Tales from the Trail

Wendy Stebbing talks about the miles she's walked and the miles yet to go.

I, Wendy Stebbing, first registered to walk in the Weekend to End women's Cancers 2010. It was in response to a close friend's recent diagnosis with ovarian cancer. I was familiar with the event (and Princess Margaret Hospital, of course) but had been intimidated by the fundraising minimum.

I began with a "Get In Step" event and was introduced to the support network that works alongside the walkers during the event. This was also when I found out about the various training walks that are organized leading up to the weekend. I was fortunate early on to meet with a walking froup out of Streetsville led by Barb Myers and through her joined the Butterfly of Hope team.

During the many walks leading up to the weekend, I met many new friends who were able to provide guidance in training and fundraising (and a lot of laughs along the way). The experience of these walkers was the most important support network that I could have found. I began the journey alone but it wasn't for long - I was welcomed by everyone I met.

The weekend itself was one of the most positive experiences of my life. The emothions of the ceremonies, the comradory of the walkers and volunteers, and the public support for the event were inspirational. I made it through the 60kim with just a couple of blisters and I need not have worried so much about the fundraising. I surpassed my goal and donations were still coming into Princess Margaret beyond the weekend. The WEWC 2010 raised nearly $11 million for Princess Margaret Hospital and I was a part of that.

I registered for 2011 without a second thought but this time my friend who was my original inspiration, was registered too. We trained together, fundraised together and walked together for 2011. It was a victory lap.

Some may wonder why I want to walk again. I have to. I am lucky to be walking with one of my friends who is a survivor but I can't forget another who wasn't. I lost a close friend last year to the same disease. We have come a long way but we stil have miles to go.

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