**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.
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| Team Piggy 2008 |
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| Team Piggy 2009 |
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| Team Piggy 2010 |
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Team Piggy 2011
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Team Piggy 2012
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| Team Piggy 2013 |
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| Team Piggy 2014 |
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| Team Piggy 2015 |
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| Cache and I 2016 |
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| 2016 Team Piggy |
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Team Piggy 2017
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Team Piggy 2018
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| 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 isn’t just a walk. It’s the journey of a lifetime,
and the biggest thing you can do to help end breast cancer forever.
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