2000 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Rochester, New York

For the second year in a row, teachers from the Victor Teachers' Association joined me in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

This year, the event began at the Blue Cross Arena. The course traveled west along the Genesee River, to the University of Rochester where we crossed the foot bridge to the east side of the river and walked back to the Arena.

Weather - Sunny 76 - a lovely fall day!

I find participating in these events very humbling. When I see all the people out there, raising funds and awareness, I feel in a sense that they are doing it for me. Some very special people in my life were with me today. I would like you to meet them.

I was so pleased to see Marsha Gross, the world's greatest nurse practitioner, the "general" of the breast cancer practice's team. She is always there to cheer me up, to hold my hand, to tell me when I am doing well, especially when I think that I am not. I am blessed to have Marsha in my corner. Thanks so much for all you do for me.

And, of course, the world's greatest medical oncologist, Jennifer Griggs, was at the Blue Cross arena to get us going. With her is Phoebe, her daughter with whom she was pregnant when I first began my treatment. Phoebe will be welcoming a new baby sister this winter. The lucky little girl will be born into a wonderful family with a wonderful mom. Thanks, Jennifer, for helping me through one of the most challenging times of my life. I think I've come through pretty well. You are responsible for my physical recovery, but more importantly, your support and caring has helped me to see that I could recover emotionally from breast cancer. Thank you for all that you continue to do to make me whole again.

Dr. Jennifer Griggs, right, and me. Now, who looks pregnant here?

Just Us was represented by QueenReg and Jhes21.

I'm not sure that my colleagues at the junior high have any idea how important they have been to my recovery from cancer. They made coming to work during chemo such a wonderful release; I felt almost normal. How wonderful! And now, they continue to support me in whatever I want or need to do. Thanks, guys! You're the best. I love you all.

From the left: Eileen (you did a great job!!!!), Suzanne, Pat, Peg, Terry (behind me - sorry Terry), Kim, Joanne, Vince and Barb.

Who ordered this perfect autumn day?

Thanks to Eileen Goldman for taking this picture of some of our team.

From the left: Barb, Glen, Peg, Vince, Suzanne, Terry, Regina, Eileen, Kim, Joanne and Pat.

Lunch at the Empire Brewing Company:

Front: Nan, Linda, Kim; middle: Sue, Donna, Barb, Peg, Eileen; back: Regina, Pat, Terry, Suzanne, Glen, Vince, Chris and Bev

Thanks to all of the faculty who came out today to support breast cancer research. I did not get a chance to thank each one of you personally. Somehow, we got lost in the crowd. I will never forget what you did here today. Thanks. Because of you, maybe someday I won't hear the word remission; I'll hear cure.

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