Roadtrip for a Cure

Portland has been amazing.  The sites, the people, the food, the laughter, the beer.   Tomorrow we get back on the road for the leg home at 6am.

We're coming back wiser woman from the amazing people we encountered and the stories they shared, and hope to continue hearing them on the road home and once we return.

Our first official stop tomorrow will be in Idaho.  We'll be meeting with an affiliate of the Susan G. Komen foundation in Coeur D'Alene as well as taking some time to play in the city park.  (Every girl deserves a chance to frolic! )

We need to give a special thank you and shout out to Joe and Jason, who allowed us to stay in their home while in Portland.  Joe, who's mother passed from breast cancer last year, has been unbelievably supportive of our journey, and even threw us an amazing "boobie brunch" on saturday morning!  (yes, boobie shaped foods were everywhere!)  Thanks boys, you're amazing.

well, it's bed time now.....as the alarm will be going off in 5 hours!

One point we can't drive home enough to women, is to be an advocate for your own health.  It's not only OK to speak up, question or ask for a second opinion, it's crucial.

Yesterday Jill and I had lunch with my sister Amy, who drove down from Seattle, and our friend Scott, who lives here in Portland.  Scott told of details of his mother's recent battle with breast cancer.  After her diagnosis, her local doctor recommended a lumpectomy in her right breast rather than a full mastectomy. She sought out a second opinion, who also reccomended the same thing.  Janet was still concerned though, and sought out the opinion of a third doctor on the other side of the country.  Not only did the third doctor recommend a full mastectomy, but realized that it was a different type of breast cancer all together that often spreads faster and shows up symmetrically on the other breast.  Within several weeks she was in Philadelphia having her right breast removed.  While she may have lost one of her breasts, she gained the self-assurance that her womanly instincts were correct. 

WANTING A SECOND, THIRD OR EVEN 4TH OPINION IS YOUR RIGHT. Remember, it's YOUR BODY.  Be your own advocate.

This is the start of something that has been missing out of my life in Mankato.  The real, raw life stories and experiences of the people we are meeting along our journey have been enriching my de-plenished soul.  We've been gaining lifelong wisdom from individuals who have lost their one true love.
Today we met Johny, an old Montana cowboy who met the love of his love28 years ago.  We didn't intend to cross life paths, but the need for gas a little bit of luck has completely replenished the purpose of our trip.  As we sat in the truck, scratching off our third lottery ticket we had no idea what was in store for us. As Cheryl went back in to the gas station adjacent to the Gold Mine Lounge and Casino in Cardwell, MT, an older gentleman stepped out of the bar and beckoned us in.  We felt compelled to take a chance and step into the small town Montana bar.  We were planning on watching our news segment that would be airing within the next 26 minutes.  As we entered the dimly lit bar, eight people anxiously awaited to hear what our truck markings and strange attire were all about.  Then approached Johny; a quiet older gentleman with a black cowboy hat, slight limp and years of life story written on his face and glimmering through his gentle eyes.  Once we shared with the bar patrons our purpose, Johny told us he lost his wife to breast cancer six years ago.  This is where our story begins.
Johny shared with us that his wife, Marietta, a feisty Irish-Catholic woman met him over two decades ago.  They shared a happy marriage of twenty-two years, raised three children, and battled breast cancer to the end of her life.  Six years ago, she left behind a 19 year old son, and daughters aged 15 and 13.  She left behind her soul mate and one true love, Johny.
We sat down to learn more about Johny's experience after taking his photograph.  Johny tells us the night she died, he was lying in bed after getting home from the last final battle.  He lay in bed and said he was just comatose, not dead, not sleep, not alive.  All of a sudden a bright white light in the form of a ball came through his bedroom window, floating from the window, over and above him and passed through his being.  He knew it was her, saying goodbye and letting him know she was finally free.  When the kids asked Johny, "why did Mom have to die?"  He told them that they must have run out of angels and they needed Marietta up there.  Days after she passed, Johny connected with Marietta's coworkers and they asked what time she died.  The time that Marietta passed was the same time her coworkers saw a rainbow in the middle of nowhere with no rain clouds in sight.
Johny's been surrounded by his children and friends to get through this.  Since her passing, six years ago, Johny believes there is a God.  He says you're not living unless you laugh, cry, feel joy, sadness, and all emotions every single day.  Johny raised his three children working with big machines in the mines to provided insurance and a reasonable quality of life for his family.  Johny said that after his wife died, his perception on life has changed.  It's not about money, it's about the friends and family that support you.
This is what our journey is all about; expanding our circle of people we consider family and friends, sharing their stories, and our journey with you.
At the end of our visit to Cardwell, Montana, we left Johny with hugs and heart felt "I love you"s.  Our circle has expanded and we hope yours does as well.
Thank You to all of our friends and family who have been supporting us along the way.  We love you all.

While stopping in Bozeman, MT we were interviewed by the local NBC news, channel 6 for 6 and 10 oclock!  We'll post the link as soon as we get it! :)

The drive has been absolutely beautiful and people have been so inspiring.  We're hoping to hear from women with stories and  inspiration.  Let's talk!

Good Morning!  We're writing you from Gillette Wyoming!
We took off at 9:00 from Mankato last night and drove through the night through Minnesota and South Dakota and watched the sun rise here in Wyoming.   We've stopped for a hearty breakfast before getting back on the road in a bit! 
So far we're having a great time and getting plenty of honks while passing people on the road. Portland or Bust!

What a great night it was!  Our "take-off' party for Roadtrip for a cure was at the Coffee Hag in Mankato.  4 bands played, there was a silent auction and a very talented Henna Artist.  I'm proud to not that we raised nearly $700 for the Susan G. Komen foundation, bringing our total to over $1500! Thank you everyone for your support!

We leave tomorrow night for the big road trip!  We can't begin to explain how excited we are!

We're hoping to meet both survivors, family members and others affected by breast cancer along the way to talk to and photograph. If you live in or around the following communities and want to get involved, I'd love to speak with you!

Mankato, MN  Sioux Falls, SD  Rapid City, SD  Gillette, WY  Billings, MT  Bozeman, MT  Butte,MT  Wallace, ID    Richland, WA  Portland OR

A note from team member Katie:

I just wanted to say that in less than 3 weeks we are off on a journey that is going to not only change our lives, but the lives of every person we encounter along the way and every person we help with the funding for research to help find a cure.I look forward to being a part of this with all of you and enjoying these life changing experiences we build on our shared journey.