Celebrating Mom

Where do I start?  Saturday, May 17, 2008, eight family members and myself participated in the Komen Race For The Cure through the streets of downtown Columbus, Ohio.  All of us dedicated our participation in celebration of my mother's life and others who have had life altered by breast cancer. 

Before I relate our wonderful day, let me tell you why we were participating.  Last July during a routine check up, the doctor became suspicious of a benign lump that had been there for years.  It had gotten larger since her previous check up.  Tests confirmed the changes, and Mom underwent a lumpectomy.  Pathology reports confirmed the dredded diagnosis - cancer.  She had another surgery just a few weeks later to remove lymph nodes and the surrounding tissue.

  My mother underwent chemo and radiation completing the therapy in April.  Her prognosis is excellent - it was caught very early! 

Our daughter-in-law is a runner - particpating in marathons, half marathons, and 5K races for good causes.  She motivated her husband, my husband, and myself along with their four daughters to sign up for the Komen Race For The Cure on Saturday, May 17.  Our $25 per person entry fee would go toward the Susan G. Komen Research Foundation working for a cure for breast cancer.  Our daughter-in-law and a cousin would be the 5 K runners while the rest of us would walk the family fun walk (1K).  Plan in place - rain or shine - we would celebrate Mom's successful fight!

Saturday morning we were up bright and early.

  The weather report was for rain, but the showers held off.  The day dawned with bright sunshine, cool temperatures, and a little bit of wind.  We donned our official race t-shirts, loaded up the van, and headed for downtown Columbus, Ohio.  The traffic in the immediate area of the race was heavy, and we ended up parking a few blocks from the start.  The 5K run was the first to go off, then the 5K walkers, and finally, the family fun walk.  Records were set for the number of participants and the money raised during this event!  Over 40,000 people joined together in the cause!

Bill (husband), Jason (son), and the four granddaughters (ages 7, 5, and 1 yr. old twins) decided to abandoned the 1K walk and go for the 5K walk - an ambicious goal!  Once there, we figured what the heck!  What an awesome sight - thousands of people coming together to support a worthwhile cause!  There were ladies wearing pink survivor shirts, families wearing shirts with pictures, catchy little phrases honoring family members, and those who formed groups to remember a special person.

  Each of us wore our race numbers with 40316 being the highest number I saw.  On the backs of hundreds were bright pink signs "In Remembrance" or "In Celebration" and listing the names of those whom they had dedicated their walk or run.  My granddaughters decorated their signs in celebration of "Grandma Bowen."  Jason's sign read "Grandma B.," Jody's sign spelled out Mom's name, and mine was in celebration of "My Mom." 

The start was located just a block from the Ohio Statehouse.  The runners began about 1/2 hour before the 5K walkers.  We waited quite some time before actually getting a start and a look at the beginning point.  Along the way, groups provided entertainment such as the Ohio State Pep Band, a group of Ohio State Alumni Band Members, several Columbus area radio stations, the Columbus Wind Symphony, the Columbus Destroyers (arena football team) cheerleaders, a local steel drum band, and several small bands.

  We walked past landmarks such as the Leveque Tower (a familiar Columbus high rise), Nationwide Arena, the new construction of the Columbus Clippers Stadium (minor league baseball team), the Columbus Convention Center, and finished on High Street in front of the Statehouse.    As with any distance race, there were volunteers all along the way providing water and encouragement to the participants.  There were lots of strollers and wagons with young children.  The trolley from the Easton Towne Center (shopping and entertainment complex) bore pink ribbons (the color of the day) and followed the 5K walkers through the course. 

An hour and 35 minutes after the start of the run, our walking group crossed the finish line.

  The two runners in our group finished earlier after 32 minutes - they walked the course backwards until they met up with us and finished with us.  Even the 7 and 5 yr. old girls made the route - sometimes on the shoulders of Dad and Grandpa!  We were proud of ourselves for taking on the challenge of the 5K walk and finishing!  But I think the most inspiring moments were those of the survivors crossing the finish line with smiles on their faces!  In talking with my husband, we both decided those were the true "winners" of the day!  Even though Mom wasn't there, I felt very pleased and thankful her battle has been successful, so far.  A survivors ceremony followed on the steps of the Statehouse.  One of the major sponsors provided bottles of water, bananas, apples, and yogurt for all participants.  

There were games and information booths set up on another street.  Again, these were family oriented and very popular with the kids.  Many lingered well after the race to particpate in the events.  Before we knew it, three hours had passed, and it was time to head back to the van.  My first "race" celebrating my Mom was over, but the memories will last a lifetime!  So, Mom, we celebrated your life, and every step taken was in hope of finding a cure for your disease!  We love you.