Lisa Carlon’s family has been coming together at Against the Tide for over 10 years to honor her lost mother. Please read Lisa’s inspiring and touching story:
It seems that everywhere I turn, there’s someone who has been touched by breast cancer. Whether she has it and is in treatment or, as in the case of my mother, Susan Milk, she bravely lived with it for ten years before passing away in 2009.
This horrible disease affects 1 in 8 women. It must be stopped. That’s why my family and I are in our eleventh year of walking and kayaking in theAgainst the Tide event. The 2013 events will take place on June 22nd in Hopkinton, MA and on August 17th in Brewster, MA.
“The Cancer Walk,” as we call it, always falls near my daughter Sarah’s birthday on August 19th. This year she will turn fourteen! My eldest daughter Hannah will already be seventeen and will most likely drive us there, because she now has her license. What a difference from our first year in 2002 when Sarah wasn’t even old enough to join in, and it was Hannah, my sister Susan, and I hiking around Flax Pond.
Over the years, I have seen this day grow into quite a fundraiser as my daughters have become taller than me. There are several events to choose from: the 5k or 10k run, the competitive or recreational swim, the kayak, and our favorite, the 3-mile walk. Luckily the walk is now around the campgrounds on the bike paths, so little ones in strollers as well as seasoned walkers can all join in!
Each year I write an article for Against the Tide, and each year I attempt to convey how this is one of the few days where my family really comestogether. Having two teenagers in the house changes the dynamics of “family time” a great deal. As the Milks, Gradys, and Carlons are all at the starting line and Cheryl Osimo makes her announcements, we’re missing one person who is not there. My mother. She’s not there physically walking with us, but we know she’s there in spirit. We write her name and others on the wall of honor.
As we walk, we are brought together by the people we love who are not there. Everywhere we turn, we see someone who has been touched by breast cancer. For them, we must eradicate this horrible disease. That is why my whole family is in their eleventh year of participating. And you can’t forget the great complimentary breakfast and the view of Flax Pond!
So what are you doing this summer? Join us at Against the Tide! Visit www.mbcc.org/swim for more information, to donate, or to register. You’ll be glad you did!
Sincerely,
Lisa Carlon