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 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.

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

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!

 

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE 2012 WRAP UP

It's a Hard Knock Life

Wow! I can't believe how long it has been since I've wrote here. I try to keep the other pages updated as much as possible, but it seems after the 3Day ends in November I really just need a break.

Fundraising is HARD!

I'm not going to lie. It is like a full time job.

You say, "Well, it's your choice. You made the choice to sign up for another walk. You made the choice to commit to raising thousands of dollars."

And I say, "You're right." But still.....

Fundraising is HARD!

It is hard to ask the same friends and family year after year for money. It's hard to come up with new ideas to raise money. (BTW--some work and some don't. We've learned that the hard way.)  Did I mention,

Fundraising is HARD!

So, here we go with another year. Yes, I will ask you (AGAIN) to support me and my team. I WILL ask you for your donation and your support.  Some of you will roll your eyes at me. Some of you will donate, again. Some of you will be first time donors.  Just please know as we roll into another fundraising season for Team Piggy:

Fundraising is HARD! and I couldn't do it without you and your support!

I Believe

As I REALLY start my fundraising for 2012 I've had a few people ask me, how do I do it?

Me, "How do I do what? How do I raise $2,300 or how do I walk 60 miles in 3 days?" (Truly in my mind, the latter seems more daunting than the money.)

But almost always, they want to know about the money. I know, money is what drives us. It's what we need for "survival."  Aaaah haaa....survival.

So, did you know breast cancer medical care costs will reach over $16 billion (yes, that's billion with a "B" and yes, that is only for breast cancer--also with a "B") a year! (According to the the National Institutes of Health.) That doesn't include the cost of research.

Researchers are frantically searching for that ever elusive cure. They are doing a pretty good job, survival rates ARE going up. But so is the cost of research, the cost of care and the cost treatment.

Yes, I raise money for the Susan G Komen Foundation which has been under scrutiny. I'm not going to lobby or try to sway those against Komen. We can argue about it until we are blue in the face.  Let's just call this one a draw. Each to his or her own.  Everyone has their "thing," their organization, their cause. Mine is breast cancer. Not one person can argue against the fact that EVERY single advancement in breast cancer has been touched by money from Komen. So in a nutshell, a very small nutshell, that is why I support Komen. Obviously there is more, but we'll save that for another day.

This year, everyone wonders how I will be able to raise the money for the 5th year. Each year it gets more and more difficult. As my passion increases my belief in a cure does too. The funny thing is, even if my friends don't support the organization or the cause THEY SUPPORT ME. Hmmmm, isn't that what friends do? They support each other?

To get back to the original question....how do I raise $2,300? I'm able to do it one dollar at a time.... thanks to my wonderful friends and family, they believe in ME.

Now we've answered the money question, it's time to go for a walk because, really, have you every walked 20 miles a day for 3 days? That's what's tough.

~Sacha

Team Piggy in the News!

 

KUTV :: News - Pay it Forward - Pay It Forward: Sasha Despain

KUTV :: News - Get Gephardt - Stolen Credit Card to Scam Travelers

KUTV :: News - Get Gephardt - Follow up to Stolen Credit Card Story
 

Live YOUR Life

So. It's Mother's Day weekend coming up. Do you have plans to spend it with your mom or are you too busy? Can't make the trip? Don't have the time?

Let me tell you.

You are NOT that busy.

It's NOT that far.

You HAVE the time.

When my mom was sick, I had a job. I had a 2 year old. I lived an hour away from my mom.  You want to talk about being busy? You want to talk about a drive? You don't have time? Really? I don't want to hear it.  Bottom line is, I can tell you about me. I can tell you to make time, make the drive, YOU'RE NOT that busy....but it's up to you.

It's all up to you. It's what you feel in your heart and more importantly, if you were to lose your mom (or another loved one, for that matter) what could you live with? You're the one that has to live with the decisions you make.  When my mom was very sick and we didn't know how much time she had left (which wasn't long) I got some fantastic advice, from my dad, of all people.  (Let me just say, my dad and mom don't, didn't, wouldn't, etc. speak to each other...that story is for another day.)  He told me to make sure I didn't have any regrets.

Oh man, that is so easy to say. But I had to break it down.

I get it. I get what he was trying to tell me.  I'm the one who is going to be here, LIVING. What is it I can live with and not say to myself, I should have called more, I should have drove more, I should, I could blah blah blah. I miss my mom EVERY day. But I can LIVE with the decisions I made. Make sure you can too. 

Oh, and go see your mom this weekend.

~Sacha

Let's Do This!

The 2012 Susan G Komen 3-Day is going to be the best yet! Wow! I say that with 100% confidence. How can I be so sure, you may ask?  Well, let me tell you.  The 2012 San Diego Susan G Komen 3-Day opens on my birthday, Debbi will be celebrating 10 years  cancer free and the entire time we will be reflecting over the five years since we lost my mom to breast cancer.

So much has happened over the past year since we last walked, but there are a few things I am sure of: Breast Cancer is still taking way too many people, way too early and way too many of my friends are STILL being diagnosed with this disease. The bottom line is, we need to make sure early detection and treatment is possible. Your donations will go to helping fund those much needed screenings and also to search out  a cure.  A cure for cancer?!?! I know, it seems crazy, but I bet in 1955 Jonas Salk was considered a little bit crazy too.  Me, I like crazy.

So, if you like crazy too, please help us by making a donation. You can find out more about us and why we walk by clicking our personal fundraising sites.  And don't forget to come out and participate in the Team Piggy 2012 Hog Jog coming up in April. More info on the 2012 Auction and Boutique to come!

~Sacha

Another Minute, Another Day, Another Year

So, another day, another dollar. Another year, another fundraising effort.

Team Piggy is at it again. Before we get into 2012's  antics, we must wrap up 2011.  It was awesome, as ususal. I would like to say, there wasn't any rain, but there was. Just a little mist at the end of our 3Days. Definately tolerable. I won't lie. It was still a tough year. One of our teammates broke her toe the first day and was not able to complete the 60 miles. She couldn't even get a shoe on. Ashley walked with a "baby on board" and I, Sacha, had battled a stomach flu 2 days before the walk....so let's be honest; we still had our share of drama. In the end, it's not about the miles walked, but the dollars raised....and we raised A LOT!  Over $11,500 to be exact! We won't stop until there is a cure. We'll be there San Diego in 2012!

Debbi, Suzy, Ashley, Sacha, Stephanie
Team Piggy 2011

It wouldn't be a proper 3Day without a stop
at the Titty Tavern.

Stephanie, Sacha and Ashley enjoying the walk along the ocean.

It's the most wonderful time of the year.....

While some are lamenting the approaching holidays, we are gearing up for another Susan G Komen 3 Day for the Cure. This weekend a year of fundraising and training will all come to a conclusion...Debbi will walk in her 8th 3Day, Me (Sacha) my 4th, Steph her 3rd, Judy her 2nd and Ashley and Susie their 1st!

Some are listening to Christmas music, but on our iPods, you will only find our favorite walking music.

Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone? We are just looking to get through walking 60 miles in 3 Days, sleeping in a tent, worrying about rain once again this year and wondering how we will get ALL that gear in our suitcase AND have it all weigh under 35 pounds.

So--what does packing for the 3Day look like?

What Stephanie is packing. All nice and neat.

Yeah, right. Judy, you really think this is going to fit?

Ashley, she's packed and all organized. Her bag even weighs under the 35 pounds. Now, remember we are packing sleeping bag, mat, clothes for 5 days, fanny pack, water bottle and rain is in the forecast...so let's not forget rain gear. Debbi warned me, we shouldn't really show the public what it really looks like. (We've omitted  body glide and Epsom salts.)

Not an easy task even for the professional traveler.

It WILL fit AND it will be under weight.

Rain or (hopefully) no rain. Organized or not. It doesn't matter.

As a Team for 2011 we've raised over $11,500!  (Yes! That's for 2011!) That money all goes towards breast cancer screening, research and education. That's all that matters.

Every 74 seconds someone somewhere in the world dies from breast cancer. I don't want it to be another person I know. I don't want another person I know to be diagnosed with breast cancer. I want a cure for breast cancer. This weekend, my Team and I will stand together with the belief that this one dream will become a reality. We won't be alone. There will be thousands in San Diego standing and walking with us that have the same belief. There will also be you, our friends and family, who supported us along the way....you will be with us in spirit (I wish we could take you, but you've seen our suitcases) and we thank you.

Amazing Race ...for the Cure

So, it’s the eve of the Salt Lake City Race for the Cure. I’ve participated in this event umpteen times. I wish I knew for sure how many. Each year I participated with my mom. I guess I never kept track how many we did together because I always thought she’d be there with me and me with her. Cheering her on when she stood in that sea of survivor pink. I remember walking with her and it was amazing to see 10,000 people. Saturday, they are expecting 17,000…but I bet it passes that number.


Amazing.

After breast cancer robbed me of my mom, I wasn’t sure how I would feel about doing this event without her. But each year, I cannot imagine NOT doing Race for the Cure. She always wanted her family and friends to come walk with us. But each year, it was just the two of us. I secretly was glad of this. It was something we shared together, a perfect start to Mother’s Day weekend. Now in her memory, a whole slew of us walk. She brought us all together.

Amazing.

But as I write this, I have another reason to walk. Someone very close to me had a lumpectomy today. Though it is too early to know her prognosis, I still have faith that she will be fine. This disease will not rob me of someone else I love. I have so many family members who are already survivors I plan on adding her to the list. Finally, I plan on there being cure for this horrible disease….

….that would be truly amazing.


--Sacha--

Team Piggy Boutique

The Boutique was amazing!

Check out the official page for a wrap up.

5k/Fun Run Success!

Team Piggy 5K/Fun Run
Check out the official page for pictures and a wrap up.



Don't worry, I get it

Some people don’t get it. I mean really don’t get it.

Like the people who don’t get what we are doing for breast cancer. These are the people that ignore your “friend” requests because they are afraid you’re going to ask them for money. They look the other direction when you are walking toward them as to avoid eye contact.

I get it.

And let’s be honest, you don’t get it. I know this because if you “got it” you would know that even though I am raising money, it is not really about the money. It’s about going outside your comfort zone and doing something that has meaning. You don’t need to donate money to make an impact. If you “got it” you would know it is not only about the money, but about the conversation. You could ask me why I walk. You could ask me why I am passionate about breast cancer screening research and education.

Then you have the people who can only donate $5 and they feel bad. Really. Don’t feel bad.

I know you “get it”.

Really, if $5 is all you can afford, that $5 means the same as $100 if the person who donates $100 can afford it. Now don’t get me wrong. Do I wish they were all $100 donations? Of course. Am I realistic? Of course.

I get it.

So please, don’t be afraid, embarrassed, whatever to donate the $5. Don’t be afraid to ask me about why I “bleed pink” (if you don’t know what this means, then you REALLY need to ask me). And if the cancer crisis isn’t on your mind (even in the way back of your mind) you really need to “get it”. What is unfolding right now in Japan is inevitably going to lead to a major cancer event. Finding a cure is important but so is ANY advancement toward treatment and screening to this horrible disease.

Do you get it now?

.....Sacha.....

We are raising money for a cure, not a vacation

In response to a recent "Dear Abby" column on 4 March, I would like to address the concerns of those who may be worried about participating in any of the fundraising activities being advertised by "Team Piggy" for the 3Day. We understand those concerns and as good stewards of your donation, we can guarantee that the monies you donate go directly to the Susan G. Koman 3Day for the Cure. We each must raise $2300.00 to walk 60 miles. We also must pay our own expenses to do so. Those expenses include airfare to San Diego, our hotel, and meals outside the meals we pay for in our registration fee of $90.00 that we eat during the walk. As we must arrive the day before, we must get a hotel and pay for our own meals. During the walk, we sleep in a tent on the ground.

It's a Sticky Situation

Things get stuck in my head all the time. Songs, rhymes, chocolate cravings, etc.


But today, it is a quote. Okay, not just today. The past few days this quote has been floating around my head. It is a good one. One I’ve heard thousands of times and I’m sure you have too. The only difference is it won’t leave me. It’s there stuck. So, I am forced to write about it. Maybe this will help it to move back to the part of brain where it can sit quietly.

“I never said it would be easy. I only said it would be worth it.”

Team Piggy 2010

Team Piggy at the 2010 Susan G Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

It rained, it rained a lot, but look at every picture. We are smiling in every single one. It didn't matter what the weather was like. It wasn't about what we were going through, it was about why we were there and what it took to get there. It was about our little Team raising over $16,000 in the name of finding a cure for breast cancer. Go Piggies!

2010 In the History Books

Okay, I shamefully took some time away from blogging. Really, after the 2010 walk I just needed a break. Well, break time is over and I am ready to jump back in. This was another wonderful year for Team Piggy. As a team, we raised over $16,000 and the San Diego event raised $10.6 million-- all for breast cancer research and education! With the exception of a little rain, okay, a lot of rain, it was an amazing 3-Days.


My 3-peat was especially special because not only did my sister, Sharlee walk, but I also got to see two of my cousins who I haven't seen in over 15 years. One of my cousins, Pamela, is a breast cancer survivor and the 2010 3-Day just happened to fall on her 5 year anniversary.

Me, Pamela and Sarah: my cousins

This Little Piggy Hits the Road-5th Stop: Atlanta

This Little Piggy had a fabulous 3-Days in Atlanta with Joyce:



Getting ready to head out.





Joyce assured me, he didn't eat the bacon.



Lucky enough to not only walk with This Little Piggy, but her daugher as well.

This Little Piggy Hits the Road-4th Stop: Philadelphia!

Deb kept This Little Piggy busy during his 3-day adventure in Philadelphia.

He even had to wait in the porta potty line....just like everyone else:

And he met some long lost relatives along the route: