Changing the world one step at a time

Never doubt that a small group . . . can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead

One week ago today, we walked.

Twenty-seven women, ages sixteen to sixty-something, united by a desire to make a difference – and inspired by the faith that, together, we can.

We walked from Hopkinton to Boston, grateful for one another, for clear skies, good company, and comfortable sneakers.

We walked sharing stories, Ibuprofen, sunscreen, Chapsticks and BlisterGlide.

We walked fueled by Gatorade and bananas, popcorn and power bars, laughter and love.

We walked in memory of a dear friend, gone three years but never forgotten.

We walked for our loved ones and for yours.

We walked with blisters, numb feet, bum knees, loose toenails, sore backs, toothaches, weird rashes, annoying socks, tight hamstrings.

We walked anyway.

We walked in the belief that every step counts and that every gesture matters.

We walked knowing we weren’t out there for one woman but for all women.

We walked moved by hope for the future and full of gratitude for the present.

We walked to support one dedicated doctor’s efforts to find effective treatments for ovarian cancer.

And we walked knowing our efforts are about much more than dollars raised for a cause.

We walked to support one another.

We walked because we could and for all those who couldn’t.

We walked knowing that every offering changes the world for the better.

We walked to share the journey and the joy of being alive.

We walked 26.2 miles in ten hours and we crossed the finish line together.

We walked because, on this day, our hearts were strong and our legs were sturdy.

We walked because someday, for any one of us, it will be otherwise.

Gratitude!

I am deeply grateful to each and every one of you who chose to support my Jimmy Fund Marathon Walk last Sunday with Team Diane.  Together, we raised over $35,000 for Diane’s Fund, monies that will go directly to our friend’s beloved, brilliant oncologist at Dana Farber, Dr. Ursula Matulonis, whose cutting-edge research into ovarian cancer is making new strides toward better treatments every day.

Thanks to you, I not only met my own personal fund-raising goal, but exceeded it.  As I watched that number slowly rise last week, I knew that, tooth-ache or not, I would have to summon the strength to be at the starting line with my team mates at 6 am.  Your comments and caring and contributions to this cause I believe in so deeply carried me forward, all the way to the finish line.  I am deeply grateful to you all  – my dear readers, supporters, cheerleaders and fellow travelers upon this path.  Together, we are making a difference, bringing the day closer when a woman diagnosed with ovarian cancer will have a better prognosis than Diane had.

Congratulations to the winners of The View from My Window, my collection of blog posts!  You already know who you are, and your books are on their way.

The post Changing the world one step at a time appeared first on Katrina Kenison.