Team FaithFULL: GREATSTRIDES 2010

May 2, 2010

We did it! Year #6 of walking as Team FaithFULL on May 1, joined by 66 walkers, 1 fur person and over 10 who couldn't make it. Together, we've raised OVER $7500 this year and as a Sacramento whole, close to $110,000!

The weather cooperated incredibly well this year (making up for last year's rain), the walk route was a little longer and made for a fabulous stroll. I was asked to share a few words about why I became involved in volunteering for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and didn't expect to get emotional multiple times...it happens I guess. It's always a challenge to be sure to talk with everyone and I always wish the event was a little longer just so that I can spend equal time. My drive home consists of going over in my head what were the great parts, what we could improve on for next year and a reflection upon the many meaningful, though brief, conversations with people from our own team whom are friends or family we rarely get to see, people from the CF community and new people. I am constantly amazed at the support, love and willingness of all of you who are able to donate and/or come walk with us. To have one of the largest teams for multiple years in a row is so amazing to me it's really hard to put into words. So my 'problem' of not getting to chat with everyone is a good one to have :)

This year our team added red ribbons to our walk shirts in honor of a little boy named Connor who's favorite color is fire engine red. He has CF and is not doing so well. Connor most likely will not live to his next birthday and get to experience more than 7 years of life. His mother keeps a blog at www.notsobrightandshiny.blogspot.com which I've followed for weeks now and have a hard time reading all the way through without breaks to dry my sobbing eyes. His story is heartbreaking and an incredible reminder that CF is real and in desperate need of a cure. And for everyone, it's a strong reminder to hug and love the ones we love with all we have while we can....