Your best memory of WEWC 2010 - The Toronto Weekend to End Women's Cancers

Wellak · Member

Your best memory of WEWC 2010

Naamphong · Senior Member

Seeing Chad at the Princess Margaret when I arrived, topped by a hug and a picture!

JulieK · Senior Member

hmmm, so many things.

I really enjoyed the change in route.

I spoke with Chad at lunch on day 1, very touching.

My team did so well, and supported each other throughout.

-- Edited by JulieK on Tuesday 14th of September 2010 05:50:38 PM

CarolynCL · Veteran Member

So many great memories, but the standout for me was the final approach to the Princess Gates on Day 2.

As we turned that final corner onto Strachan, the entire Caboose Team was cycling alongside the final walkers. They were so very tired, and one girl was clearly in a lot of pain... you could see it in her face. But they were so determined. None of them wanted to be picked up and driven to the closing ceremonies... even if that meant missing it or being late. They were so very determined to complete the walk under their own steam.

We came down the street and approached that final intersection before the bridge. The entire Moto squad was waiting there (they don't come off of the route on either day until the last walker is off the route). As we made our slow way past them, they fell in behind us.

Once we were over the hill, you could see the gates and the people that were still left there to greet the final walkers (not too many, as most were assembled in their positions inside the outdoor amphitheatre waiting for the Closing Ceremonies to begin... these were delayed just long enough for the final walkers to arrive).

I truthfully felt like I was escorting such a heroic group of victorious walkers... for me, the final walkers represented everyone who participated in the walk... I imagine it was like those who drove the support vehicles that followed Terry Fox on his epic run across Canada years ago... I felt so priviledged to be chosen to be providing this special support service to the walkers.

As the walkers passed in through the gates, the moto squad started to rev their engines. It was so noisy... but so fun... and they were right behind me on my little bitty yellow bicycle... wow!!!

I will never forget that experience as long as I live... thank you Walkers... you are true heros and heroines in my eyes biggrin

Carolyn

Didds · Veteran Member

Carolyn, what a great memory :) It was even great just to read about it!

The finish line, definitely my best memory. I said to my walking buddy "are you ready?" and she grabbed my arm and we headed in under the princes' gates. Everyone cheering us on totally made me forget my feet hurt.

The 2 walkers just ahead of us were carrying a HUGE banner that spanned across the whole finishing walk part and that was cutting off my entire view (note to others: don't carry giant banners at the finish line, it ruins it for everyone behind you!). I decided I had enough and seeing no other way around ran up and ducked under their banner. Everyone started cheering even louder. I just wanted to see!

I still can't believe I was able to run.

It was fun, and funny, and I was SO HAPPY to complete another 60k.

devmegsmum · Veteran Member

I too have many wonderful memories, meeting Chad among them. But the thing that sits with the me the most is the little girl with the basket of "wishes". She just came up to you and said "pick one". I opened mine and it said "Dream" - I was so touched! I still have the paper and I will put it in my waist pack for next year.

Ashley Costa · Senior Member

Carolyn - Thank you for sharing that story with us.
It literally brought tears to my eyes.

I love hearing the determination walkers have for crossing that finish line.

I love seeing communities supporting us (even though I don't think as many communities came out this year- or possibly I missed them walking ahead).

I really enjoyed the new route (it became a distraction for me - looking at new things and not knowing where I was going).

I enjoyed seeing men, women, and children walking for the same cause. With the same motivation; with the same determination - to change the "c" word to CURE.

I loved the yoga class at camp

I loved the wine at camp :P

I loved how so many people got involved in the fashion show - including a lot of men (especially the Crew members servicing the gear -you guys were awesome).

I just cannot believe The Weekend has come and gone. It feels like I didn't walk 60 kms (besides the ache in my knee and blisters on my feet), but really, even after Day 1 I thought the time passed so quickly (and I think this was in part of the new route).

I love how if I was sitting down along the route, people would ask me if I was okay. I love how everyone looks out for one another, and cares for everyone's well being and encourages one another to cross that finish line.

(I do not like when people say "You're almost there!" when we have 20 kms to go.
I also do not like being told we have 1 km to camp when we actually had 2-3 kms. LOL)

Thank you all for another great year!

Naamphong · Senior Member

I agree with your post Ashley.

I too did not think the community was supporting us like they did last year.

I too found the route more distracting and not so many long stretches until the last it was NOT 2km's it more like 5. I also was frustrated and downright depressed with the last part of Day 1, it was long, unstable ground and NO support. I was struggling and wanted to sweep (well didn't really, but might have if someone had been near) but did not have an opportunity to sweep.

I agree with the comarderie of all the walkers, if you slow up or just sit for a bit to rest folks ask if you are alright and ensure your well being. It is such a nice change from the world at large.

I too agree if we are 2km's out, say 2 not 8 out and say 2, mentally it takes its toll on us as we are gearing ourselves up for 2 and our brain starts to figure 'hey, this is 2 now and I am not there yet!'

But all in all it was a great route and a great walk for reasons personal to us all.
I am not walking next year, but am having difficulty walking away from the walk completely...what to do...think I will start a thread on options...
trish

BAM · Newbie

One of the great things about being on TEAM CABOOSE is that we are with the walkers all day long, my wife (SSM) and I have been with the lead walkers the last two years and once we reach camp/closing we head back up the route to assist sweeps/moto & the walkers and as we travel back against the flow we get tons of waves and cheers and thank you's, because we had our Pink Ribbon Antlers on our helmets the walkers would even wave and cheer if we were on the opposite side of the busy roads.

The other great memory I have is the friendships that delevelop between the crew, I have crewed for 4 years now and 3 of those have been on Caboose and with caboose I'm constantly on the radio with Moto and road crews and you get to know the people, in many cases they will stop us as we are travelling back to see how we are and if we need anything or where there services might be needed.

I look forward to being part of the best crew for many more years to come.

Keep an eye out for the Pink Ribbon Antlers next year!

wjmedwid · Member

Caboose Team Rocks!!!!
Pink Ribbon Antlers and close to the end.
I know the only reason I come back is to talk to those walkers who really need it at the end of both days. I'm sorry if I offended anyone, I want to make sure that everyone crosses that finish line healthy, so if I talked you into getting into a sweep, please know that is one of the hardest thing I do on the entire weekend. I know what it is like not to finish something. I know what it is like to hurt. I know, I've been there. So when you see me next year, getting you out of coffee shops, or making you drink espresso to get moving, or chatting about how it hurts to put one foot in front of the other, cause you just walked 27km and only took 1 advil!, I will ride my bike beside you and talk , and talk and talk - and you will be healthy and know that I pushed you all that I could. My greatest joy, is seeing you at the finish line - both days.

(and I thought we had to wear the antlers till next year?)