Saturday, March 31, 2018

12 Years of Team Piggy

**NOTE** I originally wrote this in 2018.  I feel it was so poignant.  My "kids" (students) teach me each and every day something about my own confidence and determination.  Not much has changed.  Whenever I feel down or discouraged, I look to them.  Then I think of my mom.  Inside, I feel I can't let any of them down.  I can't quit. I won't quit.  As the 3-Day mantra goes, "We will never give up". I won't give up.  So, here we go--year 12!  I'm definitely not as young as I was 12 years ago when I started this 3-Day journey. I wonder if I will be able to complete yet another year, but I for sure won't know, if I don't try.

So, it took me a little longer to commit to this year's 3-Day than years past.  After 11 walks--I was feeling a little--shall we say "done."  It's hard work people.  It's hard asking you year after year. It's hard figuring out new ways to raise money.  It's hard when you get a "no".  It's hard when fundraisiers, we put so much work into, fail. It's hard.  That's not even taking the walk into consideration.  It's hard walking 2o miles a day.  It's hard getting blisters and your muscles hurt so bad you can barely walk to get dinner.  It's hard (literally) sleeping on the ground for 2 nights after walking 20 miles.  It's hard taking days off work. It's hard packing 3 days of gear into a bag less than 30 pounds.  It's hard being away from my family.  There is nothing about this walk that is easy.

Then my Oprah "Ah-Ha" moment came one day with my little 8 year olds.

Those who know me personally know I teach school. Second grade to be exact.  While teaching a math lesson one day-- one of my cuties says, "I can't do this--it's TOO HARD." Then they all start moaning, "It's too hard, Mrs. Despain, too hard!"  Guess what?  It hit me like a ton of bricks.  And so, right then and there a class motto was created:

"I CAN DO HARD THINGS!"

I see them write these words on top of tests before we start and they write them on their white boards.  They write this whenever they need a little motivation to get through a lesson that is tricky.  And while motivating themselves...each time they were the ones motivating ME! I mean, how can I expect them to live by this motto if I don't myself?  So--here I am; signed up for my 12th 3-Day.  Working to raise another $2,300.

"I CAN DO HARD THINGS!"

Because really, nothing is harder than seeing a loved one battle this disease.

When my mom lost her life in 2007 to breast cancer, I never thought about creating Team Piggy, I never thought about year after year asking my friends and family and even strangers for money to help fight breast cancer. I was just sad and angry. But luckily time has a tendency to soften the blow, just a bit. And after that dark cloud past, in 2008, I happily agreed to join my sister in law (and breast cancer survivor) on her 3-Day journey.

She was the veteran and had not wanted to push me into the life of a 3-Dayer too quick. You see, once committed, you are thrust into this world of pink and breast cancer is forefront. Not an easy task to deal with if you still need time and space to grieve. For me, it was exactly what I needed.

Team Piggy 2008
Team Piggy 2009
Team Piggy 2010

Team Piggy 2011

Team Piggy 2012


Team Piggy 2013
Team Piggy 2014



Team Piggy 2015
Cache and I 2016
2016 Team Piggy
Team Piggy 2017


Team Piggy 2018


Cache and I 2018



Now as I prepare for my 12th 3-Day and Team Piggy has gone over the $100,000 mark I have to thank everyone who makes it possible. Not only the team mates from over the years but YOU the donor! From $5 to your much larger donations, I THANK YOU! WE THANK YOU! And to those of you who continue to donate year after year, you should know, your donation does not go unrecognized and year after year, do we not only recognize your donation, but we count on it. You see, even if you're not an "official" 3-Day participant you are a crucial part in Team Piggy's fight to end breast cancer.

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.This isnt just a walk. Its the journey of a lifetime,
and the biggest thing you can do to help end breast cancer forever.



Saturday, February 15, 2014

Just a little note....

So---I haven't wrote for awhile. Not that I don't have anything to say.....that is funny considering I ALWAYS have something to say...but just 'cause simply life is moving WAY. TOO. FAST. 

This past week I was smacked in the face with reality and reminded to slow down. Pay attention.

The 2013 3 Day was, once again, life changing. Every year my life is made better over the course of those 3 days. Not a lot changes as far as the event goes. I mean, you walk, you eat, you walk some more, you eat some more, you shower in the back of a semi, you sleep in a PINK tent, repeat for 3 days/2 nights. But what did change was ME. I'm getting older--in fact--I turned the big 4-0 on day 2 of the 2013 3 Day...that meant 40 miles on the day I turned 40. Wow. (Please pause while I pat myself on the back.)
Forty. Wow. So, back to that big smack in the face. This past week I got the news of another friend diagnosed with breast cancer. I've made the jokes about knowing so many people with breast cancer....really it's not funny. I know people who can't name one person they personally know who has had "THE" diagnosis. I have cousins, aunts, sister in laws who are survivors and of course, my mom who died from the disease and these people can't name one?? Not even an acquaintance?? Seriously?? This isn't a pitty party. This is the smack in the face. I don't ask why me, oh boo hoo. I say, "Why not me." I've always been the one who isn't afraid to speak her mind. I'm not afraid to put thousands of facebook posts asking my friends to support me and ultimately the Susan G Komen Foundation all in the name of my mom and Team Piggy, to raise money for breast cancer research and education. I KNOW one day we will find a cure for the disease.


Team Piggy 2013 at Mile 59!
But today, I'm not asking for your money (but if you would like to make a donation to one of the 2014 Team Piggy members the link is on the right hand side of the page.)  TODAY is about awareness. TODAY is for the rest of my friends and my friends friends and everyone else out there....40 is the number. Go get those mammograms. You think life is moving too fast now?? Imagine if you put off that appointment how fast your life could go by. Early detection is key. And to my friends who also turned the BIG 4-0 this year, or will, it's NOT that bad. Trust me.


Muah!
Sacha

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Team Piggy 2012 San Diego 3Day

We had such a wonderful time at the 2012 San Diego 3Day. The weather was beautiful and as a Team we raised over $13,000!