If I had to describe today’s Komen Walk in one word, it would be…AMAZING! I am still undergoing the reconstruction process and wasn’t sure about being able to walk. However, my mother and I decided that we would at least try to raise money.

With only 6 days until the race and a modest goal of $150, my mom and I started spreading the word to our friends and family. When we loaded up the car this morning we had reached almost $1,000! A HUGE Thank you to all our family, friends and my amazing co-workers who helped us exceed our goal.

Team Purpose Painted Pink consisted of: My mother, Godmother, Mrs. Shawniece Harris, My aunt Priscilla and my sister-friends January and Pinique. Our honary team members: My boys, baby Landon, my dad and uncle Mike.

To be surrounded by the myriad of suvivors and supporters was awesome. Selfie sticks, cameras and cell phones were raised in the air as everyone tried to capture pictures and videos of the sea of pink moving down Hillsborough Street.

Not only did I finish the entire race, but I did it wearing my grandmother’s sneakers which made today even more special! This was my first year participating, but it definitely won’t be my last.

Once I returned to my parents’ house out of the heat, I got sick. I had a horrible headache and wasn’t able to keep anything down. I’m not sure what caused me to feel bad, BUT it was absolutely worth it!

As part of my local new channel’s coverage leading up to the race, my story was featured. It was a blessing to be able to share my story with others. I’ve had several people reach out and tell me how they’ve been inspired.

This day has been amazing and I have drawn so much strength from the other survivors who walked with me today.

Fight. Defy. Win.