For that, I am grateful! You were total warriors during this event and I can't wait to walk 60 miles with you in the future! An extra special thank you to those wonderful family and friends that traveled this past weekend to be here to support us. Brinley, Andy and Andrew came all the way from Jensen Beach, Florida - Melanie and Ben from Cleveland - Amanda, Nick, Liz, Nancy, Chelsea, Beth, Ben, Joe and Lauren from Chicago - Aunt Clare, Beth and Brigetta from North Carolina - Jenny from Grand Rapids. I hope I am not forgetting anyone. The fact that you guys took time out of your busy lives to physically be here to give us hugs and show your support, seriously meant so much to Mike and I! We are so incredibly blessed to have all of you as our family and friends. Another special thank you to my mom's incredible friends, Barb and Roni for working their tails off in the kitchen all night on Sunday so that my mom could enjoy herself at the party and not stress about all the behind the scenes stuff. Your support of my mom means more to me than you will ever know - thank you so very much! Lastly, thank you to my AMAZING momma, Jan and my stepdad, Doug for all of their love, support and hard work this past weekend. For spending all weekend supporting the 3 Day team and other walkers, and for opening up their home to host TONS of our friends and family on Sunday. You guys are the best and we would be lost without you. The Susan G. Komen 3 Day For The Cure slogan couldn't touch any closer to home for me..."Everyone deserves a lifetime". I believe I not only deserve a lifetime but I have promised myself and Mike that I will go to the ends of the Earth to make sure I achieve that. I am so thankful for this incredible event which has provided me an extra dose of inspiration, motivation, and encouragement. Thank you so much to all of you for giving me hope! As my beautiful Godmother, Aunt Carol shared with me, "If you have faith, you have hope and if you have hope, you have everything!" ♥ Well, there are so many other things that have happened over the past week or so that I want to share...updates from my oncologist, meeting with my plastic surgeon, upcoming tests, meeting other young women with breast cancer, the Johnson's week long visit, and so much more! Check back frequently over the next couple of weeks because we have a lot going on that I want to keep everyone up to date about. I am off to get some more rest - haven't quite caught up from all the busy festivities over the past week! Have a great weekend everyone. xoxo, Meg ps. SAVE THE DATE: My fabulous friend, Patty has been planning an incredible benefit concert for us which will take place on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 at The Berkley Front in downtown Berkley from 4-10pm. The event will showcase some amazing local bands, there will be a silent auction and all sorts of other great things. Many more details to come but mark your calendars now! Please contact Patty Labella at 248-752-3104 or [email protected] if you have any items or services to donate for the silent auction or would like to help out in any other way. Check back to the blog soon for more updates!
24 Comments
Deb and Bob
8/19/2011 04:32:54 am
Meghan - you have an amazing and uplifting spirit about you reflected in your writing, your photos, your friends and your family. We continue to be inspired by you as much as you are by events and people around you. We continue to think of you with love every day. Deb and Bob
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Melissa Morton
8/19/2011 04:50:50 am
Been waiting on your post about the weekend all week and was thinking of those special walkers of yours Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Kudos to your team for a job well done!
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Doug
8/19/2011 06:54:38 am
Meghan, it was such an honor to host the party on Sunday and to be with you all weekend long. We may be supporting you, but you are also supporting us and uplifting us with your incredible attitude and presence. Your Meghan Malley Rally team was unbelievable and they were an inspiration to all. Thanks, too, for the helpers this weekend. We could not have had the party without all of your help. This time is very emotional for all of us, and it is such a lift to have all the friends and family together this weekend to support this fantastic cause.
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Brinley
8/19/2011 08:17:33 am
Meg, what an incredible 3 days, and for our family, an incredible week staying with you and Mike. It was an absolute honor walking for you, sharing your story and getting more people in your corner. More so, it was so great to see you smile and hear you laugh! This walk has touched us all so much and I believe it has changed us all in one way or another. In the end, Andy & I are so thankful to have you both in our life and to have you be a part of Andrew's life. We love you! And even though the walk is over, the battle continues on! XOXO
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Aunt Erin
8/19/2011 08:32:35 am
Megs,
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Sally
8/19/2011 01:22:35 pm
WOW, I am in total awe just reading about all the wonderful things that happened in the 3 days for a cure weekend. You are such an inspiration for all your loved ones, (friends and family), and even for us that can only read your blogs instead of being able to join in the Malley Rally. The pictures brought me right into the thick of things putting names and faces to all that are near and dear to you. Stay strong and I am so looking forward to seeing you all in a few weeks. You ARE GOING TO BEAT THIS THING!! No doubt in my mind!!! Love you, Sally
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Diane P.
8/19/2011 01:45:43 pm
Great Job Walkers! Meghan Malley Rally was awesome! And they were so awesome because they had awesome inspiration! What an experience...I was so touched just from some time at the Plymouth cheering station so I can't even begin to imagine how walking 60 miles for this cause must have been a life changing experience. And those survivors holding hands around the flag at the ceremony...well, I don't even think there are words to describe that one. Now that the 3 day has been walked, know that team Meghan Malley Rally went from 9 to countless -we're all on your team Meg, keep fighting the battle, you have a whole army behind you!
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Julie
8/19/2011 02:16:35 pm
You captured the weekend so beautifully in your photographs and words. I can only imagine how emotional and encouraging the weekend was for you. It was so touching to see all the love and support you received. You deserve every inch of it. All of the walkers did such a a great job- they made it all look so easy :) Love you tons,
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Julie Anne Hughey
8/19/2011 03:39:49 pm
Incredible photography. It truly gives a sense of the spirit of the whole event. You are so talented! Thanks for sharing your thoughts through this blog, your writing continues to be inspiring and uplifting.
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Elizabeth
8/19/2011 03:41:00 pm
What an amazing event! Congratulations to all the walkers!
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Sheri
8/19/2011 03:44:34 pm
Hey Meghan...it was an honor to be a part of your weekend. I, quite frankly, didn't know what to expect when we joined you for the closing ceremonies. It was awesome and awe inspiring to see all of the people there in support of everyone for one common cause. The love that was felt by each individual in that big space was overwhelming. The love and support that is felt for you alone is breathtaking. I know in my heart that you will beat this thing. There are a lot of people in your corner who will make sure of it.
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Niche
8/19/2011 04:03:34 pm
I can't wait to cheer you on when you get to do the walk wearing a bright pink SURVIVOR shirt! I have no doubt about that happening, and there are so many people behind you!! Keep kicking c's booty, it doesn't stand a chance with all the love surrounding you, your amazing spirit and continued faith & hope!
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Kelley
8/19/2011 04:37:07 pm
Your weekend brought tears to my eyes thinking of how wonderful and truly powerful that must have been. I'm so excited for you to look back on this one day and feel like a total bad ass for kicking cancers ass like it's never been done before. I love you! xoxo kel
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megs- reading this blog gave me chills and i experienced every second of it! and loved doing it for you and your family!!! you are worth S O much more that 60 miles and i'd do it again in a heart beat. honestly it one of the MOST A M A Z I N G and inspiring experiences of my life . . . to see the community support and meet some outstanding people the michigan 3 day was an experience that one can not even put to words. I can not wait for you and mike to walk it with us, and for you to be the survivor on stage that we raise our shoe for on one knee. you are a truely beautiful person inside and out and you inspire me daily Meghan K. Malley. Love you to death and so honored to walk 60 miles for you!!!
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Mark & Carolyn
8/20/2011 04:24:39 pm
Seeing you and your family
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Colleen and Blake
8/21/2011 12:18:41 pm
Hi Shep! Great post! So glad to hear the Rally went well!! Loved all the pictures and love seeing your smile! :) I will check back soon for more updates on how you're doing. Miss you! When can we plan a 210 reunion in Michigan? We can talk about that when I pick you up tomorrow for the Jimmy Buffett concert. Blake thinks it's really nice of you to go with him...
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Sara
8/22/2011 03:17:29 am
What a beautiful weekend! This is all a testament to YOU as a person and all of the loving support you have around you. We ALL believe that you WILL beat this, Meg! Thinking of you lots & lots! <3
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Liz
8/22/2011 08:06:06 am
You captured the weekend beautifully! So, so wonderful to spend so much time with you. Congrats to all the amazing 3-Day walkers! Tell Wrigley I said hi. ;-)
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nanc
8/22/2011 02:14:45 pm
Oh Meghan, Your pictures, your words, I'm speechless. I do have to say that the "i spit up on cancer" bib is priceless. Can I get one of those for my newest grandchild? Have a friend at work who was just diagnosed. I will recommend your blog when she is ready. xoxoxo
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Ree
8/22/2011 03:32:50 pm
..love every minute .. the pics are priceless.. love you ..you are so strong and determined ..go malley ..as always you have a army with you every step..been looking at pics of you when you were so little..you are so beautiful..your mark you have made ..you are so precious..love kisses huggs love so deep..love you u Aunt Lori
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Nikki
8/30/2011 03:43:28 pm
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Kara
9/8/2011 08:28:09 am
The walk was unbelievable and I thank all that helped me to reach my goal so I could participate. I would not have wanted to be anywhere else than walking in your honor that weekend Meghan! Lots of love!
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Kenneth Taylor
9/21/2011 07:50:17 pm
Hi. Your story is rather courageous and you quite beautiful. Fortunately you have the option of beating this thing call me at248 251. 2515. I like your spirit. Your going for it. Cancer is a trillion dollar biz. Its illegal to cure cancer in America without using chemo or surgery. All other treatments are not allowed. Good luck. Call me.Ken.
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Yaniza S.
10/15/2011 08:05:26 am
Dear Meghan,
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