Prospect Park Walk

On October 16, I joined Team “Fight like a girl,” (Aka, Team PJ Hanley’s) to walk in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in prospect Park, Brooklyn.  S and I, clad in pink, walked up to 9^th street to meet up with our group.  It was so crowded.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a huge crowd there, before.  And, they were all here for the cause. I got a little emotional when I realized just how many people have to deal with the C word (C…C…Cancer) and how many of their/our family and friends came out to support them.  The thought was and is still so overwhelming to me.  I held it back and made myself smile. [I learned that on The Tyra banks show when Janet Jackson told her that by physically smiling, you somehow stop the tears from forming in your eyes. Hey, it works.]

I’m just going to come right out and say it.  In my family, I’m a notorious cry baby.  I cry when I’m happy and when I’m sad. I cry when I’m deeply touched and I even cry when I’m angry.  My grandfather S.H. was probably the toughest, strongest person I’ve ever known. He was not a crier.  He playfully teased when he saw me cry over silly things.  We couldn’t be more opposite, at yet, I feel compelled to take a little bit of him and put it to good use in myself.  So, throughout this whole ordeal, he was my inspiration in holding back the tears unless it was something worth crying about! Also, it came in handy since I really despise waking up with super puffy eyes and a headache. I’m working on making myself stronger.  But, I digress…

It was great seeing my 2 little sisters, Jenny and Shany (and Shan’s mom, a survivor. GO Mrs. D! You gave me courage.) and Joyce and my rock star buddy Mr. Mike Posner who is cooler than you, and the rest of the PJ Hanley’s team. It was a lovely sunny October day with a nice walk followed by a delicious brunch with great people. I'm smiling as I type this. (I decided to use full names because the single initials were getting too confusing. Darn all you J’s! Just let me know if you’d prefer I remove your name.)

I want to thank my family and friends who came out to fundraiser walks (and my surprise birthday party!) this year and to all of you guys who wanted to but couldn’t due to busy schedules, lack of transportation into Brooklyn, and to sprained ankles.  Your support means the world to me and to the cause, as well! I wish I could throw you all a party but my words are all I have at the moment.