When I was six years old, my grandmother, who I call “Gran,” got some terrifying news that no one ever wants to hear – she had breast cancer.
My family was frightened, but we rallied around her while she endured harsh treatments and fought the disease. I do not remember many details, but I do recall Gran telling me that she was going to lose her hair and be very tired. She wore her bald head with pride alongside my dad who shaved his own head so she did not feel alone.
Although she must have been exhausted, she always held her head high with a smile on her face.
As a 13-year survivor, her smile still shines as bright as ever, especially each year at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event where she is surrounded by friends, family, and fellow walkers.
Starting in 2003, Gran created her own team for the walk, calling it JFJJ (which is an acronym for Jogging for Judy’s Jugs). The team grew year after year, forming close bonds between team members. In 2013, Gran announced that it would be her final year as team captain. That year, Team JFJJ raised over $16,000, earning us the title of a Concord Pacesetter Team. All of us are extremely proud of our efforts and grateful for support of our donors.
September 2014 rolled around and Gran expressed to me how much she already missed leading Team JFJJ. She had joined another team and was busy raising money for them, so I knew hoping that she would come out of retirement was unrealistic. I was upset that there would not be a Team JFJJ in the 2014 walk, so I decided to resurrect the team.
With the help of many friends, family and Concord Strides volunteers, I was able to do so effectively, raising $4,132 in about a month. All of this was done while I was at college and without Gran knowing.
On walk day, as Gran was making her way through the crowd to her new team, she looked up and saw members of Team JFJJ standing in front of her.
Tears immediately rolled down her face as I handed her a shirt with “JFJJ” on the back and “Team Captain” down the sleeve.
It is with great pride that I call myself co-captain of Team JFJJ alongside my Gran again this year. This experience started with a daunting challenge, transformed into an opportunity to make a difference, and now it is an unforgettable rally for a cure.
October 15, 2015
A wonderfully written story of perseverance, hope, and joy!