Yes, it's been a while since I've updated you on my journey....but I thought it would be more interesting if I had lots to share......which is indeed the case! So.....where to start........oh, yes, the Autism Walk!!!! First let me say that I pleased to announce I once again reached my goal by raising $154 for Autism Speaks. I want to thank everyone for donating to this cause, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate your support. By reaching my goal I was given a commemorative t-shirt from the event. The walk itself was an amazing experience, from the time that I arrived to the time that I crossed the finish line.
To start off there were thousands upon thousands of participants who attended; some as families, as teams, as individuals or as volunteers. There was live entertainment, food, festivities, and information for participants to explore, and engage in. The event took place at Suffolk Downs in East Boston, which I'm sure many of you have heard; it's a horse-race track.....which is absolutely incredible. Prior to the beginning of the walk, I was able to visit several booths and learn about autism, and some ongoing research. There were several booths set up to sell different accessories in support of autism, but one of them had some amazing pieces of jewelery. If you are interested in viewing some of the pieces here's the website: http://thepuzzlingpiece.com/ and I the individual running the booth said all proceeds donate Autism Awareness. There were activities for the kids to participate in, many that were specifically geared toward the children with Autism. There was a booth set up in which you could take a piece of ribbon and write the name of the individual you were walking for, and then tie it along a rope, that once filled up would be placed along the course! Me being one of the first arrivals to the event (because I decided to leave exceptionally early, worried I wouldn't find where I was going) I had plenty of space to post my ribbon in honor of my little cousin Eric. I then proceeded towards the starting area outside where there was music, local radio and tv personalities, and heard the national anthem sung by American Idol Contestant Katie Stevens. The walk then kicked off, led my Geoffery the Giraffe (Toys R' Us' mascot), and I followed the crowd around the track. I decided not to run this event since it was a shorter walk, and I wanted to really enjoy the atmosphere......and furthermore I don't think it would have been appropriate to pass the giraffe leading the walk. However, due to the abundance of participants, I was able to complete the walk towards the front of the pack, finishing before some people had even started along the course. Following the walk there were food, and more entertainment. Below are some pictures I was able to take throughout the event....hope you enjoy!
The day was beautiful and it was great to be surrounded by so many people all walking for the same cause.
Alright, as I had told you in my previous post I have started volunteering at Cor Unum Meal center, which I have committed to once a week......this past week however I ran into a speed bump on the day I was going to volunteer. Recently I have been really interested in donating blood at the American Red Cross seeing, as I drive past it every day on my way to work. Over the past couple years I have overcome my fear of needles (and sitting on my mom's lap crying before getting a short), and figured this was pretty harmless, and an easy way to help of the community. I decided that since I had a free morning/afternoon prior to volunteering that I would stop by and see what I could do! Started out harmless, answering a few questions, getting my blood pressure, and temperature taken, reading through a few papers, a finger prick to check my iron levels, and then I was all set.....they had me get comfortable on a table, and lay still as the donation would take about 10 minutes! It was going very well, painless, and I was watching Dr. Phil.......that was until I had about 1 minute left.......I became very dizzy, blurred vision, light headed, and sweaty......they put my head back, and legs up, so I wouldn't pass out! I had read over all the papers, and the very RARE side effects, not really paying close attention. I remember stories from friends who had told me about feeling dizzy or light headed after they donated. but I also thought they were exaggerating, or that, that wouldn't happen to me......but, I was wrong! It came on very sudden, and was overwhelming, but fortunately, I didn't pass out, and I was left with a story that I will remember for a while. The workers were very helpful and caring......making sure I stayed a while, and had something to eat before I drove off. I left feeling a little better.....but when I got home I crashed on the couch for 2 hours. My body was pretty weak and tired for the rest of the day, and in the interest of not having any fainting episodes I decided it would be in my best interest not to be standing for 3 hours or driving.....thus, I was not able to volunteer. I will however be returning to the meal center next week, and look forward to updating you on how that goes.
Lastly, I completed yet another walk today; the Fall Festival for Life Cancer Walk.....a 3-mile walk around Lowell. I am very happy to inform you that I met my goal by raising $56 to support individuals living with cancer.I appreciate everyone's donation's and support for wonderful cause that affects so many lives. I arrived at the walk, yet again one of the first people to arrive so I had plenty of time to walk around, enter into some raffles, visit some booths, and listen to the entertainment provided by the UMass Lowell Marching Band. Although there were not as many participants as I had seen at the Walk for Autism, it was still a great turn-out. They had a warm-up led by a jazzercise group, accompanied by the UMass Lowell mascot and men's basketball team. Furthermore, there was a table set-up for people to write the names of people they were walking for or in memory of; you wrote the name on a paper leaf and posted it on the paper tree along the side of the cancer center. I was able to make leaves in memory of my Opa and my Aunt Debbie. The walk was led out by the Marching Band, and due to the narrow path I was unable to run......so instead I was able to enjoy the scenery around, as well as see some of the places throughout Lowell I have yet to explore. As I made my way to the finish line there were people cheering, and live bands providing entertainment. There was also food provided for all the walkers, and many games/activities for kids to participate in, including a candy booth, and a clown balloon maker. I was able to capture more pictures of the day, and hope you enjoy!
Well.....that's all for now, and I hope you enjoy! As always I love your feedback!
Love Always,
Bec
I saw people walking around Lowell with yellow T-shirts on when I was driving through downtown.
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