Update On Joanne

Hi Joanne and Mike,
I have been keeping tabs on you through the blog and you simply amaze me. It is for this reason why Joanne I want you to be the first to know that I will be walking in every city next year for the walk (don't tell my friends because they will all think they were the first to hear it!!) I had been thinking about this for some time and I contacted the national office back in May about it. With the summer being busy for everyone we just connected last week. They answered all my questions and after I hung up I thought to myself ... you just wasted their time because in my heart I knew I was already going to do this.

I just wanted to share with you what I told them back in May and my reasons for doing this (the shortened version).

First, Canada. After I did the first walk, I was absolutely blown away by how beautiful Toronto is and how fortunate we are to live here. I never would of seen some parts of this city if it was not for the walk. What could be a better way to see the best cities in Canada but for the walk.

Second, my mom. It has been twenty years since I lost her and I just felt that I could not let this pass by without acknowledging it.

Third, to try and stay in shape. I know that we only met for a short period of time but if you know any other "Woodyatt's" (my last name) the "Battle of the Bulge" was not just a moment in history ... it is our family history!!

The part that I did not write to the national office about, back in May ... was you. I read in one of the earlier "blogs" that you do not like to be called a "hero or inspirational" well kiddo ... too bad ... it is a label you are stuck with!! And from what I have read it is a label that fits well on you. From the stories I have been reading you remind me very much of my Mom ... you make sure everyone else is taken care of before yourself. She would make enough food "to feed an army" I bet you are no different. Your home is the neighbourhood home ... your kids friends are always welcomed. Mine too. In every city there is a "Joanne and Mike's home" and no home should be going through what you are. That is one more reason why I am doing this next year and actually it is the most important one ...

So Joanne there it is. As a Mom, wife and teacher you are truly loved by all. How you inspire us is by ... the love you create, the humour you have and the strength you show ... that makes you a hero to all of us. There I said it again!

Look out Canada here I come and if you don't like it ... blame Joanne

Stay strong, and with warm wishes to all of you,
M.J.

[Note - I wish to apologize to M.J. I received this Sept. 6 and mis-filed it. - Some of you may remember M.J.. She was one of the women in the documentary. If memory serves she is the hockey playing young woman who is a breast cancer survivor. She had one breast removed and later, on reflection of her risk factors, had the second removed as a precautionary measure. She stated that "with THEM out of the way ... it has improved my golf swing."]