A Long Winding Road

by Suzanne Schmidt

When my mother was diagnosed with serious ovarian cancer, I felt helpless. Me, the in-charge, "boss of the whole thing", eldest daughter, did not have a clue what to do or where to turn. Shortly after, when my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer, I felt as if I were losing some of the most precious parts of my life. 

Overcoming cancer is a long winding road. Each day requires stepping out in faith and often that stepping out is only possible with the help of a strong support system or community -- like the cards, food, flowers, more cards, prayer chains, more food, rides to chemo, and even special nursing care provided to mom by my sister's friend, "Nurse Sherry".

An old friend used to say "In all probability, you will not have a chance to give back directly to those who give to you. But you do have the chance to pass it on to someone else." I kept wondering exactly how I would pass on the kindnesses that were shown to us.

In January of 2000, an opportunity "to pass it on" came in the form of the Avon Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk. This meant walking 60 miles from Frederick, Maryland to Washington, DC and raising at least $1,800. The money would go toward providing medically underserved women with breast cancer education and early detection services and to support breast cancer research.

As a novice walker, I had no idea how important community would be as I prepared to meet the challenges of training and raising money. It was thrilling to be supported in so many ways -- from training with various groups of other walkers (on the weekends), walking with my significant other 2 or 3 early mornings each week, being on several prayers chains, borrowing equipment from friends for the two nights we spent in tents while on the walk, and even a pitch in my pastor's sermon in support of my walk.

The financial contributions I received for the walk were remarkable. Over 50 people pledged $3,500 dollars in my name. I could barely believe it! Calls came in from people asking to contribute. A long time friend and colleague sent a touching note and a $500 pledge. People I didn't even know contributed! These votes of confidence motivated me to train and as I did, I carried with me each of those folks and the people they loved who had been touched by cancer.

The weekend of the event came in early May and the Washington thermometer rocketed toward 90 degrees, but the walkers' spirits were not deterred! Without the love and support for each other, many of the walkers would not have been able to make it as far as they did. I kept thinking that the whole experience was really a metaphor for someone dealing with cancer.

Besides the walking, there were other hurdles to get over. Like carrying luggage to the tent site, setting up a tent, waiting in line to take showers in the mobile units, waiting in line for meals, waiting in line for blister treatment, waiting for water to arrive... lots of waiting. Through it all, other walkers and crew members kept up one another's spirits.

The Victory March on the last day of the event was one of the most moving I have ever witnessed -- over 5,000 walkers and crew members and at least 15,000 cheering us on. It was especially touching for me to be greeted by my closest friends as I arrived and left the ceremony. What a great reminder that we do not walk alone!

There is much to be said for rugged American individualism. As for me, I'll take community over individualism anytime. It's in the faces of community that I find hope and meet God again and again on the long and winding road that is life.