Last is the New First

Let me tell you a story about how this thing goes. Twenty-three hundred people walk 60 miles. Each for their own reasons. Each carry with them the flame of a loved one either passed, suffering, or not yet diagnosed. They walk because... because they can, because they will, because they have to! And you may ask "what if I am not physically fit and can not walk all 60 miles... what if I come in last, will I be laughed at and made the fool?". And I will respond... "you have never been here have you!". Are there physically fit people on this walk, yes. Are there people who can do this walk without even breaking a sweat in what seems like 10 minutes, yes. But those people are not the only ones we praise.

Meet this man, we will call him Mr. Super. In 2006, his mother died from breast cancer. He wanted to do something to honor her. He was going to do the walk last year, but was not able to raise the money, but he did this year. And the first day he walked 21.2 miles. He walked from opening ceremony in Edina at the Southdale Mall to camp in Maplewood. Was he first??? No, he was number 2300. He was dead last, only being followed by the caboose (a staff person on a bike to make sure the last walker comes in safely). Mr. Super was tired and so very sad, he was crying. He thought by coming in last he had let himself down and most of all his mother. He had walked 21.2 miles and as he walked into camp the last one, he walked in with a broken heart. AND then the music was cranked up and the other walkers started cheering, clapping, whooping, and following him... as he was led through the dinner tent (to a standing ovation) to put up the flag of HOPE. Walkers who had barely been able to walk into the hall, but had made it before him, dropped everything to stand and cheer the last walker, this walker who with all the love, courage, and desire made the first 21.2 miles. Because in curing breast cancer there will be no one left behind. The first person cured was wonderful... but the last person cured, when we end this disease, well.... that is when we will celebrate!! That is when we will all stand up and give that person a standing ovation. Thank you Mr. Super man for walking for you mom, for my mom, for everyone's mom. You not only made our heart burst with pride that day, you proved that everyone can make a difference in this fight. This is a fight for life. I dare you to help us fight like girls!!!