In Focus

By then end of the day two, festering blisters had formed on her feet, and her heals ached from the continious pressure and pounding. She walked alone most of the day, which gave her time to reflect, but also time to become discouraged. As she struggled to keep a swift pace, her body continued to grow more fatigued, and emotionally Shearer was wearing.

"I was a fourth of a mile away from camp and I felt like I could not continue walking. But there was a crowd of people yelling encouragement," Shearer remembers. "No one was around me, and I realized these people were cheering for just for me. I started to think about how hard cancer patients have to fight for life, and all I have to do is walk-just walk. That's when it was really driven home. Every mile makes a difference."

When Shearer arrived at camp that night her body was spent. She went directly to the first aid tent where her feet were taped to relieve pressure. One day remained. She would have to walk 22 miles by 3 p.m., which would make it the longest, and most physically trying day.

DAY THREE, October 29, 2000
Day three began with rain–again. As Shearer embarked on Route 1, a piercing wind blew rain into her face. Two hours into the day's walk, the rain let up, allowing Shearer to dry a little and move swiftly along the coast. In her attempt to make it on time to her destination, Malibu, she barely stopped for lunch.

At mile 58, Shearer was wet, cold, and exhausted. The crowds continued to spur her on despite her blistered feet, which were intensified by wet shoes and socks. She looked to the side side of the road and spotted a small group of people saying, "Thank you for walking." Among the group was a woman holding a sign that read, "I've just been diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time." Shearer met eyes with the woman, who mouthed "Thank you." "Your welcome," Shearer mouthed in return.

Shearer completed the last two miles overwhelmed with emotion pondering that sacred moment shared with a stranger. No words were vocalized or names exchanged, and yet the connection transformed Shearer's meaning and motivation of the 3 Day Walk.

"It took me 60 miles for the actual walk not be important anymore," she reflects. "I will never know that woman with the sign outside of that moment, but I know that she is the one who I did this for."

Interested in walking or supporting the Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day? Visit this link to find all 3 Day walk locations (there are several all over the United States).

<< Previous Page

For comments or story suggestions,
email Today at APU.