Celebrating 60! (Birthdays and miles!) –by Catherine Bouwman a.k.a. Queenie Coconut

My first 3-Day walk was in Chicago in 2001. At that time, I walked in celebration of my mom. She was diagnosed 1n 1995 while I was still in college. After having my first daughter in 2000, I heard about the 3-Day and had to join. I didn't care how far I had to walk, nor how much money I had to raise. I was walking because I was so fortunate to have my mom with me through so many milestones: graduating college, helping me set up my first classroom, planning my wedding, the birth of my daughter, to name a few. She has always been my #1 cheerleader.

On August 13th, 2010, I will start another 3-day journey! On this very same day, my mom will turn 60 years old! She has been such an inspiration to so many in the last year. I am so proud of her strength and courage as she battled her second breast cancer diagnosis since 1995.

I remember watching her sleep during her chemo treatments; I gave so much thanks that I was able to sit by her side. The first time I saw her bald head, she was more beautiful than ever to me. I felt so fortunate that she was going to survive this.

August 13th, 2010, will be an emotional day for me: I will have tears of joy streaming down my face since my mom survived breast cancer twice, as well as tears of guilt and sadness for loved ones lost. As my mom is cheering me on with my dad, husband, and daughters, I will walk as a way to show my gratitude for second chances!

Happy 60th Birthday, Mom...I love you!