This morning my wife Boom Boom, a friend, and a coupla thousand other women are participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day here in Michigan. They’re going to be joining others in a dozen other cities across the country by strapping on their walking boots for a nice leisurely twenty mile walk.
Nancy Sinatra – These Boots were Made for Walkin’
1960s music
Although I seriously doubt that any of them will be doing it in boobs boots. (Sorry, I’m easily distracted when it comes to the subject matter. But I promise I’ll stay focused, unlike the last time.)
So they’re lacing up or velcro-ing their walking shoes and walking 20 miles today. And when they’re done with that, they’re going to repeat the process tomorrow and Sunday.
Neil Young – Walk On
breast cancer
The 3-Day is an annual event held by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, a charity that has raised over $1.5 Billion over the past 30 years. They’ve provided money for breast cancer research, education, health and social services all over the country and all over the world.
Widespread Panic – Walkin’ (For your Love)
women feminism
I know a few people who have soured on the organization over the past few years. The foundation makes a lot of their money through corporate sponsorships and many of them have taken advantage of the relationship to make money for themselves. Which, inherently, is a little disturbing – using an often-fatal disease for marketing. Other controversies include their de-funding of Planned Parenthood and the high salary for their founder/CEO.
Kanye West – Jesus Walks
issues
Unfortunately, like Kanye West, when you get that big, famous, and rich, a lot of people want to take you down. But let’s focus on the positives – since inception mammography rates have increased, along with survival rates, and federal government investments in cancer research has gone up exponentially.
Was there a direct link between the foundation’s money and the better prognoses? Maybe, however there’s no way knowing. But they set out to raise awareness and I’d say they did a pretty damn good job at it. Without their work, it would be just another in a way too long list of killer diseases that get no attention while researchers come up with more ways to cure erectile dysfunction.
(U2 – Walk on)
medicine
Regardless of what you think of the organization, a huge heaping mound of praise should go to all those people out there this weekend. Boom Boom and her friend exercise regularly so I doubt they really needed all that training. But there are many, many more who aren’t in that great of shape. Many of them were impacted by the disease through family members or are survivors themselves. They were inspired to actually do something for other people instead of sitting around watching TV, partying, cruising Facebook, or even just mowing their lawns.
They deserve a standing ovation (go ahead and do that.. No, seriously, get up!) for their dedication, willingness to help and passion.
(Passion Pit – Take a Walk)
Go Boom Boom!!
Komen
cure
Go Boom Boom!
Like
First of all, LOVE that your wife is Boom Boom
Secondly, HURRAH for her walking the SGK!!!
Thirdly, freakin’ love that song!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy Weekend!
Thanks on all three! WHich song?
i did this walk a few years back and it is a huge undertaking – i applaud your wife )
The better question is – does the involvement of all these women further the needs of cancer research, survivors, families. If it does, what’s with the intellectual exercise that always tries to analyze to the extreme finding fault?
If not for people like Boom Boom (really need a story about that moniker), people can forget about the challenges that women and families face. Oh yeah Duff can be serious.
Thanks for the good words – unfortunately that’s the state of discourse these days, no?
And as for the name, I have a funny story about just about anything but there really isn’t one for that. Outside of, if you meet her, she’s the least likely person you would ever call “Boom Boom”. Maybe I can make one up…
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