Park Alumnus Takes a Walk for Breast Cancer
October 5, 2009 • written by Samantha Hartfiel
This past August, Alicia Landgraf Morelli, a Park Alumni from 2004, decided to participate in the momentous walk and attempt to make a minute difference to a substantial problem.
“I first decided to walk the 3-Day to ensure I had a say in my own future against breast cancer,” Landgraf Morelli informs, “However, while writing my letter asking for donations, my mom called and said ‘Your aunt has breast cancer!’ From that point on, it was no longer about me but everyone that was fighting for their lives to live on more day.”
Landgraf Morelli, who completed the walk in Minneapolis, found her experience to be very influential and worthwhile. She completed the 3-Day with 28 other people, who called their team “What’s In You Bra?”
“We were all there for different reasons but in the end, we all wanted the same cure,” Landgraf Morelli states, “My experience was really unbelievable and words will never do the justice to describe it.”
The Minneapolis 3-Day walk began at 5 AM on Friday August 21st at the Southdale Shopping Center. After a brief Opening Ceremony at 7:30 AM, the walkers began their journey, many dressed up in pink or crazy costumes, including t-shirts with sayings such as “Rock Out Cancer “ and “ Team Hope“, each clearly displaying their support of a good cause. Day One consisted of a 20 mile trek from Southdale to Malcaster College in St. Paul. At the end of the day, each person set up their pink two person tents at Harvest Park and slept for the night.
“My least favorite part was sleeping in the tent on a slight hill on a mat that was maybe an inch and a half thick,” Landgraf Morelli exclaims, “That and waking up in the morning and getting our shoes wet from the dew.”
Day 2 was a 23 mile loop that brought each walker back to camp for a second night. With the completion on 70% of the 60 miles, the hikers got an opportunity to celebrate on Saturday night with a dance party and karaoke competition.
Finally, Day 3 consisted of a 17 mile trip from Harvest Park to the State Capital. The 3-Day weekend concluded at the State Capital where walkers were greeted by a crowd of friends and family and were congratulated for the accomplishments of the weekend.
“There were so many moments that will stay with me forever,” Landgraf Morelli smiles, “ From the people on the sides cheering you on, to the woman saying ‘I lost my mom/aunt/sister/friend/cousin etc.’ The 3 Day is such an amazing experience.”
However, while Landgraf Morelli made it through the 60 miles with hardly a blister, she advises all those who want to do the 3-Day to train.
“Many found out that training was important when they could not finish the walk because of injury or blisters. I started training in March with 3-4 miles 4 times a week. By early August, I was walking up to 50 miles a week.”
In addition, Landgraf Morelli recommends that future walkers begin fundraising early. In order to participate in the 3-Day Walk, each person has to raise $2,300 or more.
“Start talking about it with your family and friends early! Get the awareness out that you are doing it” Landgraf Morelli informs, “The half year leading up to the walk through fundraising and training is also a really powerful part of the experience.”
Overall, the Breast Cancer 3-Day was a success not only for Landgraf Morelli, but the Susan G. Komen Foundation as well, for the walkers raised over a million dollars for breast cancer research in Minneapolis alone.
Landgraf Morelli finally adds, “For all those that are thinking about doing the 3-Day in the future, get ready for it to change you. Get ready for the most amazing walk you can take. Get ready for some blisters! Get ready for 3 days, 60 miles, 1 cure!”
Loading ...
Comments
Feel free to leave a comment...
and oh, if you want a pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!