My Journey… My Detour!

On Saturday, October 29th was the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk (American Cancer Society) in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. It was my first time participating in this walk. I usually participated in the Susan G Komen Walk in Miami. I would walk every year for my dear friend Barbara Rodriguez who passed away from breast cancer. This year I walked for me! It still feels weird saying that. I was and still am overwhelmed by the amount of support I received. Even Richard mentioned something to me about how many people walked with us. It was a beautiful thing and I felt completely loved and supported.

I am truly blessed to have had my family, friends and coworkers there to support me. My parents, my sister Lisy and my niece Inyla and nephew Iram were there in full support with their pink hair. My nephew Eje was not able to make it, but he was there in spirit. My brother Kenny was also there in spirit.

My Big Brothers Big Sisters family is amazing!! They created the team “Myra’s Minions” and made T-shirts.  Laura, Ofelia, Smith, Kurt, Trudianne, and Jen you are all rock-stars. Thank you!!! One of my volunteers from BBBS Joan, was also there. My friend Mia, who worked with me at the BBBS Miami office and her Little Likem came out. I matched them years ago and it was great to catch up. My friends Luna and Beatriz drove up from Miami. My friend Greta and her son Joel drove from Orlando. Richard’s Cousin Alex and his fiance Tyra flew in from Massachusetts to walk with us. My sister-in-law Alejandra joined us and represented for Richard’s family since my brother-in-law was working. My friend Barbara’s son (the one I mentioned earlier) Eric and his wife Kristi also drove up from Miami. They were my family when I first moved to Florida. I almost cried when I saw them. It was special to have them there supporting me. My dear friend Cindy and her family also drove up from Miami. I even had a blast from the past when my high school sweetheart Jose showed up to join us. I am proud to say that we raised over $2,000 for the American Cancer Society!! 🙂

I did have to explain to Sebastian why we were walking. I told him that we were walking for other women like mommy that are sick. I told him its important to help people that are sick and the money we raised is going to do just that. He had a few questions,  but he seemed to understand.

We took some great pictures and despite the sketchy weather we all made it. I wore a hot pink wig and rocked it all the way to the finish line. I didn’t know if I would have the energy to walk the whole thing, but I did it! That was my BIG F-U to Cancer. If cancer were a person I would have body slammed him, like a WWE wrestler. That’s how empowered I felt.

The day was complete when the Minions showed up and we were able to take pictures with them. It was the perfect ending to our day. Thank you to everyone that donated to my page, or who donated in my name. I hope the money helps someone struggling with cancer. May the funds provide them with the services needed and give them hope. This is definitely a battle that you don’t want to fight alone. There are good days and bad days. You have to take advantage of the good days. Thank God today was a good! I pray for more of those good days.