( rally for the cure , xo |

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Rally for the Cure

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Pam Waters - Rally Ambassador

Luann and I started our friendship journey in college, both of us attending the University of Minnesota in the early 1970's. Writing this, I can't believe that we have been friends for over 40 years. We were roommates after college, got married a year apart, and had our sons 6 months apart. We both had a love for the outside, and especially looked forward to spending time in the summer golfing and walking. That seemed to be our therapy time; talking about all the issues or concerns that affected our lives.

We shared so much as best friends, but would never have guessed that we would share having cancer.

We participated in the Race for the Cure, starting 16 years ago. Luann was committed to participating every year in memory of her mother. We were always walking for someone else. Then the walk and the work that Susan G. Komen did became very personal to me. In the fall of 2002, at the age of 49, I was diagnosed with Stage 2 Invasive Lobular breast cancer. It stopped me in my tracks! It couldn't be happening to me!!! There was no connection in my family history, I was in the midst of a demanding career and I had always had my annual mammograms.

Life changed drastically, now my commitment was making and attending doctor appointments and getting through treatment. Through it all there was one constant in my life!! That constant was my friendship with Luann. She made sure that parts of my life felt normal. We still went on our walks and chatted at our favorite coffee spot.

She always let me know that whatever I needed, she would be there for me, as my friend.

Shortly after I finished all my treatments, and got my life back, I asked Luann to participate in the 3-Day Breast Cancer Walk with me. It was obvious by the look on her face, she wasn't quite sure she wanted to do it. But, just as she had done for me all through the years, she said, "Yes" as a dear friend would. She told me much later that she really didn't want to do it, but felt the strength and commitment I had towards the event. She told me she just could not say "no". We both, to this day, have said that doing the 3-Day Walk was so inspirational and brought us even closer together.

Now 8 years later, the two of us are walking the breast cancer road again. This time it is Luann! I had just celebrated my 10-year cancer free date. It was through a very tearful dinner out, that she gave me the news. It didn't seem possible! She had been diagnosed with Stage 3, Invasive Lobular breast cancer. She was my strength, now it is my turn to be there for her. Her 5 nieces are participating in the 3 Day and walking in her honor, just as Luann and I walked in my honor, and in memory of her mother. We still continue to volunteer by being involved with Rally for the Cure through our local golf club, even as she starts her chemotherapy treatments. And if she asks me to do the 3 Day with her in a couple of years, I too will say yes, even though I might have reservations as Luann did. But I will do it for her!!!!

The Rally for the Cure this year, means so much more to both Luann and myself. It is about a wonderful life long friendship that is fighting to survive once again...and survive it will.

Dedicated To Luann, the best friend a person could have. I love you so! And will be there for you as you were for me!

( http://www.rftcpromotions.com/rallystories.asp#pw |