When I arrived at the race for my shift to start at nine (which
is definitely on the early side for me on a Sunday morning) I did not drag my
feet, for the energy was contagious. From mom’s with infants strapped to their
bodies to grandpa’s with puppies, everyone was decked out in pink. There were
large groups, small groups, solo runners and even teams with creative matching
t-shirts with creative sayings such as “Ninnies for Ninny!” 1 in 8 women get
breast cancer so its hard these days to find anyone that is not affected in
some way.
At the finish line I had the perfect view, and I saw it all.
I saw what looked to me like a newborn followed up by a grandma who was wheeled
through the race in her wheelchair, but I say that shows some heart. Some
racers were happy and joyous as they crossed the finish line, others were in
tears. Regardless, emotions were running high as the racers completed the
stretch. Many of the volunteers were moved to tears by the raw emotion on some
of the racer’s faces- it was really something to see.
When people who had survived breast cancer, which was over
1,500, crossed the finish line, we handed them pink roses, congratulated them,
and ushered them on to the special survivor’s path ending in the survivors tent
where they received a special welcome. This was the first year that the tent
was established and it was a huge success. I personally received many hugs and
thank just for being there and supporting the cause when really I felt it
should be the other way around. I felt so grateful to be a part of Zeta so that
I could be included in such a touching event. Breast cancer effects women’s
health, and in turn, a family’s health, and the pain this disease brings to so
many of us is really a staggering spectrum. I felt so honored to be able to
cheer those amazing women down the survivors path, because it’s their courage,
enthusiasm, involvement, and support that keeps this incredible event a
success.
Another unique and heartwarming achievement was that this
was the first year that all the girls who participated in our chapter were able
to coordinate and all walk together. Thanks to the incredibly hard work of Jan
Winkleman, we had awesome participation this year. You could feel the sister
hood everywhere and it had nothing to do with matching shirts. The girls walked
the race proud and laden with emotion, for many of our members have been
significantly and personally affected by Breast Cancer. Together as sisters
they completed the race with signs of support and cheers of enthusiasm.
Overall, the race was an incredible success. I am so proud
of our chapter for getting so involved this year. I personally gave cheering
those women on my all, and their honest appreciation was touchingly clear.
There was a spirit of community that I can’t quite describe. I do know one
thing though, there are few things that will coax a college student from her
warm sheets into the bright outdoors at 6:30 AM. When I found out a group of
our babies had been cheering since that appalling hour, I could not have been
more proud. What we stand for as a chapter and the values we pass from pledge
class to pledge class were blaringly clear that day. That event was so much
more than a mandatory crown or philanthropy point- to us and to every women we
got the chance to connect with. To anybody who missed it, you missed out! The
experience I had even beat out the breakfast tacos, which from me, is saying a
lot. Chandler Amoroso
PC '11
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