Saturday, June 21, 2008

Susan Komen Race for the Cure


Pretty much since birth, BowlingJoe has had an opinion that breasts are a good thing. I'll truncate this thought right now since I know that Bowlingwidow reads these documents, and these days there's a good possibility that my own mother will be as well. Although in the case of my mother, she's demonstrated in the past that she can "one up" me in most categories, no matter how embarrassing they may be.

For the past several years, I've participated in the Seattle edition of the Susan Komen Race for the Cure. I used to run in the thing until I realized that it's not a good idea for a "somewhat heavy" guy such as myself to be pounding his tendons on hard pavement for 3.1 miles. So Bowlingwidow and I walked it earlier today with several thousands of our closest friends. It's amazing when you're at the top of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, look back toward Qwest Field and can see two miles of walking humanity on the trail. If they don't find a cure for cancer in our lifetime, it won't be because individuals aren't stepping up. It's hard to imagine a bigger answer to a call than this one.

Breast cancer is by far the most common form of cancer in women (lung cancer leads overall) and is responsible for more than 500,000 deaths world-wide each year. In the United States women have a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Here's to hoping that we can turn that statistic around in the near future.



10 comments:

thisandthat said...

BowlingJoe, I think it's wonderful that you're using your blog to include the promotion of such a good cause. And congratulations on your (and bowlingwidow's)accomplishment! It's great that there was such a good turn out for the event. Thinking about what you said, "my mother...can 'one up' me in most categories", I am certainly hoping she will join in and begin adding comments to your blog. I'm sure we'd all like to know any incredibly embarrassing secrets about BowlingJoe's childhood, etc, that she may wish to impart.

Anonymous said...

Uh oh. I never thought of that. Note to self: be ready to delete her comments at all times.

groovelily said...

Awesome job mr & mrs bowlingjoe! I too love that feeling of seeing thousands of people doing the same thing... headed in the same direction. It's cool. I've never done a charity event, but have done Bloomsday often. It also brings out the good and kindness in people. It's a rare treat to see strangers come together for something nowadays. I can imagine the feeling of community and camaraderie during the Race for the Cure is amazing.

Tell bowlingwidow she has a comment on her blog, and the show her how to view it. :)

Captain ILL said...

An excellent cause. I'm ashamed to admit that I didn't know about it in advance, or I'd have liked to participate.

Anonymous said...

It was a good time and for a good cause. Plus it was entertaining watching Bowlingwidow zig zaging around slow people and baby strollers like she was a slalom skier.

Unknown said...

I'd like to do this next year, bowlingjoe. Please remind me.

Anonymous said...

Definitely!

groovelily said...

me too! can we get matching shirts???

Anonymous said...

We can get matching shirts if you'd like. The only thing I do insist upon is that we all wear matching thongs.

groovelily said...

natch