A couple of months ago, a Susan G. Komen 3-Day® participant sent us the following piece, written by a friend of hers, Larry R., and we really loved the message it expresses. Larry has participated as a walker or crew member in over two dozen Komen 3-Day events, so he’s familiar with all the possible “what if” questions that one might ask before their first 3-Day®. We think he did a great job getting to the heart of why we walk and crew, and as we get ready to embark upon the first 3-Day event of the 2014 season, we think his advice will go a long way in turning those “what ifs” into “why nots.”

What If…?

For those about to walk for the first time, I thought this might help address those nagging questions:

I am so nervous! – Ok, you’re nervous. So what?
What if I can’t walk all the way? – Who cares? No one is keeping track but you.
What if I get a blister? – What if you do?
What if I don’t know anyone? – You’ll meet hundreds of nice people.
What if I packed too much? – You did.
What if I didn’t pack something? – You’ll live.
What if it rains? – You’ll get wet; you won’t drown.
What if there’s lightning? – You’ll be moved to a safe indoor location.
What if it’s cold? – You won’t freeze to death.
What if it is hot? – You’ll sweat.
What if I don’t like the food? – You’ll pass 472 convenience stores; you’ll manage.
What if I don’t like the porta-potties? – No one “likes” porta-potties. You’ll survive.
What if I don’t like the showers? – Ok, don’t shower. But check with your tent mate first.
What if I can’t sleep in a tent? – You’ll be tired; you’ll sleep.

What if…?

Enough already with the “What if’s?” You’ll do fine. Relax and enjoy the experience. Because of the money you’ve raised, money is going to go towards early detection programs. In a few months, a woman or a man is going to take advantage of one of those programs and is going to find out that they have breast cancer. But because of you, they will have found out early enough to get treatment—and to survive.

They’re going to watch their kids grow up, and be at their concerts and games. They’re going to go to their graduations and weddings. They’re going to get to see their grandchildren. All because of you. While they’ll never know it, you will know it. Any more questions? No?

Thanks, Larry!