The CURE walk

Many, many thanks to our friends and family that generously donated toward the fundraising walk we participated in today for the CURE (Cure Kids Cancer) organization. We were able to raise $215 for an organization that is invaluable to families watching their beloved children struggle and fight to beat cancer. We get their monthly e-newsletter that is full of helpful information, announcements, support, and sadly, too often, mention of some of the kids who lost their fight. Brings tears to my eyes every time. So, again, thank you for helping out, it means so much to us! And a big shout out to Amy, Dan and Ariana who also registered and joined us for the walk -- their continued support has meant much.

The walk took place along the Genesee River in Rochester and began at a dock located at the river's end where it flows into Lake Ontario. We had never been there before and were really pleased to discover such a neat place! Lots of boats to look at and a wonderful walking path along the river and, for quite a section, a boardwalk over a marshy part of it. We look forward to going back to explore more!

The weather didn't cooperate as much as we hoped but it could certainly have been much worse. There was a light rain during most of the walk with a short heavy burst right before we finished. We had packed extra clothes since we knew it was supposed to be wet so it all worked out.

We were proud and delighted when Sawyer was asked by the organizers to "kick off" the walk - they gave him a megaphone and asked to, at minimum, say something like "let's begin the walk" but being the gracious person he is, he said he had been through some trials in the last year and was grateful for the CURE and their support for him and others. Unfortunately not very many people really heard him since it was pretty noisy and the megaphone didn't carry far. But it was very touching for those of us who could hear.

Afterward, we had a yummy lunch at the Olive Garden in Victor and wandered through the Victor mall for a little while after (short by my standards, but much too long for Mark and Sawyer -- imagine the torture of having to spend 1.5 hours in a mall.... but they handled it with grace and even managed to buy a couple of things). To top it off, we went from there to our favorite store (Eastern Mountain Sports) and picked up a few great items on sale.

Our next event with CURE will be volunteering to help out with a fundraising brunch/silent auction they're having in Rochester in late November. Should be fun, and certainly worth our time.